Patrick Oconnell
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of meats to create a hearty and satisfying meal. From bacon and ground beef to pulled pork and shredded chicken, there are numerous options to add a savoury depth to this classic comfort food. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, lean, dry-rubbed brisket or buffalo chicken wings can bring a unique flavour to mac and cheese. Alternatively, BBQ ribs or chicken drumsticks can add a smoky touch, while meatloaf provides a cosy, homely feel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Bacon, ground beef, brisket, pulled pork, shredded chicken, cooked sausage, pulled chicken taco meat, BBQ ribs, chicken drumsticks |
| Other ingredients | Broccoli, caramelized onions, jalapeños, shrimp, hotdogs, different cheeses, baked beans, green beans, zucchini, sesame seeds, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, butter, salt, paprika, chipotle pepper, buffalo chicken wings |
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What You'll Learn
Bacon
When choosing bacon to serve with mac and cheese, look for a thick-cut variety that will hold up to the other strong flavours in the dish. You can also experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, to add extra flavour.
If you're serving bacon as a side dish, consider cooking it until it's crispy and serving it with a dipping sauce, such as a spicy BBQ sauce or a cool ranch dressing. You could also serve it with a side of baked beans, which are a classic pairing with bacon and will also complement the mac and cheese.
Finally, don't forget that bacon can be a bit greasy, so be sure to drain off any excess fat after cooking. This will help to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too oily.
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Ground beef
When cooking with ground beef, it's best to avoid adding sauce to the meat before cooking, as this can prevent browning. Instead, drizzle sauce over the meat once the dish has cooked.
You could also try adding bacon, shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or pulled pork to your mac and cheese. If you want to add more vegetables, broccoli, green beans, zucchini, and sesame seeds are all tasty options.
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Pulled pork
To take the dish to the next level, you can add a variety of toppings and sides. Crispy, fried onions add a crunchy texture, while a drizzle of BBQ sauce adds a tangy, smoky flavour. A simple side salad can also help to balance out the richness of the dish.
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BBQ ribs
When preparing BBQ ribs, it's important to choose a cut of meat with plenty of marbling, which will ensure they are juicy and tender. Spare ribs or baby back ribs are ideal, and you can ask your butcher to trim them St. Louis-style for easier handling. Before cooking, remove the thin membrane from the bone side of the ribs, as this can become tough and chewy when cooked.
There are several ways to cook BBQ ribs, but low and slow is the classic method. This involves smoking the ribs at a low temperature for several hours, infusing them with a deep, smoky flavour. You can use a smoker or a charcoal grill, or even your oven, maintaining a temperature of around 225-250°F (110-120°C). Baste the ribs with your barbecue sauce every 30 minutes to an hour, and cook until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
If you're short on time, you can also cook BBQ ribs in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. This method takes just 30 minutes of cooking time, followed by a quick broil in the oven to caramelise the sauce. The result is fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a delicious, sticky glaze.
Whether you choose the traditional low and slow method or opt for a quicker pressure cooker version, BBQ ribs are an excellent choice to serve with mac and cheese. The savoury, smoky flavours of the ribs pair beautifully with the creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Chicken
When serving chicken with mac and cheese, consider the other flavours and ingredients in your dish. For example, if you're using a sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese, you might want to choose a milder chicken preparation to let the cheese shine. On the other hand, if you're using a more mild cheese, like mozzarella, you could choose a stronger-flavoured chicken dish to add some depth to your meal.
In terms of sides, you could serve a salad or vegetables to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese and the chicken. Broccoli, green beans, and zucchini are all great options that would pair well with chicken and mac and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular choices include bacon, ground beef, shredded chicken, cooked sausage or pulled pork.
BBQ ribs, pulled chicken taco meat, and lean, dry-rubbed brisket are all good options.
You could try adding broccoli, green beans, zucchini, sesame seeds, or baked beans.
