Kamil Perry
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. When served as a main, it is often accompanied by a simple vegetable side such as roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or steamed greens, which provide a refreshing flavour and complementary texture to the rich, creamy pasta. For a heartier meal, mac and cheese can be paired with proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or bacon, or even a nice bloody steak. For a more indulgent option, fried chicken, especially with a buttermilk batter, is a popular choice, as is kielbasa or hot dogs, which can be sliced and baked into the mac and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Steak, bacon, chicken, shrimp, meatloaf, hot dogs, kielbasa, ham, sausage |
| Seafood | Shrimp, crab |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, spinach, kale, green beans, asparagus, peas, tomatoes, carrots, parsnips, brussels sprouts, collard greens, mushrooms, salad |
| Breads | Bread rolls, garlic bread, buns |
| Potatoes | Baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, potato fries |
| Fruits | Apples, applesauce |
| Pulses | Black beans |
| Dairy | Cheese, sour cream, butter |
| Herbs and spices | Chives, parsley |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Salads, such as kale Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad
Macaroni and cheese is a rich and filling meal, so it's a good idea to serve it with something refreshing and light, like a salad. A simple mixed green salad with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber is a perfect complement to the creamy pasta dish. You can also add sliced spring onions and a drizzle of lemon or balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavour.
If you're looking for something a little heartier, a kale Caesar salad is a great option. This salad is a tasty combination of flavours and textures, and the bitterness of the kale goes well with the richness of the macaroni and cheese. You can add a bacon and garlic dressing to this salad, and top it with lots of Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent side dish.
You could also try a vegetarian salad with arugula, raddichio, granny smith apples, and pecans, dressed with a slightly sweet buttermilk dressing. This salad has a range of flavours and textures that will add interest to your meal.
Salads are a great way to add some nutrition and freshness to your macaroni and cheese, and they can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and what you have available. Whether you keep it simple or get creative, a salad is a perfect side dish to balance out your meal.
Delicious Pretzel Bites: How Much Cheese is Enough?
You may want to see also
Meat, including steak, bacon, shrimp, or fried chicken
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. When served as a side, it pairs well with meats such as steak, bacon, shrimp, or fried chicken.
If you're looking for a hearty and indulgent option, try serving your macaroni and cheese with steak. For the ultimate decadent experience, wrap your steak in bacon to create a bacon-wrapped filet mignon. This combination of steak and bacon will add a savoury and juicy contrast to the creamy macaroni and cheese.
For a classic comfort food combination, pair your macaroni and cheese with bacon. Crispy, salty bacon is a perfect match for macaroni and cheese, whether you add it directly to the dish or serve it on the side. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, try wrapping your bacon around shrimp or dates, or incorporate it into a meatloaf for a true comfort food classic.
Shrimp is another excellent option to pair with macaroni and cheese. Like bacon, shrimp can be mixed directly into the dish or served on the side. For a simple yet tasty recipe, try grilling your shrimp with garlic, or opt for a zestier option with cilantro lime grilled shrimp. If you're looking for a full meal to serve your guests, a shrimp boil with macaroni and cheese will surely impress.
Fried chicken is a perfect match for macaroni and cheese, especially when you're craving comfort food. For a tender and juicy option, try air fryer fried chicken thighs. The meaty yet delicate texture will elevate your macaroni and cheese experience. For a flavourful twist, opt for Tandoori Fried Chicken, marinated in tandoori spices and fried to perfection, offering a burst of flavour and a crispy texture.
Whether you choose steak, bacon, shrimp, or fried chicken, these meat options will surely enhance your macaroni and cheese experience, providing a savoury and indulgent contrast to the creamy and comforting dish.
Gouda's Glory: Best Ways to Serve This Cheese
You may want to see also
Vegetables, like roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or sautéed greens
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. Vegetables are an excellent option to pair with this creamy comfort food, offering a refreshing flavour and crisp, complementary texture. Here are some ideas for vegetable sides to serve with macaroni and cheese:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables add a sweet or nutty flavour and extra comfort to the meal. Carrots, parsnips, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent choices to pair with macaroni and cheese. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness or nuttiness of these vegetables, creating a delicious contrast to the creamy and cheesy macaroni.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli, still firm and retaining its vibrant green colour, is another excellent option to serve with macaroni and cheese. Broccoli provides a healthy and nutritious boost to the dish. You can also add some of the cheese sauce from the macaroni and cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Sautéed Greens
Sautéed greens, such as spinach, kale, collard greens, or green beans, add flavour, nutrition, and colour to the meal. These leafy greens are quick to prepare and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the macaroni and cheese. For an extra indulgent twist, try sautéing kale with crispy bacon for a savoury and satisfying side dish.
Salads
A simple mixed green salad with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and perhaps sliced spring onions with a drizzle of lemon or balsamic vinaigrette can be the perfect light and refreshing side dish to balance out the richness of macaroni and cheese. Adding sliced red pepper or radish can also provide an extra burst of colour and flavour.
Macaroni and cheese is a hearty dish, and by pairing it with vegetable sides, you can create a well-rounded and nutritious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your body's needs.
Creating the Perfect Cheese Platter with Prosciutto
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bread, such as crusty bread rolls or garlic bread
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. When deciding what to serve with macaroni and cheese, it's important to consider whether it will be the main focus of the meal or a complement to another dish. If you're looking for a side dish to accompany your macaroni and cheese, bread is always a good option. Here are some ideas to consider:
Crusty Bread Rolls
Crusty bread rolls can provide a satisfying crunch and add flavour to your macaroni and cheese. You can serve them with butter or olive oil on the side for dipping. The contrast between the soft, creamy macaroni and cheese and the crispy, crunchy bread rolls will create a delightful texture combination.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is another excellent option to serve with macaroni and cheese. The garlic flavour can enhance the overall taste of the dish, and the bread provides a vehicle to scoop up any extra cheese sauce. You can also experiment with different types of garlic bread, such as maple bacon pull-apart bread or garlic bread with melted cheese on top, to add even more flavour to your meal.
Bread with Salads
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider pairing your macaroni and cheese with a crisp salad and a side of bread. The bread can be used to soak up any remaining cheese sauce or salad dressing. You can choose from a variety of salads, such as a mixed green salad with fresh vegetables, a kale Caesar salad, or a salad with a slightly sweet buttermilk dressing.
Bread with Roasted Vegetables
Macaroni and cheese also pairs well with roasted vegetables, and serving it with a side of bread can make the meal even more comforting and flavourful. Try roasted carrots, parsnips, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, which can add a sweet or nutty flavour that complements the cheesy, creamy macaroni and cheese. The bread will help you savour every last bit of flavour from your plate.
Whether you choose crusty bread rolls, garlic bread, or any other type of bread, it's a versatile side dish that can enhance the flavour and texture of your macaroni and cheese. So go ahead and experiment with different types of bread and side dish combinations to find your perfect match!
Burrata Appetizer: A Simple Guide to Serving
You may want to see also
Hot dogs, sliced or in the shape of an octopus
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with various side dishes or mixed with other ingredients to create a heartier meal. Hot dogs are a popular choice for those looking for a comforting and nostalgic combination. Here are some ways to incorporate hot dogs into your macaroni and cheese:
Sliced Hot Dogs
If you prefer your hot dogs sliced, simply cook them in a pan until lightly browned, and then set them aside. In the same pan, create a smooth mixture of flour and butter, gradually adding milk to form a thick sauce. Combine this sauce with cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard. Finally, stir in your sliced hot dogs and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges. This dish can be customised further by adding spices like chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper, or including onions and scallions for extra flavour.
Hot Dog Octopus
For a playful presentation, transform your hot dog into an octopus by cutting it lengthwise, leaving about one inch intact at the end. This fun shape can be baked on top of your macaroni and cheese, creating a delightful dish that is sure to bring a smile to your face. This preparation method adds a whimsical touch to the classic combination of macaroni and cheese with hot dogs.
Healthier Options
To make this indulgent dish a little healthier, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, broccoli florets, or peas. These ingredients not only add colour and nutritional value but also provide a nice contrast in texture and flavour. If serving macaroni and cheese with hot dogs as a main dish, balance it out with a light garden salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
Nostalgia and Customisation
Macaroni and cheese with hot dogs hold a special place in the hearts of many, evoking memories of simple yet satisfying school-night dinners. For a more gourmet take, use high-quality ingredients such as homemade macaroni and cheese and premium frankfurters. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and toppings like breadcrumbs to create a unique and indulgent meal.
Whether you choose to slice your hot dogs, present them as adorable octopuses, or create your own unique variation, combining hot dogs with macaroni and cheese is a delightful way to indulge in a comforting and nostalgic meal. Don't forget to add your favourite vegetables or side dishes to round out this hearty and versatile dish.
Perfect Pimento Cheese: How Much to Serve?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with macaroni and cheese include garlic bread, crusty bread rolls with butter or olive oil, baked potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
Some good vegetarian side dishes to serve with macaroni and cheese include steamed or sauteed greens such as spinach, kale, or green beans, roasted carrots, parsnips, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, and a simple mixed green salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced spring onions.
Some meat-based side dishes that go well with macaroni and cheese include sliced steak, pulled pork, grilled bacon bits, and smoked brisket.
There are several ways to make vegan macaroni and cheese, including substituting the cheese, milk, and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives.
To make macaroni and cheese more exciting, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, smoked Gouda, or Fontina, or try using different types of noodles, such as bowtie pasta. You can also add herbs, spices, or hot sauce to brighten and add depth of flavor.
