Sometimes, comfort food needs to be bold. Like, grilled-between-donuts bold. This Bacon Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Donut is gooey, cheesy, crispy, salty, sweet, and wildly satisfying. Picture creamy macaroni and cheese and crispy bacon sandwiched between two buttered glazed donuts—grilled to golden perfection.
Whether you’re indulging for brunch, dessert, or late-night cravings, this mash-up is unapologetically extra in the best possible way.
Why I Love This Recipe
This isn’t just a sandwich—it’s an experience:
- 🍩 Sweet, glazed donut “bread” grilled to golden crispness
- 🧀 Creamy, cheesy macaroni in the center
- 🥓 Crispy bacon strips for salty crunch
- 🔥 A buttery sear that melts everything into an ooey-gooey bite
You only need 4 ingredients and 15 minutes to transform leftovers and staples into something unforgettable.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 glazed donuts, sliced in half horizontally
- 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crispy
- 1 tbsp butter
🔁 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Donuts: Glazed cake donuts hold up best—avoid super soft ones that may fall apart.
- Mac & cheese: Leftovers are perfect; boxed, baked, or homemade all work.
- Bacon: Thick-cut is ideal for texture. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon are great too.
- Butter: Use salted for more flavor; or brush with garlic butter for a savory twist.
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Donuts
Slice each donut in half horizontally like a sandwich bun.
Spread butter on the cut side of each donut half.
2️⃣ Layer the Filling
On one half of a donut, layer:
- A scoop of mac and cheese
- 2 strips of bacon (whole or chopped)
- Optional: a little extra shredded cheese if you want that extra melt
Top with the second donut half, buttered side out.
Repeat for the second sandwich.
3️⃣ Grill It Up
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Place sandwiches in the skillet and press gently with a spatula.
Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy and the cheese is melty inside.
Let cool slightly before slicing in half and serving.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Low and slow heat is key—don’t burn the sugar in the glaze.
- Don’t overfill—a little mac goes a long way, and you want it to stay inside.
- Press gently while cooking to ensure contact and even browning.
🍽 Pairing Ideas & Serving Suggestions
This sweet-savory grilled cheese is rich, so pair it with something simple or equally bold:
- 🧀 Beer Cheese Dip as a pre-game snack
- 🌮 Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a party platter of epic snacks
- 🥘 Dorito Casserole for a full-on comfort food night
- 🍫 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs for dessert madness
- 🍪 Edible Cookie Dough for a chilled follow-up bite
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Best fresh – the donut texture doesn’t hold up well to refrigeration
- Reheat carefully in a nonstick skillet for 2–3 minutes to revive the crispness
- Avoid microwave – the donut gets rubbery and loses its magic
💡 More Recipes You’ll Love
Love crazy-good comfort food mash-ups? Add these to your must-make list:
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Dorito Casserole
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Edible Cookie Dough
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
💬 Final Thoughts
This Bacon Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Donut is indulgent, playful, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s a dish that makes no apologies and delivers major flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something over-the-top and delicious.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and show us your wildest grilled cheese creations! And follow for more fun flavor mash-ups, sweet and savory combos, and comfort food with attitude.
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