Go Back
mac and cheese grilled cheese sandwich recipe

Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

When I whip up a mac and cheese grilled cheese sandwich, I always consider the perfect pairings to enhance this cheesy delight. First on the list are pickles; their sour crunch beautifully balances the creaminess of the sandwich. 
Tomato soup is a classic choice—dipping your sandwich in warm, comforting soup is a soul-warming experience. For a fresh touch, a side salad adds a nutritious element and a delicious crunch that complements the richness of the sandwich. 
To elevate the meal even further, consider pairing it with a craft beer; an amber ale or light lager works wonderfully to complement the dish’s richness. With these pairings, you can truly elevate your mac and cheese grilled cheese experience. Now, let’s dive into the recipe that makes this dish so unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1437
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups of creamy macaroni and cheese
  • 4 slices of hearty sourdough or any robust artisan bread
  • 8 slices of American cheese or sharp cheddar
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese
  1. Start by preparing or reheating your macaroni and cheese. If you’re making it from scratch, a simple recipe involves boiling elbow macaroni, then mixing it with butter, milk, and cheese until creamy. If you’re using leftovers, simply heat it up.
Step 2: Get the Bread Ready
  1. While your mac and cheese is warming, take your slices of sourdough bread. Lay them out, and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice. It adds a subtle kick that elevates the flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. On the side without mustard, layer a slice of American cheese. Then add about ¾ cup of macaroni and cheese on top. Add another slice of cheese to hold everything together. Complete the sandwich with another slice of bread, mustard side down.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it's bubbling, place the sandwich in the pan. Grill until the bread is golden brown—roughly 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Flip & Cook the Other Side
  1. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then carefully flip the sandwich. Cook the other side until it’s golden and the cheese has melted—another 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
  1. Once both sides are perfectly toasted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Allow it to cool for a minute before slicing it in half. The cheese should ooze out ever so slightly—heavenly!

Notes

  • Choose Your Cheese: Feel free to use different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for an interesting twist.
  • Add Ins: Consider mixing in sautéed vegetables or crispy bacon into your mac and cheese for added flavor.
  • Don’t Rush It: Cooking on medium heat prevents the bread from burning while allowing the cheese to melt.
  • Cut Size Matters: Slice the sandwich in half, ensuring you reveal that gooey center.
  • Clean Quickly: Cheese can be messy. Clean your skillet immediately after cooking for easy cleanup.