Description
The Ranch Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Melt is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy macaroni and cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of tangy ranch dressing all grilled between two slices of golden-brown bread. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough or Texas toast preferred)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mac ‘n’ Cheese: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Bacon: While preparing the mac ‘n’ cheese, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of bread and sprinkle with garlic powder. On the unbuttered side of four slices, evenly spread a portion of the mac ‘n’ cheese. Top with crumbled bacon and place another slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
- You can substitute different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, for a unique flavor.
- To make the recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Gluten-free bread and pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Ranch bacon melt, mac 'n' cheese sandwich, comfort food, grilled cheese, easy dinner recipe