Save to Pinterest A decadent twist on a classic, this sandwich features creamy macaroni and cheese nestled between golden, buttery slices of toasted bread—comfort food taken to the next level. This Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese combines the nostalgia of a childhood favorite with the elevated crunch of sourdough for a truly satisfying meal.
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Whether you are preparing a quick lunch for the family or looking for a cozy dinner to enjoy on a rainy day, this recipe provides the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. The addition of sharp cheddar ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
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- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble the sandwiches
- Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice. 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.
- 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.
- Finish and Serve
- Remove from the skillet, let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly after cooking so it thickens up before assembly. This prevents the filling from sliding out of the bread when you flip the sandwich in the skillet.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For added flavor, mix a tablespoon of chopped chives or crispy bacon into the macaroni and cheese before assembling. You can also try adding a thin slice of tomato or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a tangy kick.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this decadent sandwich with a side of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal. The acidity of the tomato soup perfectly balances the rich, buttery sourdough and creamy cheese filling.
Save to Pinterest Once you take your first bite of this gooey, golden-brown creation, you'll see why it's the ultimate upgrade to a classic grilled cheese. Enjoy it while it's hot for the best cheese pull experience!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover macaroni and cheese?
Absolutely. Leftover mac and cheese works perfectly for this sandwich. Simply spread it between buttered bread and griddle as directed. If it's very thick, let it warm slightly first for easier spreading.
- → What bread works best?
Sourdough, sandwich bread, brioche, or texas toast all work wonderfully. Choose sturdy bread that can handle the filling and grilling without falling apart. Thicker slices prevent sogginess.
- → How do I prevent the sandwich from falling apart?
Let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly after cooking so it firms up and holds together better. Don't overfill the sandwich, and press gently with a spatula while cooking to compress the filling and help seal the bread.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese alternatives. The cooking method remains the same. Experiment with brands to find your preferred melting and flavor profile.
- → What temperature should the skillet be?
Medium heat works best to allow the bread to brown evenly before the exterior burns. If the heat is too high, the bread chars before the cheese melts. If too low, it becomes soft without crispness.
- → How can I add extra flavor?
Mix crispy bacon, chopped chives, or fresh herbs into the cheese sauce. Add sliced tomato, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sandwich before cooking. A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the cheese flavor.
