Mac And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For A Hearty Meal

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It is often paired with BBQ meats such as ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, or fried chicken. Mac and cheese also goes well with salads, especially those with a vinaigrette or acidic dressing to cut through the richness of the cheese. Simple steamed or roasted vegetables are another classic side dish, with broccoli being a popular choice.

Meatloaf

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. When served as a side, it can accompany meatloaf, a classic American dish. Here are some tips and recipes for creating a delicious meatloaf to go with your macaroni and cheese:

Recipes for Meatloaf to Serve with Macaroni and Cheese:

Macaroni and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole:

This recipe combines two favourite dinners into one tasty dish. Start by preparing a moist and flavourful meatloaf base, glazed with a BBQ sauce. Bake this in the oven, and then top it off with a creamy macaroni and cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake until the flavours meld together.

For the meatloaf base, you will need:

• Lean ground beef
• Ritz-style crackers
• Dry onion soup mix
• Tomato ketchup
• BBQ sauce
• Egg

For the macaroni and cheese layer:

• Dry macaroni noodles
• Milk
• Condensed cheddar cheese soup
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Macaroni and Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf:

This recipe takes the classic meatloaf to the next level by stuffing it with extra cheesy macaroni. Combine your meatloaf ingredients, and then shape half of the mixture into a free-form loaf, creating a small cavity in the centre. In a separate bowl, mix the macaroni and cheese with some mozzarella cheese, and scoop it into the cavity. Top the loaf with the remaining meat mixture, pinching the sides closed. Bake until cooked through, and then brush on a simple topping before returning to the oven for a few more minutes.

For the meatloaf, you will need:

• Lean ground beef
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• Finely diced onion
• Honey BBQ sauce
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

For the macaroni and cheese filling:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

For the topping:

• Brown sugar
• Yellow mustard
• Ketchup

Side Dishes to Accompany Meatloaf and Macaroni and Cheese:

When serving meatloaf and macaroni and cheese, you may want to include some side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Rolls
• Baked beans
• Caesar salad
• Asparagus
• Spinach salad
• Pilaf
• Peas
• Broccoli
• Cabbage

BBQ chicken or pork

BBQ Chicken

Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks can be a fantastic addition to your mac and cheese. You can coat the chicken in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce that's both sweet and tangy. Alternatively, you can try smoking the chicken to infuse it with a delicious smokiness that adds depth to every bite. If you're short on time, you can use leftover pulled BBQ chicken or a rotisserie chicken.

BBQ Pork

Pulled pork mac and cheese is a hearty and mouthwatering combination that's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. You can use leftover pulled pork and your favourite BBQ sauce to create a creamy and smoky dish. This option is also great if you're looking for a gluten-free meal—simply swap in your favourite gluten-free noodles and flour.

Customisations

You can customise your BBQ chicken or pork mac and cheese to your liking. Here are some ideas:

• Add some crunch with fried onions, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers on top.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, Monterey jack, or pepper jack.
• Spice things up with jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Add bacon bits for an extra smoky and salty kick.
• Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for added smokiness.
• Serve with a side of garlic rolls, crusty bread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Salads

Simple Green Salad

A simple salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots will add a refreshing crunch to your meal. You can also add some colourful fruit like strawberries or pomegranate for a unique touch.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of goat's cheese and the crunch of toasted almonds. It's a fresh and pretty dish that goes well with the rich cheese sauce of mac and cheese.

Wilted Endive Salad

For a light and zesty option, try a wilted endive salad with orange segments, dates, and almonds. This simple salad has a nicely complex flavour that will pair well with the simplicity of mac and cheese.

Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Honey-Lime Dressing

This slaw is a crowd-pleaser, with a slightly sweet honey dressing and a fruity-veggie combination. You can chop the cabbage into extra-thin shreds to ensure it's a hit with kids, too.

Kale Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad with a twist, this version uses kale instead of romaine, so it keeps for longer in the fridge. You can add any dressing you like, but a bacon and garlic dressing topped with Parmesan cheese is a great option.

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Somewhere between a salad and a slaw, this salad has a tangy dressing and a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of mac and cheese. It also makes excellent leftovers, so you can enjoy it even after your mac and cheese is gone!

Simple Arugula Salad

A quick and easy option, this arugula salad is tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and finished with shaved Parmesan. It's a simple yet delicious side dish that lets the mac and cheese remain the star of the show.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Hazelnuts & Brown Butter Dressing

This salad takes a little more time to prepare, but the combination of flavours and textures is well worth the effort. The sweetness of the apples and the nuttiness of the hazelnuts complement each other beautifully.

Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad is a light and refreshing option that can help balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. You can add other ingredients like red onions, tomatoes, and croutons to give it some extra crunch and flavour.

Mediterranean Salad

Brighten up your plate with a Mediterranean-style salad. Fresh cucumbers, grape tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese are tossed in a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. It's a great way to bring some bright, sunny flavours to your meal.

Red Cabbage Slaw

A good slaw is creamy, colourful, and crunchy, and this red cabbage slaw ticks all those boxes. The addition of carrots, sunflower seeds, fresh parsley, and green onions gives it amazing texture and tangy flavour.

These salad options will not only complement the flavours of your mac and cheese but also provide a healthy balance to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and finding your favourite combinations!

Breads

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. Here are some bread options to consider if you're looking to make this dish even more satisfying:

Bacon Cornbread

Cornbread is a classic Southern bread that pairs well with macaroni and cheese. Adding bacon to the mix gives it a savoury kick that complements the creamy cheese sauce.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is another option that can add a punch of flavour to your meal. The sharpness of garlic goes well with the richness of macaroni and cheese.

Quick Cheese Bread

If you're looking for a bread that's a little more similar to macaroni and cheese in terms of flavour, quick cheese bread could be a good option. This bread is usually made with a combination of cheeses, giving it a strong and sharp flavour.

Gluten-Free Biscuits

For those who are gluten-intolerant or prefer gluten-free options, gluten-free biscuits can be a good choice to accompany macaroni and cheese. These biscuits tend to be flaky and buttery, making them a tasty side.

Oat Flour Bread

Oat flour bread is a healthier alternative to traditional white bread, and its slightly sweet and nutty flavour can complement the savouriness of macaroni and cheese.

Sausage Cheese Muffins

Sausage cheese muffins are a fun and portable option to pair with macaroni and cheese. They combine the savouriness of sausage with the sharpness of cheese, making them a tasty treat.

When choosing a bread to pair with macaroni and cheese, consider the flavour profile you're looking for. Something with herbs or seeds, like caraway rye, could add an interesting contrast to the dish. Alternatively, whole wheat bread can provide a nutty flavour and a chewy texture to balance the creaminess of the macaroni and cheese.

Grilled meats

Grilled Steak

Steak is a popular choice to pair with mac and cheese, creating an indulgent feast. The key to a successful pairing is selecting a good-quality steak, such as a US ribeye, New York Strip, or slow-cooked chuck steak. The rich, savoury notes of the steak complement the creamy cheesiness of the macaroni. For an extra flavour boost, consider adding pepper jack cheese or sweet onion varieties to your mac and cheese. Mushrooms and peppers can also be incorporated for added texture and taste.

Grilled Chicken

Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with mac and cheese. It can be baked, fried, or grilled to perfection and served alongside or mixed into the macaroni. Chicken's mild flavour allows it to complement a range of cheeses, from mild cheddar and mozzarella to stronger options like blue cheese or smoked gouda. For an extra punch of flavour, add aromatics like fresh herbs or spices to your chicken.

Grilled Pork

Pork is an excellent addition to mac and cheese, offering a savoury, smoky flavour. Try using shredded or diced smoked pork, or even bacon crumbles, for a decadent touch. Pork can be prepared in a variety of ways, from country-style grilled or oven-roasted with crispy skin. For a tasty twist, add barbeque pork cubes with your favourite BBQ sauce as a topping to your mac and cheese.

Grilled Sausages

Sausages are a flavourful and textural ingredient that can elevate your mac and cheese. Choose from a range of flavours like beef, pork, turkey, or Italian sausages to add a savory smack to your dish. Deep-frying sausage chunks before adding them to the mac and cheese can provide an extra crunchy texture.

Grilled Tofu

For a vegan-friendly option, grilled tofu is a delicious and creamy addition to mac and cheese. Simply fry tofu in olive oil until browned, and add it to your macaroni towards the end of cooking to avoid it breaking apart. You can also add nutritional yeast to boost the cheesy flavour.

So, fire up that grill and get creative with these grilled meat options to take your macaroni and cheese to the next level!

Frequently asked questions