Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

Creamy macaroni and cheese nestled between golden, buttery toasted sourdough bread for the ultimate comfort food sandwich.

# 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 Assembly

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

# 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. Add the drained macaroni, 0.5 cup whole milk, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange all 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 of macaroni and cheese. Top with optional cheddar or American cheese slice if desired. Cover each with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face 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 achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese melts throughout.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to a serving plate and allow to rest 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms leftover mac and cheese into something that feels brand new and exciting.
  • The contrast between the crispy, buttery bread and the soft, creamy filling is impossible to resist.
  • You can make it as simple or as fancy as you want depending on what's in your fridge.
  • It cooks fast enough to satisfy a sudden craving without much planning.
02 -
  • If your mac and cheese is too loose, it will spill out everywhere, so let it cool and thicken before you build the sandwiches.
  • Medium heat is your friend here because too high will burn the bread before the inside gets warm and melty.
  • Don't skip buttering the bread all the way to the edges or you'll end up with pale, sad corners that aren't nearly as delicious.
03 -
  • Use day old bread if you have it, as it holds up better and gets crispier without turning soggy.
  • Press down gently but firmly with your spatula while cooking to help the cheese bind everything together into one cohesive bite.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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