The Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, golden bread hugging gooey, creamy mac and cheese, with every bite a satisfying explosion of childhood nostalgia and grown-up decadence. This sandwich is a celebration for your taste buds: plush Texas toast loaded with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella-laced mac & cheese, then pan-fried until the outside crackles with buttery goodness. Whether you need a weeknight treat or the star of your next lunch, this sandwich is pure joy on a plate!

Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list here—just a handful of pantry (and fridge) staples, each pulling its own flavorful weight. Every ingredient in this Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich is essential, coming together to create that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and cheesy.

GOODLES Thrilled Cheese: This boxed mac & cheese brings a fun twist with a flavorful cheese packet that sets the foundation for luscious, creamy noodles.
Milk: A splash of milk adds creaminess, making sure your mac & cheese mixture stays perfectly smooth and silky.
Butter: Rich butter is used both in the mac & cheese and on the bread for toasty, golden edges.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar amps up the cheesy factor and gives the filling a lovely melt and bold flavor.
Texas toast: Thick-sliced bread is sturdy enough to hold all that luscious filling and crisps up beautifully when grilled.
Shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella melts like a dream, stretching between each bite and adding that extra cheesy ooze.

How to Make Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Start off by bringing a pot of water to a lively boil, just as you would for classic mac & cheese. Add in the GOODLES noodles and cook them according to the package instructions—they’ll turn perfectly tender and ready to soak up all sorts of cheesy flavor. Don’t forget to give them a good stir now and then to keep them from sticking together!

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling

After straining your cooked noodles, it’s time to work some magic. Return them to the pot, then add the butter, cheese packet from the GOODLES box, milk, and that generous pile of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and clingy—this is the filling that makes your Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Divvy up the creamy mac & cheese between two sandwiches. Pile it high on one slice of that plush Texas toast, and don’t forget to sprinkle on a hearty layer of shredded mozzarella—the more, the meltier! Top with a second slice of bread to complete your sandwich assembly.

Step 4: Butter the Bread

Now comes the secret to a perfect golden crust: butter. Spread softened butter generously on both sides of each sandwich. This not only amps up the flavor but guarantees a crispy, browned exterior that’s pure bliss to bite into.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Preheat your skillet over medium heat, then fry each sandwich until both sides are beautifully golden brown and crisp. The cheese inside will be gooey, the mac just a little stretchy, and the bread buttery and toasted. Use a gentle press with your spatula to help everything meld together. Once done, slice your Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich in half and admire those cheesy strands!

How to Serve Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

Make your sandwich look as fabulous as it tastes with a sprinkle of chopped chives, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a dusting of smoked paprika. Little pops of color and taste bring out the best in every bite of your Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! Classic tomato soup is, of course, a natural choice, offering cozy, tangy contrast. Equally delicious are crunchy pickle spears, a simple green salad, or a handful of kettle-cooked chips for a bit of crunch to complement that creamy sandwich center.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich into the belle of the brunch table by cutting it into triangles and stacking them up, or slice into “fingers” for dipping into soup. Try arranging on a platter with dipping sauces—think ranch, sriracha mayo, or marinara—for an interactive twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you ever have leftovers (no shame if you don’t!), let sandwiches cool to room temp before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—the mac & cheese filling stays creamy, and the bread holds up better than you’d expect!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze a Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich! Wrap each cooled sandwich individually in foil, then stash in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you crave one, just thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive that glorious crispy crust, reheat your sandwich in a hot skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, flipping as needed. You can also pop it in a toaster oven to get the outside crunchy again—just avoid the microwave, which tends to make bread a little chewy.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of boxed mac & cheese?

Absolutely! While the GOODLES Thrilled Cheese variety brings a fun flavor, your favorite boxed mac & cheese (or even homemade) will also work. Just be sure it’s extra creamy for the most indulgent Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich experience.

Can I make it gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and a gluten-free boxed macaroni product. Double-check the cheese packets and other ingredients for hidden gluten to be safe.

What other cheeses can I add?

Mix it up with pepper jack for a little heat, Monterey Jack for extra melt, or a handful of grated parmesan for a nutty finish. This sandwich is a cheese-lover’s dream, so feel free to get creative with the blend!

How do I prevent soggy bread?

Spread that butter all the way to the edges of each slice of bread and make sure your skillet is hot before the sandwich goes in. This quick sear forms a barrier that keeps everything crisp and delicious—no sogginess here.

Is this Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich kid-friendly?

Kids adore this sandwich! The creamy mac filling and gooey cheese are always a hit, and you can cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces if little hands are involved. Grown-ups, don’t be surprised if you love it even more!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the coziest, cheesiest thing to grace your plate, you’ve just found it. The Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich brings together everything we love about comfort food in one crispy, creamy bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite indulgence!