Grilled Tater Tot Mac and Cheese Sandwich

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting sandwich layering creamy mac and cheese and crispy tater tots, grilled to golden perfection with melted cheddar and pickles. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 45 minutes pairs macaroni pasta, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 American cuisine 720 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil, add 1 cup macaroni pasta, and cook for 7 minutes until just tender; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, stirring constantly, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth; fold in the drained macaroni.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake 12 frozen tater tots on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until crispy and golden.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise evenly on each of 4 slices of sourdough bread.
  7. Step 7: Divide the mac and cheese evenly onto 2 bread slices, top each with 6 crispy tater tots and 4 dill pickle slices, then cover with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side down.
  8. Step 8: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted inside.
  9. Step 9: Remove sandwiches from skillet, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice in half and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tater Tot Mac and Cheese Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tater Tot Mac and Cheese Sandwich?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep macaroni pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tater Tot Mac and Cheese Sandwich?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Tater Tot Mac and Cheese Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Tater Tot Mac and Cheese Sandwich?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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