Mac And Cheese: Best Meats To Pair

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. While it is delicious on its own, adding meat to the mix takes it to the next level. Here are some of the best meats to pair with mac and cheese:

- Chicken: A classic choice that is versatile and can be baked, fried, or added to the macaroni.

- Pork: Adding sliced pork tenderloin or bacon crumbles brings a smoky flavour to the dish.

- Turkey: Why wait for Thanksgiving? Turkey goes amazingly well with mac and cheese.

- Bacon: A top option to pair with any food, bacon can be cooked into the mac and cheese or sprinkled on top.

- Sausage: A fulfilling addition that adds protein and satisfies even the hungriest eaters.

- Hot Dogs: A salty and savory combination that is also a healthy option due to its protein content.

- Beef: A common accompaniment to mac and cheese, beef comes in various forms, from ground beef to bacon-wrapped filet mignon.

- Tofu: For a vegan-friendly option, fry tofu in olive oil and add it to the macaroni pasta dish at the end of cooking.

- Fish: Chunks of salmon or tuna add an unusual but delicious twist to the classic dish.

- Shrimp: This popular seafood item is low in saturated fats, high in protein, and extremely versatile.

- Steak: A perfect pairing that adds a daring and adventurous twist to the comfort of mac and cheese.

- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a filling and healthy option to pair with mac and cheese.

- Rabbit: For something unique, rabbit meat has a similar taste to chicken with an extra hit of gamey flavour.

- Venison: This lean meat is now more widely available and pairs well with the mild taste of mac and cheese.

- Duck: A delectable and less common addition that is worth trying, especially when paired with a cheesy dish like mac and cheese.

Chicken

If you're looking for a lighter option to pair with macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders are a great choice. Marinated in garlic, lemon, olive oil, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, these tenders have a complex, zesty flavor. Quick and easy to make, they are a comforting and homey combination when served with macaroni and cheese.

For a more adventurous pairing, try adding chicken to a macaroni and cheese dish with Cajun seasonings, peppers, and onions. Spicy andouille sausage can also be added for an extra kick, creating a smoky flavor that balances out the richness of the macaroni and cheese.

Pork

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course, and adding meat to the mix elevates it to a whole new level. Here are some reasons why pork is an excellent choice to pair with mac and cheese:

Adding a Smokey Flavor

Just because mac and cheese is rich and creamy doesn't mean it won't go well with smoked flavors. Pork tenderloin, bacon, or even sliced ham can add a little smokiness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the macaroni and cheese. This gives your meal a little more depth and keeps it interesting.

Creating a Hearty Dish

Making it a Comfort Food Classic

Mac and cheese is often considered a comfort food, and adding pork to the mix only enhances that feeling. Pulled pork mac and cheese is a perfect example of this. The combination of tender pulled pork and creamy macaroni creates a cozy and indulgent meal, perfect for a cold winter day. You can also use leftover pulled pork or store-bought options, making it a convenient choice.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

Making it a Kid-Friendly Option

Beef

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a versatile option that can be easily incorporated into macaroni and cheese. Try browning the ground beef and mixing it into your macaroni and cheese for a heartier dish. You can also use ground beef to make a filling for a macaroni and cheese casserole. For a fun twist, try the classic "Taco Cheeseburger Macaroni," which combines taco spices with cheddar cheese soup for a family-friendly meal.

If you're looking for a more creative way to serve beef with macaroni and cheese, try making easy cheeseburger bowls. These bowls typically include ground beef, macaroni, and cheese, along with other toppings like diced onions, peppers, and tomatoes. This option allows you to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of macaroni and cheese.

Steak

For a more indulgent and adventurous pairing, steak is an excellent choice to serve with macaroni and cheese. The contrast between the dainty pasta and the bold, juicy steak creates an unexpected balance. It adds a daring element to your meal while still satisfying your comfort food cravings.

Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese

For a fun and flavourful fusion, try combining sloppy Joe with macaroni and cheese. This genius combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who enjoy a hearty, meaty dish. The ground beef filling goes perfectly with the gooey macaroni and cheese, resulting in a flavourful and satisfying casserole.

Tex-Mex Macaroni and Cheese

If you're craving something with a kick, try Tex-Mex macaroni and cheese. This dish combines ground beef with bell peppers, tomatoes, and corn for a flavourful and colourful skillet meal. It's an easy way to add some spice and variety to your traditional macaroni and cheese.

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

For an extra indulgent and luxurious pairing, consider bacon-wrapped filet mignon served with macaroni and cheese. The savoury bacon and tender filet mignon create an elegant and adventurous combination. It's a unique way to enjoy the best of both worlds: the comfort of macaroni and cheese and the sophistication of a classic steak dinner.

In conclusion, beef is a versatile and satisfying option to pair with macaroni and cheese. Whether you choose to incorporate ground beef, savour a juicy steak, or indulge in bacon-wrapped filet mignon, these suggestions will surely elevate your macaroni and cheese experience.

Fish

Seafood and cheese is a combination that some people consider taboo. However, it is a widely-accepted global phenomenon, with dishes such as French mussels in an earthy blue cheese broth, Chilean Machas à La Parmesana, and oyster dip packed with cream cheese.

The taboo likely stems from the fact that seafood tends to have a delicate flavour that can be overwhelmed by strong, fermented cheese. However, when done right, cheese can enhance the flavours of seafood. For instance, pizza with anchovies and melted mozzarella works well, as do classic dishes such as sea bass with chevré and salmon fillets dredged in a Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.

For a more upscale dish, seafood mac and cheese is a decadent option. Lobster, shrimp, crab, and crawfish are popular choices for this dish, and it can be made even more luxurious by using expensive cheeses such as Gruyère. This dish is often served with a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Sausage

When adding sausage to your macaroni and cheese, cut the sausage into pieces of a similar size to your macaroni. This ensures the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the dish. You can then sprinkle the sausage over the top of your macaroni and cheese, or mix it through.

If you're looking for a spicy kick, try using andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, peppers, and onions. This will give your macaroni and cheese an incredible smoky flavour with a bit of heat. If you can't get your hands on andouille sausage, chorizo or a spicy turkey or chicken sausage are excellent alternatives.

For a milder sausage, Italian sausage is a great option. You can also use a combination of cheddar and American cheese, or any good mixture of melting cheese, for a tasty, gooey dish.

If you're short on time, you can also use a prepared macaroni and cheese dinner and simply add your sausage and other ingredients. This is a super quick and convenient option for busy families.

Frequently asked questions