Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

Creamy macaroni and cheese between golden, buttery bread slices. Comfort food elevated with a simple 35-minute preparation.

# What You'll Need:

→ Macaroni and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 0.5 cup whole milk
07 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sandwich

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring 2 cups 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 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, 0.5 cup milk, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly until thickened.
03 - Lay out 8 bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
04 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, distribute approximately 0.25 cup macaroni and cheese per slice. Top each with one slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover with remaining bread slices, positioning buttered sides outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan, working in batches if necessary. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve while hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It turns two beloved comfort foods into one ridiculously satisfying sandwich that hits every craving at once.
  • You can make it with fresh mac and cheese or use up leftovers, so nothing goes to waste and dinner comes together fast.
  • The contrast between the crunchy, buttery bread and the soft, cheesy pasta inside is pure magic.
  • It's easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough that everyone will ask you to make it again.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling, or it will be too runny and slide right out of the sandwich when you flip it.
  • Don't skip the butter on the outside of the bread, it's what gives you that crispy, golden crust that makes this sandwich so addictive.
  • Use medium heat, not high, or the bread will burn before the cheese inside has a chance to melt.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently but firmly with the spatula while it cooks, this helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps everything together.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • Use a sturdy bread that won't fall apart under the weight of the mac and cheese, thin sandwich bread can get soggy.
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