We’ve all been there: craving something warm, melty, and downright delicious.
Tonight, ditch the delivery menus and get ready to elevate your leftover mac and cheese into the ultimate comfort food fusion – the grilled mac and cheese sandwich!
This recipe is a dream come true for busy home cooks. It’s incredibly easy to follow, takes minutes to prepare, and lets you get creative with your favorite cheeses and add-ins.
So, fire up the pan, grab that leftover mac and cheese, and prepare to be amazed!
How To Make A Grilled Mac And Cheese Sandwich?
Take your love for mac and cheese to the next level with a melty, gooey grilled mac and cheese sandwich! This recipe is the ultimate comfort food fusion, using leftover mac and cheese or a quick stovetop batch to create a cheesy masterpiece.
A grilled mac and cheese sandwich is a delightful combination of two comfort foods. Here’s how to make a delicious one:
Ingredients
- Bread: You can use classic white bread, sourdough, or any bread you prefer. Texas toast also works well for a thicker sandwich. (6 slices)
- Mac and Cheese: Leftover mac and cheese is perfect, or you can make a quick batch on the stove. You’ll need about 3-4 cups of cooked mac and cheese.
- Cheese for the sandwich: Cheddar is a classic choice, but Gruyere, mozzarella, or a combination work well too. Choose what you like! (4-6 slices)
- Butter: for spreading on the bread (softened, about 1 tablespoon)
Optional Ingredients
- Diced cooked bacon or ham
- Chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley
- Hot sauce for a kick
Instructions you’ll follow
Step 1: Heat the mac and cheese
If you’re using leftover mac and cheese, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until just heated through.
Step 2: Prepare the bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
Step 3: Assemble the sandwich
Place two slices of bread butter-side down in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. On one slice, layer cheese, then mac and cheese, and top with more cheese. You can add any of your optional ingredients here, like bacon or herbs.
Step 4: Grill the sandwich
Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side facing up. Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 5: Serve
Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy immediately!
Tips
- To prevent the mac and cheese from spilling out, you can form it into a patty before placing it on the bread.
- If your mac and cheese is too loose, you can add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to help it hold its shape better.
- For an extra cheesy sandwich, you can sprinkle grated cheese on the outside of the bread before grilling.
- You can also grill the sandwich in a panini press for a more even pressing.
What’s the difference between a patty melt and a grilled cheese?
Deciding between a melty classic and a heartier option? This guide dives into the delicious differences between patty melts and grilled cheese sandwiches, helping you choose your next perfect bite.
The key difference between a patty melt and a grilled cheese comes down to what’s inside:
Patty Melt
This sandwich stars a thin ground beef patty, similar to a cheeseburger, but it’s nestled between slices of bread instead of a bun. It’s typically topped with melted cheese (often Swiss) and caramelized onions for a sweet and savory combo.
Grilled Cheese
This is a simpler sandwich with just melted cheese between two slices of bread. Traditionally, there aren’t any additional fillings besides cheese, though you might find variations with different cheeses or toasted with butter for extra flavor.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Patty Melt | Grilled Cheese |
| Main filling | Ground beef patty | Cheese |
| Other fillings (common) | Caramelized onions | None |
| Bread | Rye, sourdough, Texas toast (variations) | Any bread, but often white or wheat |
| Cheese | Swiss (traditional) | Many varieties (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.) |
So, a patty melt is like a cheeseburger that got squished between bread slices and got friendly with some onions, while a grilled cheese is all about the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
What kind of cheese is best for grilled cheese?
There’s no single best cheese, but for a classic melty grilled cheese, cheddar or a combo of cheddar and mozzarella is a great choice. Both melt well and offer rich flavor.
What is the secret to the best grilled cheese?
Two secrets: 1) Mayonnaise (not butter!) for crispier, richer bread. 2) Low and slow heat for even melting and perfect texture.
What cheese melts well for mac and cheese?
Cheddar is classic, but Gruyere, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, fontina, and gouda all melt smoothly for a creamy mac and cheese.
What cheese is best for melting on burgers?
For melty burgers, it’s a tie! American cheese melts incredibly well and adds a creamy taste, while young cheddar offers a melty texture with a sharper flavor.
Is grated or sliced cheese better for grilled cheese?
Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly, leading to a smoother, gooier grilled cheese. Sliced cheese is quicker, but can melt unevenly.
Conclusion
In just a few minutes, you can have a melty, gooey masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is all about customization.
Try different breads like sourdough or rye, explore a variety of cheeses like Gruyere or goat cheese, and throw in some chopped ham or crispy bacon for an extra punch.
So, what are you waiting for? Get creative, grab your leftover mac and cheese, and experience the magic of the grilled mac and cheese sandwich! Share your photos and variations in the comments below – we can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
