Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with this decadent Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese. This recipe takes creamy, homemade macaroni and cheese and layers it between slices of golden, buttery toasted bread. It is a rich, satisfying twist on a classic childhood favorite that turns a simple sandwich into an indulgent meal.

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Preparing this sandwich is easy and rewarding. By making the macaroni and cheese from scratch with sharp cheddar, you ensure a bold flavor that stands up to the toasted sourdough. The secret to a perfect sandwich is pressing it gently in the skillet, allowing the heat to meld the pasta and extra cheese slices into a gooey, unified center.

Ingredients

• Macaroni and Cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Sandwich
• 8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread
• 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese (from above or leftover)
• 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni

Bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain well.

2. Make the cheese sauce

In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly so it thickens.

3. Assemble the sandwiches

Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice.

4. Layer the filling

On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, mound about 1/4 cup of macaroni and cheese. Top with a slice of cheddar or American cheese, if using. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.

5. Cook the sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted.

6. Slice and serve

Remove from the skillet, let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice and serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the sandwich holds together, let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before assembling; this allows the sauce to thicken and act as a glue. Cooking over medium heat is essential so the bread becomes perfectly crisp without burning before the cheese inside has fully melted.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For added flavor, mix a tablespoon of chopped chives or crispy bacon into the macaroni and cheese before assembling. If you want a bit of a tangy kick, try adding a thin slice of tomato or a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce inside the sandwich.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these sandwiches hot and fresh. For the ultimate comfort meal, pair them with a warm bowl of tomato soup. They also go great with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the cheddar and butter.

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Whether you are making this for a weekend lunch or a cozy dinner, the Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese is a showstopper. Enjoy the contrast of the crunchy, buttery crust and the warm, creamy center of this upgraded American classic.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I prepare the macaroni and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the macaroni and cheese up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble sandwiches, the cold mac and cheese actually works well for creating defined layers. Let it come to room temperature for easier spreading, or use it cold for a firmer texture that won't squish out as easily.

→ What bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough or sturdy sandwich bread are ideal choices as they can withstand the heat and moisture from the creamy filling without falling apart. Avoid delicate breads like brioche or thin white bread. For extra flavor, try thick-cut ciabatta or a seeded bread for added texture and taste complexity.

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from getting too greasy?

Don't oversaturate the bread with butter—a thin, even layer on the outside is sufficient. Cook over medium heat rather than high heat to allow the bread to toast gradually and evenly. Avoid pressing down too hard with the spatula, as this can squeeze out the filling and cause oil absorption.

→ Can I add proteins to make this more filling?

Absolutely. Crispy bacon, diced ham, or cooked sausage blend seamlessly into the macaroni and cheese mixture before assembly. You can also layer thin slices of deli turkey or roasted chicken between the bread and filling for additional protein without altering the cooking method.

→ What's the best way to achieve golden, crispy bread?

Use medium heat consistently—rushing with high heat burns the exterior before the cheese melts inside. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the skillet. A well-seasoned cast iron or nonstick skillet produces the most even browning and crispiness.

→ How do I keep the sandwich warm if cooking in batches?

Place finished sandwiches on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while cooking the remaining batches. This keeps them warm without overcooking or drying out the bread. Let each sandwich rest 1-2 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle and slice.