Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Print Version)

Creamy macaroni and cheese tucked between golden buttery toast. A decadent comfort food twist that's easy to make and absolutely satisfying.

# What You Need:

→ 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 water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in drained macaroni, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Mix continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to thicken.
03 - Arrange 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. Top with optional cheddar or American cheese slice. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
04 - 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, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese melts completely.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns two childhood favorites into one gloriously indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • The contrast between the crunchy, golden crust and the soft, creamy filling is absolutely addictive.
  • You can use leftover mac and cheese, making it a genius way to breathe new life into yesterday's dinner.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for when you want comfort food without the wait.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling—if it's too hot, it will melt the butter on the bread and make flipping a slippery mess.
  • Don't skip draining the macaroni well, because even a little extra water will turn your creamy sauce into a soupy disaster.
  • Use medium heat on the skillet, patience is key to getting that perfect golden crust without burning.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded, it melts smoother and tastes infinitely better.
  • Press the sandwiches gently with the spatula while cooking to help the filling compact and the bread crisp evenly.
  • If your mac and cheese is too thick to spread easily, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up before assembling.
Go Back