When it comes to comfort food, I’m not one to hold back. Chicken parm is a classic I’ve always adored, and mac and cheese—well, who doesn’t love a good, gooey mac n cheese? But the idea of combining these two indulgent favourites into a sandwich felt like the kind of culinary challenge I couldn’t resist. This is how the Chicken Parm and Truffle Mac & Cheese Sandwich came to life.

This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a tower of rich flavours and textures. You’ve got crispy chicken parm, a beautifully thick tomato sauce, layers of gooey mozzarella, and the creamy decadence of mac and cheese with a subtle truffle kick. All of this is nestled between slices of focaccia bread that hold their own against the hefty filling. It’s unapologetically indulgent, and that’s exactly why I had to make it.

Why You’ll Love This Sandwich

1. 1. Double the Comfort Food
      This sandwich combines two iconic dishes into one jaw-dropping creation. If you’re the type to crave chicken parm one day and mac andn cheese the next, this is your dream come true.

1. 1. Customisable Mac & Cheese Sauce
      The truffle pesto in the cheese sauce is optional, but it takes the flavour to the next level. If you’re making this at home, you might need to add a splash of milk to adjust the sauce’s consistency once the pasta is mixed in—I found myself doing just that.

1. 1. Perfect for Sharing or Not
      This sandwich is big, bold, and packed with flavour. You could share it… or just keep it all to yourself. I won’t judge!

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the way certain foods can blend together so seamlessly, creating something entirely new yet comfortingly familiar. Chicken parm has that perfect balance of crispy coating, tender chicken, and tangy tomato sauce, while mac andn cheese is all about creamy indulgence. But why stop at enjoying them separately?

The truffle pesto was a bit of a wildcard. I love the earthy depth truffle brings to a dish, and adding it to the cheese sauce felt like a little luxury that elevated the mac and cheese without overpowering it. That said, if you’re not a fan or can’t find truffle pesto, feel free to leave it out—it’ll still be delicious.

Tips for Making It at Home

• • Adjusting the Cheese Sauce: Once you mix the pasta into the cheese sauce, you might find it thickens up more than expected. Don’t panic—just add a splash or two of milk until you reach your desired consistency. I needed a little extra to keep things smooth and creamy.

• • Keeping the Tomato Sauce Thick: Nobody likes a soggy sandwich, so cook the tomato sauce down until it’s nice and thick. It holds everything together and keeps the bread from getting overwhelmed by the juices of the mac n cheese sandwich.

• • Bread Choice Matters: Focaccia is ideal here because it’s sturdy enough to handle the layers but still soft and flavourful. Lightly toasting it adds even more structure.

Putting It All Together

Let’s talk about the build. This sandwich is all about layers:

• • Start with a generous swipe of thick tomato sauce on your focaccia.

• • Next comes the chicken parm, crispy and golden, topped with a bit more sauce for good measure.

• • Add slices of mozzarella and melt them under the grill until bubbly.

• • Spoon on the truffle mac and cheese, making sure to get that creamy goodness into every bite.

• • Sprinkle crispy onions and a handful of chopped chives for texture and a pop of freshness.

• • Finish with another layer of tomato sauce on the top slice of bread, and you’re ready to dig in.

Each bite is a journey through crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and savoury heaven. The fresh basil in the tomato sauce cuts through the richness, while the crispy onions add a satisfying crunch that makes this sandwich feel like the ultimate cheat meal.

Why You’ll Make This Again and Again

This isn’t just a sandwich you make once and forget. It’s the kind of dish that lingers in your mind, calling you back every time you think of comfort food. It’s indulgent, yes, but every element comes together so perfectly that it’s worth every bite.

Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable. Want to go all-in on the truffle? Add a drizzle of truffle oil before you close the sandwich. Prefer things simpler? Skip the truffle pesto and stick to a classic mac n cheese sauce. Either way, this is a recipe that delivers big on flavour and even bigger on satisfaction.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a kitchen adventure, give this Chicken Parm and Truffle Mac & Cheese Sandwich a try. Whether you share it with someone or keep it as your own guilty pleasure, one thing’s for sure—it’s a sandwich you won’t forget.