Mac And Cheese: Perfect Main Course Pairings

Mac 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 ribs, pulled pork, brisket, fried chicken, or steak. For vegetarians, it goes well with chickpea cutlets, BBQ jackfruit, or roasted veggies. As a main course, mac and cheese can be enhanced with proteins like bacon, ground beef, pulled pork, or sausages. It can also be a meal on its own, especially when paired with a fresh salad or steamed veggies.

Mac and cheese with meatloaf

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. When served as a side, it is commonly paired with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, grilled meats, or fried chicken. However, when macaroni and cheese takes centre stage as the main course, it is often paired with lighter sides such as salads, vegetables, or bread.

One creative way to incorporate macaroni and cheese into a main course is to combine it with meatloaf. This unique dish, known as "Mac and Cheese with Meatloaf" or "Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf", elevates the classic comfort food to a new level. Here's a detailed guide on how to make this mouthwatering creation:

Ingredients:

• Macaroni
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Onion
• BBQ sauce
• Ketchup
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a baking dish by lining it with tinfoil and spraying with non-stick spray.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. Mix until fully blended.
• Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf in the centre of your prepared baking dish. Make a small cavity in the centre of the loaf, leaving the sides about 1 inch thick.
• In a separate bowl, mix cooked macaroni with shredded cheese. You can also add additional ingredients like green peppers, celery, or jalapeños to the macaroni for an extra kick.
• Scoop the macaroni and cheese mixture into the cavity in the meatloaf. Top it with the remaining meat mixture, pinching the sides closed to enclose the macaroni and cheese.
• Bake the meatloaf for about 40 minutes.
• Remove the meatloaf from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F. Prepare a simple topping by combining ketchup, BBQ sauce, and any additional seasonings.
• Brush the topping over the meatloaf and return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the topping is bubbly.
• Let the meatloaf stand for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use a combination of ground beef and sausage for extra flavour.
• Ensure that the bottom and sides of the meatloaf are not too thin, or it may have trouble holding its shape during baking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or green chillies.
• For a creamier texture, substitute milk with Alfredo sauce.
• You can serve this dish with a side salad or roasted broccoli.

Mac and cheese with BBQ ribs

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It is commonly paired with BBQ ribs, especially in Southern cuisine. Here are some tips and recipes to create a delicious and hearty meal with Mac and Cheese with BBQ Ribs:

Choosing the Right Mac and Cheese

The type of mac and cheese you choose can vary depending on your preference and time constraints. You can opt for a homemade version, which allows you to customise the cheese sauce and add your own twist. Alternatively, boxed mac and cheese, such as Annie's Four Cheese Mac & Cheese, offers a convenient and flavourful base for your dish. This option is not only quick and easy but also free of preservatives, synthetic colours, and fake flavours.

Preparing the BBQ Ribs

The key to delicious BBQ ribs is slow cooking them. You can use a crockpot or oven to achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Season and sear the ribs in a cast-iron skillet before transferring them to the crockpot or oven. For the crockpot method, combine the ribs with onion, garlic, red wine, tomato paste, beef broth, and thyme, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours. If using the oven, braise the ribs with similar ingredients and cook until tender. Once cooked, shred the ribs into pieces, removing any bones and fat.

Combining the Dish

The beauty of this combination lies in the mix of creamy mac and cheese with the smoky, tender BBQ ribs. You can prepare the mac and cheese according to your preferred recipe or package instructions. Once your mac and cheese is ready, simply mix in the shredded BBQ rib meat. Feel free to adjust the amount of meat to your liking. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for an even cheesier dish.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

This hearty dish can be served as a stand-alone meal, but if you're looking for sides, consider a crisp salad with vinaigrette or some steamed or roasted vegetables. Breads, such as garlic bread or cornbread, can also complement the flavours nicely. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of your mac and cheese, just like the good old days!

Mac and cheese with pulled pork

Ingredients

• Pulled pork (leftover or store-bought)
• Barbecue sauce
• Pasta (macaroni or other short-cut shapes like shells, penne, or rotini)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (preferably whole milk, but evaporated milk or heavy cream can also be used)
• Cheese (a combination of sharp cheddar, stretchy mozzarella, and smoked gouda works well)
• Spices (granulated garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Pork

Coat the pulled pork with barbecue sauce. You can use any type of barbecue sauce you prefer, such as a sweet or smoky variety, or even a mix of both. Warm up the pulled pork before serving if desired.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until it is al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate pot, melt butter and stir in spices. Create a roux by whisking in flour. Gradually add milk to create a béchamel sauce. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens. Turn off the heat and add grated cheese, a little at a time, to create a creamy cheese sauce.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Add the pulled pork, swirling it into the mac and cheese, and top with additional cheese if desired.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake the mac and cheese in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes, then broil for an additional 2 minutes to achieve crispy, browned bits of cheese and pork. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic rolls or crusty bread
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Coleslaw or a fresh green salad
• Cornbread or corn muffins
• Sliced jalapeños or pickled red onions

Mac and cheese with fried chicken

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

• Chicken breasts, thighs or tenderloins
• Buttermilk
• Spices (salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme)
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, avocado, soybean, canola, or any oil with a high smoke point)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• Pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, spaghetti, penne, or any other shape)
• Butter (unsalted)
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Milk (whole milk or heavy cream)
• Cheese (cheddar, American, mozzarella, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favourites)
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the chicken, buttermilk, and spices in a bowl and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight for more tender meat.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet to 375°F. Dredge the chicken in flour and fry for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through. If frying in batches, keep the finished chicken warm in a low oven.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Add the spices, then slowly whisk in the milk/cream. Bring to a boil, then add the cheese and stir until melted.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Place half of the mac and cheese in a greased casserole dish. Top with half of the fried chicken. Repeat these layers, ending with fried chicken on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is browned.

Tips and Substitutions:

• For a kick of spice, add some cayenne pepper or Louisiana hot sauce.
• For a smoky flavour, use smoked gouda or cheddar cheese.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and creaminess.
• Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from turning mushy while baking.
• For extra crunch and flavour, top the dish with crispy beef bacon bits.
• Serve with biscuits and greens for a complete soul food experience.

Storing and Reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or on the stovetop with a small amount of milk.
• This dish is not recommended for freezing as dairy tends to separate when thawed.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Mac and Cheese with Fried Chicken!

Mac and cheese with salad

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. When serving mac and cheese as a main course, it is important to balance it with a lighter side dish, such as a salad. Here are some ideas for serving mac and cheese with salad:

Types of Salads

• A simple green salad with cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots.
• Strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing, almonds, and goat cheese.
• Wilted endive salad with orange, dates, and almonds.
• Sweet potato salad.
• Harvest salad.
• Broccoli salad.
• Strawberry salad.

Dressings

• Lemon dressing.
• Vinaigrette.

Additional Tips

• Add some fruit like pomegranate or strawberries to a simple salad to make it more special.
• If serving mac and cheese as a side, pair it with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak.
• To make the mac and cheese more of a main dish, add proteins like bacon, ham, or tuna.

Frequently asked questions