Macaroni Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas For A Comfort Food Classic

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. If you're serving it as a side, it goes well with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak, or BBQ ribs. For vegetarians, mac and cheese can be served with simple steamed or sauteed vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli.

If mac and cheese is the main course, it can be served with a simple mixed green salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber, or roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. For something heartier, mac and cheese can be paired with grilled or fried chicken, traditional British sausages, or pulled pork.

There are also several toppings and garnishes that can be added to mac and cheese to elevate the dish, such as crispy bacon bits, herbs, hot sauce, or fried mushrooms.

Salads

Macaroni salads are a great side dish to serve alongside macaroni cheese. They are typically made with a combination of pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a creamy dressing. Here are some ideas for macaroni salads that can accompany a macaroni cheese dish:

Traditional Southern Macaroni Salad

This salad usually includes mayonnaise, cheese, vinegar, and a few vegetables such as onion, green pepper, peas, and celery. You can also add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. This salad is best served cold, so be sure to rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and let it cool completely before adding the remaining ingredients.

Macaroni and Cheese Salad

For a unique twist, try a macaroni and cheese salad that combines the pasta with vinegar, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green bell pepper, celery, green onions, tomatoes, and seasonings. The vinegar and cheese give this salad a distinct flavour. You can also add mayonnaise to the mix.

Cheddar and Macaroni Salad

This salad features a creamy dressing and a combination of cheese, peas, bell pepper, celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish. It's best served after being well-chilled in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead option for a comforting side dish during the summer.

Simple Macaroni Salad

This salad is perfect for potlucks and parties, as it can be easily customised to your taste. The basic ingredients include macaroni noodles, add-ins such as finely chopped red bell pepper, frozen peas, and cubed or shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a dressing. You can whisk together a creamy sauce with mayo, vinegar, dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Cheesy Macaroni Salad

For a fun twist, you can transform boxed Mac & Cheese or Kraft Dinner into a delicious side dish. Simply prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions, and then add some diced red bell pepper, gherkins, and jarred pickled onions. Whisk together the cheese powder from the box with mayonnaise, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to create a tasty cheese sauce.

Vegetables

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it can always be improved by adding some vegetables! Here are some ideas for veggies to add to your mac and cheese:

Baked Veggie Mac and Cheese

This recipe includes broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and celery. The veggies are boiled and then baked with the mac and cheese. You can also add zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, onions, artichoke hearts, or snap peas.

Spicy Roasted Vegetable Mac and Cheese

This recipe includes broccoli, red pepper, yellow squash, carrots, and garlic. The veggies are roasted in the oven before being added to the mac and cheese.

Vegetable Mac and Cheese

This recipe is designed to be a quick and easy weeknight dinner or side dish. It includes broccoli and zucchini, but you can use any veggies you like.

Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

This recipe has cauliflower, squash, and carrots puréed and mixed into the cheese sauce. This is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal without sacrificing flavor.

Healthy Mac and Cheese with Veggies

This recipe includes cauliflower, zucchini, and onion. The veggies are steamed and puréed before being added to the cheese sauce. You can also use butternut squash, pumpkin, or broccoli purée.

Roasted Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe includes red pepper, sweet potato, yellow squash, broccoli, mushrooms, and onion. The veggies are roasted and then mixed with the mac and cheese.

Breads

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side dish, and it pairs well with a variety of breads. Here are some ideas for breads to serve with macaroni and cheese:

Garlic Bread

The classic pairing of garlic bread and pasta is always a winner. The garlicky, buttery flavours of the bread complement the creaminess of the macaroni and cheese. You can make your own garlic bread by slicing a baguette in half lengthwise, spreading it with a mixture of butter, garlic, and Italian herbs, and then baking it until toasted.

Cheesy Bread

For an extra indulgent option, serve your macaroni and cheese with a side of cheesy bread. This could be a simple dish of sliced French bread topped with shredded cheese and baked until melted, or a more elaborate pull-apart bread stuffed with cheese and herbs. The additional cheese will only enhance the flavours of your mac and cheese!

Cornbread

Cornbread is a traditional Southern side dish that goes well with comfort foods like macaroni and cheese. You can make a basic cornbread with cornmeal, flour, butter, and honey, or add some extra flavour with ingredients like cheddar cheese, jalapeños, or green onions.

Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are a great option if you want something a bit more delicate and less filling than a heartier bread. Look for soft, fluffy dinner rolls that will soak up the sauce from your macaroni and cheese. You can find these at most bakeries, or make your own with a simple yeast dough recipe.

Focaccia

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that is often served as a side with pasta dishes. It has a dense, chewy texture and a crispy exterior. You can find plain focaccia or get creative with toppings like rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives. Cut it into slices or cubes and serve it alongside your macaroni and cheese.

Proteins

Macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting meal, and it can be made even more satisfying by adding some protein to the dish. Here are some great options for proteins that will complement your mac and cheese:

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile protein that goes well with mac and cheese. You can use shredded or sliced chicken breast, ground chicken, or even BBQ chicken. If you're short on time, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a great shortcut. Chicken adds a good amount of protein to your meal and pairs nicely with the creamy cheese sauce.

Tuna

Canned tuna is a convenient and affordable protein option that goes surprisingly well with mac and cheese. Look for tuna packed in oil rather than water for the best flavour and sear it in a skillet before mixing it into your mac and cheese. You can also try seared tuna steaks for a more upscale dish.

Bacon

Bacon is a classic breakfast meat, but it also works wonderfully as a topping for mac and cheese. The salty, crispy bacon adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy pasta. You can use it as a topping or mix it right into the pasta.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a hearty protein option that can take your mac and cheese to the next level. You can cook the ground beef separately and mix it into the pasta, or you could make a cheeseburger mac and cheese skillet for a fun twist on the classic.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a delicious and tender protein option that pairs well with the creaminess of mac and cheese. You can make your own pulled pork or look for pre-made options at your local grocery store. It's especially tasty with a BBQ sauce flavour.

Tofu

For a vegetarian-friendly protein option, tofu is an excellent choice. Crumble it into your mac and cheese for a boost of plant-based protein. You can also season and bake tofu cubes as a tasty side dish to accompany your pasta.

Condiments

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customised with various condiments and toppings to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some condiment options to consider:

Hot Sauce

A dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick to your macaroni and cheese, balancing the creaminess of the dish. Popular options include Frank's RedHot and Tabasco.

Salt and Black Pepper

Some people prefer their food on the saltier side, so having salt and black pepper on hand is always a good idea. Seasoning with salt and pepper can enhance the flavours of the cheese and other ingredients in your macaroni and cheese.

Red Pepper Flakes

If you want to add some extra heat and spice to your macaroni and cheese, red pepper flakes are a great option. They provide a similar effect to hot sauce but with a different type of heat and flavour.

Ketchup

While it may seem unusual, ketchup is a beloved condiment for macaroni and cheese among some enthusiasts. It adds a sweet and tangy flavour that complements the cheese.

Mustard

Mustard, either regular or Dijon, can add a sharp and tangy flavour to your macaroni and cheese. A small amount of dry mustard can also be used, but remember that a little goes a long way.

Other Condiments

Other condiments that you can experiment with include barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing. You can also try adding extra cheese toppings, such as blue cheese crumbles or crushed nacho cheese Doritos, for an extra cheesy blend.

Frequently asked questions