Mac and Cheese Grilled: A Comfort Food Delight

Mac and cheese grilled is a deliciously indulgent twist on a classic favorite. This crispy, gooey sandwich brings together creamy cheese and savory bacon, making it an irresistible family-friendly meal that’s quick to whip up. Perfect for dinner or a cozy night in, you won’t want to miss this comforting treat!

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Grilled Sandwich

Essential Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 Cup macaroni
• 1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 Cup cold milk
• 1 1/2 Cups old yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 Cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 Tbsp chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Large slices of sourdough bread, as needed
• 3-4 slices of bacon, diced
• Shredded old cheddar cheese, as needed
• Shredded mozzarella cheese, as needed
• 2-3 Tbsp butter (for grilling)

Optional Ingredients

• Additional spices or herbs for seasoning
• Vegetables like spinach or tomatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon in a cold pan over medium-low heat until it becomes crispy. This will ensure a perfect texture. Once done, drain and set it aside for later.

Cooking the Macaroni

Meanwhile, boil water in a large pot. Season it with salt, then cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it develops a nutty fragrance. Gradually add the cold milk while whisking to remove any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, thickening until it coats the back of a spoon. Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until they melt into a creamy sauce. Combine this with the cooked macaroni and chives, setting the mixture aside.

Assembling the Sandwich

Butter the outer sides of each slice of bread generously. On one slice, layer a generous portion of the mac and cheese, followed by extra cheese and crispy bacon. Top it with another slice of bread, creating a delicious sandwich.

Grilling the Sandwich

Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add more butter. Place the sandwich in the pan, cooking until the bottom is golden brown, covering it with a lid to help melt the cheese. Carefully flip the sandwich, adding more butter to the pan, and cook until both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey and melted. Slice and serve warm!

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Mac and Cheese

Choosing the Right Bread

Select thick-cut bread like sourdough, Texas toast, or brioche. Avoid thin white bread, as it can become soggy during grilling.

Selecting the Best Cheeses

Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors. Combining sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella yields a delightful melt.

Using Leftover Mac and Cheese

If you have leftover mac and cheese, use it without reheating. Just cook the sandwich slowly to warm it through, creating a fast and easy meal.

Making it Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. The rich cheeses and creamy sauce will still provide an indulgent experience.

Tools Needed for Preparation

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Frying pan for grilling
• Whisk for stirring
• Spatula or tongs for flipping the sandwich

Recommended Cookware

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan for the cheese sauce
• Non-stick frying pan

Variations to Try

Different Cheese Combinations

Mix different types of cheese such as gouda, pepper jack, or fontina for an exciting flavor twist. Each combination brings its own unique taste.

Adding Vegetables or Spices

Consider adding spinach, jalapeños, or spices like paprika for added flavor and nutrition. These ingredients can enhance the sandwich without overpowering the cheese.

FAQs

Related Recipes to try

• Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Thighs
• Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
• Cajun Chicken Pasta

Conclusion

This mac and cheese grilled recipe is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. You can discover more about cooking tips and inspiration on Pinterest. So, gather your ingredients, try this delightful sandwich, and enjoy each crispy, cheesy bite!

Mac and Cheese Grilled

A delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, this grilled version combines creamy cheese with crispy bacon, all sandwiched between buttery sourdough bread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 591.81 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• pan
• whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 Tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 Cup macaroni
• 1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 Cup cold milk
• 1 1/2 Cup old yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 Cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 Tbsp chives, chopped for garnish
• Large slices of sourdough bread as needed
• 3-4 slices bacon, diced
• Shredded old cheddar cheese as needed
• Shredded mozzarella cheese as needed
• 2-3 Tbsp butter for grilling

Instructions

 

• Cook the bacon in a cold pan over medium-low heat until crispy, then drain and set aside.
• Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
• Melt butter in a separate pan, whisk in flour for 2-3 minutes until nutty.
• Gradually add milk while whisking to remove lumps, then simmer until thickened; season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted, then combine with macaroni and chives.
• Butter the outer sides of each slice of bread, layer mac and cheese, extra cheese, and bacon on one slice, then top with another slice.
• Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add butter, and cook the sandwich until golden brown, covering with a lid.
• Flip the sandwich, add more butter, and continue cooking until cheese is melted and the other side is golden brown.
• Slice and serve.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon. Use thick-cut bread like sourdough for best results; avoid thin white bread to prevent sogginess.

Keyword bacon sandwich, comfort food, grilled cheese, mac and cheese grilled