Mac and Cheese Grilled Sandwich (Print Version)

Creamy mac and cheese meets toasted bread and melty cheddar for a savory comfort food twist.

# Components:

→ For the Macaroni and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For the Sandwiches

08 - 8 slices sourdough or white sandwich bread
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese

# Method:

01 - Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, following package directions. Drain thoroughly.
02 - Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
03 - Stir the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper into the simmering milk. Continue stirring until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat.
04 - Lay out 8 slices of bread. Evenly spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
05 - Place 4 bread slices, buttered side down, onto a clean work surface. Top each with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
06 - Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the prepared macaroni and cheese mixture over the cheddar cheese on each sandwich base.
07 - Top each filled slice with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces upwards.
08 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
09 - Slice the grilled sandwiches and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses budget-friendly ingredients found in most kitchens
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • No fancy tools needed just a saucepan and a skillet
  • Crowd-pleaser for all ages and works great for lunch or dinner
02 -
  • High in protein and calcium from all the dairy and cheese
  • Great for using up leftover mac and cheese
  • Works as a make-ahead lunch or casual dinner
03 -
  • Always start with a preheated skillet so the buttered bread gets maximum crunch
  • If possible shred your own cheese for better melt and rich flavor
  • Let sandwiches rest a minute after grilling to keep the cheese from oozing out everywhere

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