Grilled Mac and Cheese Sandwich

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the mac and cheese: Bring a medium saucepan of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still chewy.

2. 2

   While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

3. 3

   Drain the pasta in a colander. Place the empty pasta pan over low heat and add the 6 tablespoons of butter. When the butter has melted, whisk in the flour mixture and cook, whisking frequently, for about 1 minute until it has a nutty aroma.

4. 4

   Slowly whisk the milk and cream into the flour mixture until well combined. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce just begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Gradually stir in the Monterey Jack cheese until melted, then stir in the cooked pasta.

5. 5

   Line a 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with nonstick spray. Pour the warm mac and cheese onto the sheet, spread evenly, and cover with another piece of oiled parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

6. 6

   Make the grilled cheese: Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.

7. 7

   In a small bowl, stir together 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until well blended.

8. 8

   Remove the mac and cheese from the refrigerator and cut into 8 equal pieces. Each piece will make 1 sandwich.

9. 9

   Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Place half of the slices buttered-side down. Top each with one slice of Cheddar, 1 piece of the mac and cheese, and 1 slice of Colby Jack. Finish with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.

10. 10

    Place sandwiches in the pan. Cover and cook until the bottoms are nicely browned, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until the second sides are browned and the cheese is fully melted, about 4 minutes more.

11. 11

    Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut in half and serve.