Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. When served as a side, it goes well with BBQ, including BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and smoked sausage. Fried chicken, beef, and fish are also popular pairings. For a lighter option, mac and cheese can be served with a salad, such as a Panzanella, strawberry spinach, or a simple vegetable salad with carrots, green beans, or broccoli. When serving mac and cheese as the main course, it can be paired with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, asparagus, tomato soup, or sweet potato fries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main dishes | BBQ ribs, brisket, pulled pork, breaded fishsticks, fried chicken, steak, smoked sausage, meatloaf, burgers, buffalo chicken, fried shrimp, chips, garlic bread |
| Salads | Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, kale Caesar salad, Panzanella, strawberry spinach salad, endive lettuce salad, tomato and bread salad, slaw, Brussels sprout salad |
| Vegetable side dishes | Roasted vegetables, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, carrots, broccolini, spinach |
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What You'll Learn
- Salads: a tangy, crunchy salad like a Panzanella or a strawberry spinach salad can cut through the richness of mac and cheese
- Meat: BBQ meats like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausages are a classic pairing
- Fish: fried fish, especially breaded fish sticks, is a popular choice
- Vegetables: roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and green beans can complement mac and cheese
- Soups: a simple tomato soup can be a comforting pairing, especially with grilled cheese sandwiches
Salads: a tangy, crunchy salad like a Panzanella or a strawberry spinach salad can cut through the richness of mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of salads to create a well-rounded and delicious meal.
A Panzanella salad, also known as a tomato and bread salad, is an excellent choice to serve alongside mac and cheese. This Italian classic is loaded with sweetness and acidity, providing a perfect contrast to the rich cheese sauce of the macaroni. The combination of juicy tomatoes and the tangy, creamy cheese creates a burst of flavours that complement each other beautifully.
Another fantastic option is a strawberry spinach salad. This salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly refreshing. The sweetness of strawberries, the crunch of almonds, and the tanginess of goat's cheese create a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The freshness of the salad helps balance the richness of the mac and cheese, making it a perfect pairing.
For those who enjoy a crisp and crunchy salad, a Brussels sprout Caesar salad is an ideal choice. The slight tanginess of the dressing and the crunch of the sprouts offer a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy macaroni. This salad is not only tasty but also makes for excellent leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy it even after your meal.
If you're looking for a more unique salad option, consider a kale Caesar salad. This salad, when paired with a bacon and garlic dressing and topped with Parmesan cheese, adds a refreshing twist to the traditional Caesar. The crispiness of the kale and the salty, savoury flavours of the dressing create a delightful combination that complements the creaminess of the mac and cheese.
Lastly, a simple vegetable salad with carrots, green beans, or broccoli is always a classic choice. These vegetables provide a crisp and crunchy texture that pairs well with the creaminess of the mac and cheese. French-style green beans, when tossed with lightly toasted sweet pecans and brown butter, create an intense flavour profile that will elevate your meal to the next level.
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Meat: BBQ meats like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausages are a classic pairing
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. When served as a side, it pairs well with BBQ meats, such as ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausages. This combination is a classic, especially in the American South.
BBQ ribs are a popular choice to serve with macaroni and cheese. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is coated in a smoky barbecue sauce, creating a flavourful and satisfying meal. The richness of the BBQ sauce complements the creaminess of the macaroni and cheese.
Smoked brisket is another delicious option to pair with macaroni and cheese. The smoky flavour of the brisket adds depth to the dish, and the tender meat pairs well with the creamy texture of the pasta. Pulled pork, either smoked or baked with BBQ sauce, is also a classic pairing with macaroni and cheese. The shredded meat blends seamlessly with the pasta, creating a hearty and indulgent meal.
Sausages are a versatile option to serve with macaroni and cheese. Whether grilled, smoked, or baked, sausages add a savoury note to the dish. The contrast between the crisp exterior and juicy interior of the sausage provides a satisfying textural element to the meal.
These BBQ meat options not only provide a delicious flavour profile to complement the macaroni and cheese but also offer a heartwarming and indulgent dining experience. The combination of smoky flavours, tender meats, and creamy pasta creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
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Fish: fried fish, especially breaded fish sticks, is a popular choice
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of foods to create a delicious and satisfying meal. One popular choice is fried fish, especially breaded fish sticks. This combination is a classic for a reason—the crispy, golden exterior of the fish sticks provides a textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy macaroni, while the mild flavour of the fish complements the richness of the cheese sauce without overwhelming it.
Fried fish, especially when breaded, offers a satisfying crunch with each bite, making it a perfect pairing for the smooth and creamy mac and cheese. The breading adds a layer of texture and flavour, making the fish sticks a hearty companion to the pasta dish. Whether you opt for traditional fish sticks or choose a more elaborate breading, the fried fish provides a contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
The mild flavour of fish, especially when breaded and fried, is an ideal complement to the bold flavours of mac and cheese. The cheese sauce, often a blend of sharp cheddar or other pungent cheeses, is rich and savoury. The fish, with its neutral flavour, provides a break from the intensity of the cheese, allowing the palate to reset between bites and fully appreciate the complex notes of the dish.
In addition to its flavour and texture, fried fish, particularly breaded fish sticks, offers a convenient and accessible option for pairing with mac and cheese. They can be easily purchased at most grocery stores or prepared at home with relatively simple ingredients. This makes them a convenient choice for those seeking a quick and tasty side dish to accompany their macaroni and cheese.
For those who enjoy a heartier meal, fried fish, especially breaded fish sticks, can be a satisfying main course when served with mac and cheese as a side dish. The combination provides a well-rounded and indulgent dining experience, perfect for a comforting meal. Whether served as a main course or a side, fried fish, and mac and cheese is a pairing that offers a delightful blend of flavours and textures, making it a popular choice for food enthusiasts everywhere.
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Vegetables: roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and green beans can complement mac and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various vegetables to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some ideas for vegetables that can complement your mac and cheese:
Brussels Sprouts
Roasted or flash-fried Brussels sprouts are a popular choice to serve alongside mac and cheese. The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts can help balance the richness of the dish. You can also incorporate them into a salad, such as a Brussels sprout Caesar salad, adding a crunchy texture and tangy flavour to complement the creaminess of the macaroni.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a mild-flavoured vegetable that pairs well with macaroni and cheese. It is a quick and easy side dish that adds a touch of elegance to your meal. Asparagus is a simple yet tasty option to enhance your mac and cheese.
Green Beans
French-style green beans tossed with lightly toasted sweet pecans in brown butter can be an exquisite pairing with mac and cheese. The combination of melted cheese and brown butter creates an intense and unique flavour profile. This option offers a sophisticated twist to your meal.
Other Vegetable Ideas
Other simple vegetable side dishes that go well with mac and cheese include carrots, broccoli, and salads. You can also experiment with different types of salads, such as a Panzanella (tomato and bread salad) or a strawberry spinach salad with tangy goat cheese and toasted almonds. These fresh salads can provide a nice contrast to the rich cheese sauce of the macaroni.
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Soups: a simple tomato soup can be a comforting pairing, especially with grilled cheese sandwiches
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. When served as a side, it can be paired with a variety of main dishes, such as BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or fried chicken. It can also be a comforting main course, paired with simple sides like soups and salads.
Soups, such as a simple tomato soup, can be a comforting pairing with mac and cheese. This classic soup can be served as is or with a touch of cream for added indulgence. To make it a meal, serve it with warm buns and butter on the side.
For a heartier option, grilled cheese sandwiches are an excellent companion to mac and cheese. The grilled cheese provides a similar comfort and nostalgia, making the meal feel extra indulgent.
If you're looking for a lighter option, a grilled cheese sandwich can be dipped into the soup, providing a satisfying contrast of temperatures and textures. This pairing creates a well-rounded meal that is both comforting and refreshing.
To elevate this pairing, consider serving the grilled cheese sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. This creates a fun play on the classic comfort food, adding a unique twist to the meal. This unexpected combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering the best of both worlds in a single bite.
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Frequently asked questions
Some vegetable side dishes that go well with macaroni and cheese include roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, French-style green beans with pecans, and Brussels sprouts.
Some salad side dishes that pair well with macaroni and cheese are Panzanella (tomato and bread salad), strawberry spinach salad, and a simple endive lettuce salad.
Meat dishes that complement macaroni and cheese include BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, fried chicken, and smoked sausage.
Some other side dishes that go well with macaroni and cheese are carrot sticks, sweet potato fries, and garlic bread.
