Delicious Pairings To Elevate Velveeta Shells And Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and Velveeta shells and cheese are no exception. But what goes well with this cheesy dish? From hearty main courses to lighter sides, there are plenty of options to complement your Velveeta shells and cheese.

If you're looking for a hearty meal, ribs, meatloaf, or chili are always crowd-pleasers. The smokiness of barbecue ribs especially complements the richness of the mac and cheese. For a lighter option, a simple salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or broccoli can round out your meal.

Other main dish options include grilled chicken tenders, hot dogs, or even a juicy pulled pork sandwich. And don't forget the sides! Coleslaw, broccoli salad, and cucumber salad all offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy Velveeta shells and cheese.

So, whether you're craving comfort food or a light and healthy meal, there are plenty of options to choose from when deciding what to serve with Velveeta shells and cheese.

BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket

BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and brisket are all delicious main dishes that can be served with Velveeta shells and cheese. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and serve these dishes to complement the Velveeta shells and cheese:

BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs are a classic choice for a cookout or weeknight dinner and can be easily paired with Velveeta shells and cheese. To prepare the ribs, you can choose to grill, smoke, or bake them, ensuring they are cooked low and slow to achieve tender and juicy meat. Slather the ribs with your favourite BBQ sauce to add a tangy and sweet dimension to the dish.

When serving BBQ ribs with Velveeta shells and cheese, consider presenting them as separate dishes, allowing the flavours of each to shine. The creamy and cheesy shells will complement the smokey and savoury ribs, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal. Don't forget to have some napkins on hand, as this pairing can get a little messy!

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. For a true BBQ experience, consider smoking the pork or cooking it slowly in a crockpot to achieve tender, juicy meat that pulls apart effortlessly. You can then mix this with your favourite BBQ sauce to add a tangy twist.

When serving pulled pork with Velveeta shells and cheese, you have a few options. You can serve them as separate dishes, allowing the flavours of each to stand out. Alternatively, you can create a hearty casserole by layering the Velveeta shells and cheese with the pulled pork. Don't forget to top it off with some shredded cheese and bake it to perfection for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Brisket

Brisket is a classic BBQ dish that can be easily paired with Velveeta shells and cheese. To prepare the brisket, you can choose to smoke it, cook it in a slow cooker, or oven-roast it. Ensure you cook it low and slow to achieve tender and juicy meat. You can then slice or pull the brisket and smother it in your favourite BBQ sauce.

When serving brisket with Velveeta shells and cheese, you have the option to serve them as separate dishes or combine them for an indulgent meal. For a fun presentation, layer the Velveeta shells and cheese in a bowl and top them with slices of juicy brisket. Don't forget to drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top for an added punch of flavour.

Grilled meats – chicken, pork, steak

Grilled meats are a classic pairing with mac and cheese, and chicken, pork, and steak are all excellent options. Here are some ideas for each:

Grilled Chicken

You could prepare a simple herb-grilled chicken, marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Alternatively, try a spicier option with a rub of smoked paprika, cumin, and brown sugar. Pair the chicken with a refreshing side, such as a simple green salad or a strawberry salad.

Grilled Pork

For grilled pork, consider a juicy pork chop or a tenderloin. Marinate the pork in a mixture of dijon mustard, garlic, honey, and rosemary before grilling. You could also offer a fruit-based sauce or chutney on the side, such as an apple or cherry compote, to complement the Velveeta shells and cheese.

Grilled Steak

A well-seasoned steak would also go well with the Velveeta shells and cheese. Try a ribeye or strip steak, rubbed with salt, pepper, and garlic, and grilled to your desired doneness. If you want to get creative, you could make a compound butter with herbs and garlic to melt on top of the steak. Serve the steak with a side of sautéed mushrooms or roasted asparagus.

Salads – sweet potato, simple green, harvest, coleslaw, broccoli

Salads are a great side dish to go along with Velveeta shells and cheese. Here are some salad recipes that you can try:

Sweet Potato Salad

This salad is filled with the perfect balance of textures and sweet-tangy flavours. It is a great last-minute side dish and is ideal for lunch leftovers.

Ingredients:

• Large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 lb.)
• Small red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Dried cranberries
• Feta or goat cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes and red onion in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Distribute them evenly on the sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until tender.
• Let the vegetables cool for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a large bowl.
• Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together vinegar, mustard, honey, and spices. Gradually pour in olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified.
• Toss the sweet potatoes with the dressing, cranberries, feta or goat cheese, and parsley.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Simple Green Salad

This simple green salad is light, refreshing, and delicious. It pairs well with almost any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 small heads of soft lettuce, such as butter lettuce
• Lemon vinaigrette
• 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pepitas
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• Flaky sea salt, optional
• Roasted Tamari Almonds:
• 1/2 tablespoon tamari
• 1/2 cup almonds

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the almonds on the sheet and toss with tamari.
• Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with a few spoonfuls of lemon vinaigrette.
• Add the cucumber, Parmesan, pepitas, avocado, and tamari almonds to the bowl.
• Drizzle with more dressing and top with microgreens and flaky sea salt, if desired.

Harvest Salad

This Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad combines all the best produce that fall has to offer. It is colourful, flavorful, and has a great texture.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup raw pecans
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
• 6 cups arugula or shredded kale
• 2 honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• Arils from 1 pomegranate
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple butter (optional)
• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
• Kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On the prepared baking sheet, toss together the pecans, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Arrange in a single layer.
• Lay the prosciutto flat around the nuts.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the nuts are toasted and the prosciutto is crisp.
• In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula or kale, apples, avocado, and pomegranate arils.
• To make the vinaigrette, combine all the ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake well.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, tossing to combine.
• Top the salad with toasted nuts, prosciutto, and feta cheese.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes well with many meals. It is crunchy, creamy, and can be made in just 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 small cabbage, shredded and chopped
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper, more or less to taste

Instructions:

• Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core from each side.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the cabbage into very thin slices, then chop the slices into small pieces.
• In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Add the shredded carrots to the bowl with the chopped cabbage.
• Mix the carrots into the cabbage.
• Add the coleslaw dressing to the cabbage mixture and mix well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is a quick and easy dish that is full of fresh, crisp broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. It is tossed in a creamy homemade dressing.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits.

Vegetables – zucchini, squash, green beans, potato skins, corn, broccoli

Velveeta Shells & Cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of vegetables to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. Here are some ideas for vegetables that go well with Velveeta Shells & Cheese:

Zucchini

Zucchini is a soft vegetable that can be easily incorporated into your Velveeta Shells & Cheese dish. It has a mild flavour and a soft texture, making it a great addition to the creamy cheese sauce. You can slice, dice, or spiralize zucchini and add it to the pasta for a boost of colour and nutrition. Zucchini is also versatile in terms of cooking methods; it can be roasted, sautéed, grilled, or steamed, adding a variety of textures to your meal.

Squash

Squash, particularly yellow squash and summer squash, pair well with the creamy cheese sauce of Velveeta Shells & Cheese. Squash provides a burst of colour and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Similar to zucchini, squash can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as roasting or sautéing, to add different textures and flavours to complement the pasta.

Green Beans

Green beans are a crisp and healthy addition to Velveeta Shells & Cheese. They provide a contrast in texture and add a fresh, savoury flavour to the dish. Green beans can be steamed, boiled, or sautéed, and they go particularly well with the cheese sauce. You can also experiment with different types of green beans, such as French beans or fine beans, to find your preferred variety.

Potato Skins

Potato skins, especially when loaded with toppings, make a hearty and satisfying addition to Velveeta Shells & Cheese. The crispness of the potato skins complements the creaminess of the cheese sauce. You can top your potato skins with a variety of ingredients, such as bacon bits, green onions, or even extra cheese, to create a flavourful and indulgent side dish.

Corn

Corn, either fresh or frozen, is a sweet and juicy vegetable that pairs well with Velveeta Shells & Cheese. It adds a pop of colour and a touch of natural sweetness to the dish. Corn can be incorporated in a variety of ways, such as mixing it directly into the pasta or serving it as a side. You can also experiment with different types of corn, such as sweet corn or baby corn, to find your preferred variety.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a classic vegetable pairing with cheese, and it goes exceptionally well with Velveeta Shells & Cheese. Broccoli florets add a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavour to the dish. You can steam, roast, or sauté the broccoli, and then mix it into the pasta or serve it on the side. Broccoli is also a nutritious option, packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your meal.

Breads – cornbread, garlic bread, cheese bread, biscuits, muffins

Bread is a great side to go with Velveeta shells and cheese, especially if you want to keep things simple. Here are some bread options that will complement the cheesy dish:

Cornbread

Cornbread is a sweet and savoury option that will add a crunchy texture to your meal. It is a perfect match for sauce-rich food, as the crispy crust and fluffy inside can soak up the cheese sauce.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is another tasty option to consider. The combination of butter, garlic, and parsley on toasted bread creates a delicious side that will enhance the flavour of the Velveeta shells and cheese.

Cheese Bread

For an extra cheesy experience, cheese bread is an excellent choice. The additional cheese will complement the Velveeta shells, creating a flavourful and indulgent meal.

Biscuits

Biscuits can also be a great side with Velveeta shells and cheese. They are a simple and quick option to prepare and provide a crunchy texture to go with the creamy dish.

Muffins

Finally, muffins are another bread option to round off the meal. Savoury muffins, such as sausage cheese muffins, will add a meaty kick to your meal, while corn muffins can provide a sweet and buttery contrast to the Velveeta shells and cheese.

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