Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Print)

Golden grilled cheese stuffed with creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort sandwich experience.

# Components:

→ Macaroni and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sandwich

08 - 8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread
09 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese
11 - 4 slices cheddar or American cheese, optional

# Directions:

01 - Bring 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to achieve desired thickness.
03 - Lay out all 8 bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, distribute approximately 1/4 cup macaroni and cheese mixture. Top with one slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward.
04 - Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan, working in batches if necessary. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula, until bread is golden and crispy and cheese is fully melted.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Double the Comfort: It combines the creamy texture of macaroni and cheese with the satisfying crunch of a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, and sourdough bread.
  • Quick Preparation: You can have this hearty, vegetarian meal ready to serve in just 35 minutes.
  • Gourmet Twist: It transforms leftover macaroni or a basic sandwich into a high-end comfort food experience.
02 -
  • Low and Slow: Cook the sandwiches over medium heat to ensure the bread becomes perfectly crisp without burning before the inner cheese has a chance to melt.
  • Gentle Pressure: Use a spatula to press down gently on the sandwiches while they cook; this helps the macaroni and extra cheese slices fuse with the bread.
  • Don't Overfill: Using about 1/4 cup of macaroni per sandwich ensures it stays contained and doesn't spill out too much in the pan.
Back