Mac And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Palate

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It is often considered a comfort food and can be paired with various dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

When served as a main course, mac and cheese can be accompanied by lighter side dishes such as salads, roasted vegetables, or bread. A simple green salad, arugula and strawberry salad, or a cucumber yogurt salad with dill dressing can help balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. Roasted or grilled vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus also make a great pairing. For bread lovers, garlic bread or bacon cornbread can be a tasty addition.

If you're serving mac and cheese as a side dish, heartier options like meatloaf, ribs, or grilled chicken are popular choices. BBQ pulled chicken or pork, meatloaf sandwiches, or chicken tenders can complement the creamy cheese sauce nicely. For a simpler option, hot dogs or hamburgers can be a fun and nostalgic pairing.

Don't forget to round out your meal with a sweet treat! Brownies with ice cream or a classic apple pie à la mode can be a perfect ending to your mac and cheese feast.

So, whether you're craving comfort food or looking to elevate your next dinner party, there are endless possibilities to create a mouthwatering meal with mac and cheese.

Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf:

This meatloaf recipe is known for its tender and moist texture, while still holding its shape well. It has a savoury flavour and a firm bite, making it a scrumptious pairing with mac and cheese. To prepare this meatloaf, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Milk
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Seasonings

Air Fryer Meatloaf:

For a modern twist, you can prepare this meatloaf in an air fryer, resulting in a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist. This method also reduces the cooking time, making it a convenient option. The ingredients for this version include:

• Your choice of ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• Ketchup
• Seasonings

BBQ Meatloaf:

If you're looking for a smoky flavour, try adding some barbecue sauce to your meatloaf. You can use a simple, classic meatloaf recipe and coat it with store-bought BBQ sauce. This variation will add a tangy and savoury dimension to your meal.

Mexican Taco Meatloaf:

For a spicy and crunchy twist, try this Mexican-inspired meatloaf. It combines ground meat with taco seasonings, crunchy tortilla chips, and cheese. This variation is perfect for those who want to add a kick to their meal.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Meatloaf:

This meatloaf takes the flavour to the next level by incorporating juicy pork and sausage, wrapping it in crispy bacon, and adding various spices. The saltiness of the bacon pairs well with the creaminess of the mac and cheese.

When serving meatloaf with mac and cheese, consider the portion sizes to ensure your guests don't fill up too quickly. You can adjust the recipes to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with these meatloaf ideas to find the perfect pairing for your macaroni and cheese feast!

Salads

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It is usually made with macaroni noodles, mayonnaise, and a variety of add-ins such as celery, red onion, bell peppers, and cheese. The key to a good macaroni salad is to have a variety of textures and flavors, and to chill it before serving. You can also add vinegar and sugar to taste for a unique twist.

Cheese Salad

For a more indulgent option, why not try a cheese salad? Simply combine macaroni and cheese with some additional shredded cheese, bell peppers, celery, and green onions. This salad is sure to be a hit with cheese lovers!

Vegetable Salad

If you're looking for something a little healthier, you can make a vegetable salad to go with your mac and cheese. Try adding in some chopped red bell peppers, frozen peas, carrots, pickles, or sweet pickle relish. You can also include hard-boiled eggs for some extra protein. Just be sure to chill the salad before serving to give the flavors time to meld together.

Fruit Salad

For a sweeter option, you could make a fruit salad to go with your mac and cheese. This could include items such as cherry tomatoes, olives, and sliced green onions. Just be aware that the fruit salad may not keep as long as the other salads, so it's best to make it fresh.

Grilled meats

Grilled Chicken

Chicken is a classic choice to pair with mac and cheese. It is a versatile protein that can be baked, fried, or grilled. Chicken goes well with almost any type of cheese, from mild-flavoured cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella to stronger flavours like blue cheese or smoked gouda. You can even add aromatics like fresh herbs or spices to your chicken for an extra flavour boost.

Grilled Pork

Pork is an excellent option to enhance the flavour of macaroni and cheese. For a smoky, savoury kick, try using shredded or diced smoked pork or bacon in your dish. You can also oven-roast pork with crispy skin for an upscale dinner option. Another tasty twist is to add cubes of barbecue pork with your favourite BBQ sauce as a topping.

Grilled Beef

Beef is a popular choice for mac and cheese recipes. Ground beef works great in creamy versions of mac and cheese, as it absorbs some of the creaminess of the dish. For a thicker, savoury sauce-based dish, try using steak. This cut pairs well with pepper jack cheese or sweet onion varieties. You can also toss in some mushrooms or peppers for a stronger bite.

Grilled Sausage

Sausage is a great ingredient to add flavour and texture to your mac and cheese. Choose from a range of flavours like beef, pork, turkey, or Italian sausage. You can chop up or crumble the sausage into small pieces and add them directly to your dish. For added crunch, try deep-frying chunks of sausage before adding them to your macaroni and cheese.

Grilled Tofu

For a vegan-friendly option, tofu is a delicious addition to mac and cheese. Fry it in some olive oil until it's nice and brown, then add it to your pasta dish. Make sure to add the tofu at the end of cooking, so it doesn't break apart and make your dish mushy. You can also add nutritional yeast to boost the cheesy flavour.

Breads

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. Here are some bread suggestions to accompany your meal:

Olive Oil Garlic Bread

A classic option to pair with macaroni and cheese is garlic bread. The garlic adds a punch of flavour to the bread, while the olive oil provides a subtle fruity note. This bread is an excellent choice to dip into the creamy cheese sauce or to enjoy alongside the macaroni and cheese as a side.

Caraway Rye Bread

Caraway seeds have a unique flavour that pairs incredibly well with macaroni and cheese. The slight aniseed taste of the caraway seeds complements the creaminess of the dish. Rye bread, with its dense and nutty flavour, also adds an extra depth of flavour to the overall meal.

Herb or Seed-Studded Bread

Herbs or seeds in bread can add a nice contrast to the standard white macaroni. For example, rosemary or thyme can provide an aromatic touch, while poppy or sesame seeds can lend a subtle nuttiness to the bread.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread has a heartier flavour and a chewier texture compared to white bread. This type of bread can provide a nice contrast to the creamy and indulgent macaroni and cheese. The nuttiness and slight bitterness of whole wheat bread can help balance the richness of the dish.

Crispy Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are often used as a topping for baked macaroni and cheese. They add a delightful crunch to the dish. You can season the breadcrumbs with various ingredients like Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, or crushed red pepper to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish.

Roasted vegetables

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various roasted vegetables to make a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are some ideas for roasted vegetables that will complement your mac and cheese:

Roasted Vegetable Ideas:

• Broccoli: This vegetable is a superfood and a great source of nutrients. Roasted broccoli can be easily added to mac and cheese, giving it a smoky flavour and enhanced taste.
• Cauliflower: Cauliflower has a natural affinity for cheese sauces, as seen in dishes like cauliflower casserole and cauliflower gratin. Roasted cauliflower florets will add a nice crunch and colour to your mac and cheese.
• Carrots: Carrots are packed with beta carotene, vitamin A, and other essential vitamins. When roasted, they become tender and slightly sweet, making them a perfect addition to balance the creaminess of mac and cheese.
• Squash: Yellow squash, in particular, can be a great option to roast and add to your mac and cheese. It has a mild, sweet flavour that pairs well with the cheese.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers can be roasted and added to your mac and cheese for a burst of colour and a touch of sweetness. They also provide a nice contrast in texture.
• Sweet Potatoes: Cubed and roasted sweet potatoes can add a nice touch of sweetness and a beautiful colour to your mac and cheese. They are also a good source of fibre and vitamins.
• Mushrooms: Button or baby portabella mushrooms, when roasted, can add a nice earthy flavour and texture to your mac and cheese. They are also a good source of protein.
• Onions: White or yellow onions can be roasted and added to the dish. They provide a nice savoury touch to balance the sweetness of other roasted vegetables.

Preparation Tips:

When roasting the vegetables, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their natural flavours. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at around 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly browned. You can also add minced garlic to the mix for extra flavour.

Once your roasted vegetables are ready, simply mix them into your prepared mac and cheese. You can even sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top and broil it for a few minutes to get a golden, crispy topping.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Frequently asked questions