Grilled Tots Mac and Cheese Sandwich

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

A comforting sandwich combining creamy mac and cheese with crispy tater tots, perfect for a hearty snack or casual meal. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 45 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook for 7 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth. Fold in the cooked macaroni.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange 12 frozen tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise evenly on one side of each of the 4 bread slices.
  7. Step 7: Divide the mac and cheese evenly over 2 bread slices (over the mayo side), then top each with 6 crispy tater tots.
  8. Step 8: Place the remaining bread slices mayo side down on top. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  9. Step 9: Grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melty inside.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tots 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 Tots 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 elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tots 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 Tots 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 Tots 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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