If you’re a fan of comfort food, this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Grilled Cheese is about to become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a sandwich that combines the creamy, gooey goodness of mac ‘n’ cheese with the salty, crispy perfection of bacon, all encased in buttery, golden-brown bread. This recipe takes two beloved classics and merges them into one epic sandwich, creating a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Perfect for a quick lunch, a decadent snack, or even a casual dinner, this grilled cheese is easy to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re catering to a hungry crowd or treating yourself to something special, this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s the kind of sandwich that brings a sense of nostalgia while also delivering a unique twist that keeps things exciting. So, grab your skillet and get ready to make a sandwich that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Mac ‘n’ Cheese: If you don’t have leftover mac ‘n’ cheese, prepare your favorite boxed or homemade version. Ensure it’s thick and creamy.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Break into smaller pieces.
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the other side, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise for extra crispiness.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of a bread slice. Add a generous layer of mac ‘n’ cheese, then top with bacon pieces. Add another slice of cheddar cheese before topping with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve Hot: Remove from skillet, let it cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve immediately.
How to Prepare:
- Prep the Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients before you start. Cook the bacon and prepare the mac ‘n’ cheese in advance.
- Butter the Bread: Buttering the bread ensures a crispy exterior. The mayo on the other side adds an extra crunch.
- Assemble Carefully: Layering is key. Cheese on both sides of the mac ‘n’ cheese helps glue the sandwich together as it melts.
- Grill Slowly: A medium heat ensures the bread crisps up without burning while the cheese melts perfectly.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings:
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese, like mozzarella, Swiss, or Gouda for a different flavor profile. - What type of bread works best?
Sourdough is recommended for its sturdy texture, but you can use any bread you like, such as whole grain or white bread. - Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before grilling. - What can I serve with this grilled cheese?
Pair it with tomato soup, a fresh salad, or even some extra mac ‘n’ cheese on the side for a complete meal. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispy texture, or use an oven for even heating.
Conclusion:
The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy, cheesy burst of flavor that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy weekend or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s simple enough for a quick meal yet indulgent enough to serve as a special treat. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for comfort food cravings. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with the classic combination of bacon, mac ‘n’ cheese, and grilled cheese. Enjoy the deliciousness!
PrintThe Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
Indulge in a comfort food fusion with this Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Grilled Cheese. The sandwich features creamy mac ‘n’ cheese and crispy bacon between buttery, golden-brown slices of sourdough. It’s the perfect meal for lunch, a snack, or dinner, delivering a nostalgic taste with a modern twist. Simple to make yet satisfying, this grilled cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Use leftover mac ‘n’ cheese or prepare a fresh batch. Ensure it’s thick and creamy.
- Cook Bacon: Fry bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into smaller pieces.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Spread mayonnaise on the other side for added crunch.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place one slice of cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of the bread. Add a generous layer of mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon. Top with another slice of cheddar cheese and cover with a second slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Grill: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove from skillet, slice in half, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg