Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable Version)

Golden-toasted bread stuffed with creamy macaroni and cheese. A decadent comfort food sandwich that's easy to make and absolutely irresistible.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese
11 - 4 slices cheddar or American cheese, optional

# Directions:

01 - Bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in drained macaroni, 0.5 cup whole milk, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted and sauce achieves a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange 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 0.25 cup macaroni and cheese mixture. Top with optional cheddar or American cheese slice, then cover with remaining bread slices with 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, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese melts completely.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms leftovers into something people will ask you to make again on purpose.
  • The contrast between crunchy, golden bread and creamy, cheesy pasta is ridiculously satisfying.
  • You can have it on the table in under 40 minutes, even if youre starting from scratch.
  • Kids and adults alike will devour this without complaint.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling or it will be too runny and leak everywhere in the pan.
  • Dont crank the heat too high or the bread will burn before the inside gets properly melty.
  • Press gently with the spatula while cooking to help everything fuse together without squashing the sandwich flat.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it gives the bread an even, beautiful golden crust.
  • Shred your own cheese from a block, it melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.
  • If youre making multiple sandwiches, keep finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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