Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bacon Patty Melt
Indulge in a decadent twist on two classic comfort foods—mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon sandwiches—with this Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bacon Patty Melt recipe. It’s everything you love about both dishes, combined into one gooey, crispy, and utterly satisfying meal. This patty melt is perfect for a cozy weekend lunch or a fun family dinner. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy macaroni and cheese, and buttery, toasted bread will take your taste buds on a delightful journey of texture and flavor. It’s quick to whip up and will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients Overview
- Macaroni (1 cup): The heart of the sandwich, macaroni provides the soft, chewy base for the creamy, cheesy filling. Use elbow macaroni for a traditional feel, but shells or another small pasta shape will also work.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): This is where the magic happens. The cheddar cheese melts into the macaroni, creating that rich and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese flavor. Feel free to mix in a bit of Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Bacon (4 slices): Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy mac ‘n’ cheese. You can even substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option, but classic pork bacon delivers that smoky flavor.
- Bread (4 slices): Choose thick, sturdy slices of bread like sourdough or brioche to hold up to the hearty filling. The butter on the bread gives it a golden, crispy exterior.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for that beautiful toasting, butter helps crisp up the bread and adds a rich flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. For extra flavor, toss the macaroni in a little bit of butter or cheese while it’s still hot.
Step 2: Fry the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This ensures that the bacon stays crispy inside the melt.
Step 3: Butter the Bread
Butter one side of each slice of bread. This will be the side that gets golden and crispy when you grill the sandwich.
Step 4: Build the Melt
Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the skillet. Add a scoop of the cooked macaroni on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and two slices of crispy bacon. Finish by placing another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwich
Cook the sandwich over medium heat until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the sandwich carefully and continue cooking on the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Step 6: Repeat and Serve
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make four sandwiches. Once they are all golden and gooey, cut them in half for easy serving and enjoy while hot.
Valuable Tips for a Seamless Cooking Experience
Tip 1: Use Day-Old Bread for Extra Crispiness
If your bread is slightly stale, it will crisp up even better when grilled.
Tip 2: Add Some Heat
Sprinkle a little crushed red pepper or drizzle hot sauce over the macaroni and cheese before assembling the sandwich for a spicy kick.
Tip 3: Pre-cook the Bacon
You can cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge to make the sandwich-building process quicker.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bacon Patty Melt:
- Storage: Wrap the sandwiches individually in foil or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, to ensure the bread stays crispy. You can also reheat them in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy sandwich, make sure your mac ‘n’ cheese isn’t too watery and your bacon is fully crispy before assembling the melt.
Can I make the mac ‘n’ cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the mac ‘n’ cheese a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
Can I add more cheese to the sandwich?
Yes! Feel free to add more cheese inside the sandwich or sprinkle some on the outside of the bread before grilling for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Simply swap the regular macaroni for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini work well too.
Can I use whole wheat bread?
Yes, whole wheat bread can add a heartier, nuttier flavor to the sandwich.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?
Cooking the sandwich on medium heat ensures the cheese melts without the bread burning.
Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?
Definitely! Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even spinach for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Can I freeze these sandwiches?
While it’s possible to freeze the sandwiches, they’re best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may affect the texture of the bread.
How can I make this sandwich healthier?
Use whole grain bread, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
What’s a good side dish to serve with these sandwiches?
A light side salad or a cup of tomato soup pairs wonderfully with these cheesy melts.
Can I use a sandwich press for this recipe?
Yes, a sandwich press can be used to grill the sandwich evenly, just be mindful of the cheese oozing out!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and add a few slices of grilled veggies or a veggie patty for a vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to cut the sandwich?
A sharp serrated knife works best to cut through the sandwich without squishing it.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes! Try using gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Yes, bake the assembled sandwiches at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crispy finish.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Drain the bacon on paper towels immediately after cooking to remove excess grease.
Can I make this with pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon can be used for convenience, just make sure to warm it up before adding it to the sandwich.
Can I make mini versions of these for appetizers?
Yes! Use smaller slices of bread and less filling for bite-sized appetizers.
20 Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Toast the Bread Gently: Toast over medium heat to get a golden, crispy crust without burning.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: Butter both sides of the bread for a rich, crispy exterior.
- Balance Flavors: The salty bacon, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, and buttery bread balance each other perfectly—don’t omit any element.
- Use Cast Iron for Even Heat: A cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution for perfect toasting.
- Experiment with Bread: Try different types of bread, like brioche or sourdough, for added flavor.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like chives or parsley into the mac ‘n’ cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cook Bacon Until Very Crisp: Slightly overcooking the bacon will help it stay crispy inside the sandwich.
- Spread a Thin Layer of Mayo: For an extra crispy crust, spread mayo on the outside of the bread before grilling instead of butter.
- Mix Cheeses: Combining different cheeses gives a more complex flavor and melt.
- Control the Heat: Keep the heat at medium to allow the cheese to melt fully before the bread gets too dark.
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread crisps up better when grilled.
- Cook Bacon in the Oven: Baking bacon ensures it cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- Reheat Mac ‘n’ Cheese Slowly: If making the mac ahead, reheat it slowly to prevent drying out.
- Let the Sandwich Rest: Allow the sandwich to cool for a minute or two after cooking for easier slicing.
- Cut Diagonally for Presentation: Cutting the sandwich diagonally makes for a more elegant presentation.
