What Makes Mac and cheese grilled cheese So Special
There’s something magical about the golden, crispy crunch of bread giving way to a river of warm, creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, a nostalgic hug in sandwich form that answers the question, “What can I add to my mac and cheese grilled cheese?” with a resounding “More joy!”
I first made this for my son after a long school day, and his wide-eyed wonder told me everything. It’s a humble dish that feels like a celebration. For a truly creamy mac grilled cheese, the secret is in the chill—using cold macaroni helps everything hold together beautifully. It’s a little trick I learned from my grandmother, whose kitchen was always full of such simple, heartfelt wisdom.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Mac and cheese grilled cheese
- 8 slices thick white bread or sourdough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese, chilled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Estimated Prep & Cook Time
This is one of those wonderfully easy grilled mac recipes that comes together in a flash. Perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
- Total time: 18 minutes
It’s about the same time it takes to whip up a batch of my favorite English Muffin Pizzas—quick, satisfying, and always a hit.
How to Make the Best Mac Grilled Cheese
1. Butter the Bread
Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This is the first step to achieving that perfect, golden crust.
2. Assemble the Base
Place 4 bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface. This creates your foundation.
3. Add the Macaroni
Spoon 1/2 cup of the chilled macaroni and cheese onto each of the 4 bread slices. Using chilled mac is the secret to a non-soggy sandwich!
4. More Cheese, Please!
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the macaroni on each sandwich. This extra layer ensures every bite is gloriously cheesy.
5. Top It Off
Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up. You’re now ready for the griddle!
6. Heat the Skillet
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Patience here is key—you want a steady, gentle heat to melt the inside without burning the outside.
7. Cook the Sandwiches
Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot skillet. Listen for that gentle sizzle—it’s the sound of comfort on its way.
8. Achieve Golden Perfection
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. Press down lightly with your spatula for even browning.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
This mac and cheese sandwich is a beautiful canvas for your creativity. Here’s how I love to make it my own.
- Flavor Swap: Add a few slices of crispy bacon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a grown-up twist.
- Diet Tweak: For a gluten-free version, use your favorite GF bread and ensure your macaroni is gluten-free. It works beautifully!
- Prep Fix: Make a big batch of homemade macaroni the day before so it’s perfectly chilled and ready to go.
- Storage Tip: These are best enjoyed immediately, but you can keep leftovers in an airtight container—though I doubt you’ll have any! For more make-ahead ideas, check out my chocolate chip muffin recipe.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Now, let’s be honest, darlings. This is a treat, a dish to be savored with joy, not guilt. It’s a source of comfort and carbohydrates, and sometimes that’s exactly what the soul needs. I always believe in balance—enjoying these cherished comforts alongside plenty of fresh vegetables.
This homemade mac grilled cheese provides energy and a good dose of calcium from all that lovely cheese. For those watching their intake, the next section is for you. It’s a question I get often: “Can I make it healthier?” Absolutely!
A Lighter Version of Mac and cheese grilled cheese
You can absolutely enjoy this comfort classic in a lighter way! For a healthier twist, use whole-wheat or sourdough bread for extra fiber. Swap the butter for a light brushing of olive oil or avocado oil spray on the outside of the bread.
For the filling, try using a lighter macaroni and cheese recipe made with low-fat milk and a blend of reduced-fat sharp cheddar for maximum flavor without all the fat. You can even add pureed cauliflower to the cheese sauce for a veggie boost! For another deliciously healthier option, my chocolate protein muffins are always a hit.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Cooking for loved ones with different dietary needs is an act of love. Here’s how you can adapt this recipe for everyone at your table.
Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure your macaroni and cheese is made with gluten-free pasta. It works a charm!
Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use plant-based butter, your favorite vegan cheese shreds, and a vegan mac and cheese recipe. Nutritional yeast in the mac adds a lovely cheesy flavor.
Lower Carb: While it’s tricky, you can use low-carb bread and a cauliflower-based “mac” and cheese for a version that’s easier on glycemic control.
How to Serve Mac and cheese grilled cheese
I love serving these sandwiches cut diagonally (everything tastes better that way!) with a simple, crisp salad or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. It reminds me of rainy afternoons when my children were small, gathered around the table with steaming plates.
It’s the perfect hearty lunch or a simple, satisfying dinner. For a fun side, why not try some cottage cheese muffins? They pair wonderfully.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes have their pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your mac and cheese grilled cheese turns out perfectly every single time.
- Heat Too High: This is the biggest mistake! Medium-low heat is essential to melt the interior cheese without burning the bread.
- Warm Macaroni: Using warm mac and cheese will make your bread soggy. Always chill it first for the best results.
- Overfilling: It’s tempting, but too much filling will cause it to spill out. Stick to 1/2 cup per sandwich.
- Not Enough Butter: That golden, crispy crust relies on a good, even layer of butter on the bread.
Remember, cooking is about practice and joy. Don’t worry if your first one isn’t perfect—it will still be delicious!
How to Store Mac and cheese grilled cheese
These sandwiches are truly best served straight from the pan, hot and gooey. If you do have a rare leftover, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat it in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispness. The microwave will make it soft. For more great storage tips, check out my guide on storing English muffins.
Try This Mac and cheese grilled cheese Yourself
I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen table as it has to mine. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a memory maker, a simple pleasure that feels like a celebration.
If you loved this comfort food twist, you might also enjoy my vegan chocolate muffins, gluten-free chocolate muffins, or the decadent double chocolate muffins. There’s always room for a little more joy, isn’t there?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a grilled cheese with mac and cheese inside?
It’s wonderfully simple! You butter bread, spoon on chilled mac and cheese, add extra shredded cheddar, and grill it low and slow until golden. It creates the most incredible mac and cheese sandwich you’ll ever taste.
What kind of bread is best for mac and cheese grilled cheese?
A sturdy bread is key! Thick-sliced white bread or a hearty sourdough holds up best to the creamy filling without getting soggy, making for the best mac grilled cheese experience.
Can you use boxed macaroni and cheese for a grilled sandwich?
Absolutely, you can! Just prepare it according to the box directions and—this is crucial—chill it completely before using. It makes for a perfectly delicious and easy grilled mac shortcut.
Is a mac and cheese grilled cheese actually good?
Oh, my dear, it’s more than good—it’s sublime! It combines two beloved classics into one ultimate comfort food. It’s a must-try for any mac and cheese lover. Trust me on this one!
How do you keep a mac and cheese sandwich from getting soggy?
The number one trick is to use thoroughly chilled macaroni and cheese. The cold filling firms up, preventing it from immediately soaking into the bread when you assemble the sandwich.
What cheese goes well with mac and cheese in a sandwich?
Sharp cheddar is my go-to for its bold flavor that stands up to the macaroni. For a gourmet twist, try Gruyère, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of gouda. It makes for a truly creamy mac grilled cheese.
Is it better to use cold or warm macaroni for grilled cheese?
Always, always use cold macaroni! Warm mac will make the bread soggy before it even hits the pan. Chilling it is the secret to a perfect, non-soggy homemade mac grilled cheese.
How do you make a gourmet mac and cheese grilled cheese?
Elevate it with artisanal bread, a from-scratch mac and cheese with gourmet cheeses, and add-ins like truffle oil, caramelized onions, or crispy pancetta. It transforms it from a simple sandwich into a special occasion meal!
