Andy Montoya
Macaroni 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 meats such as BBQ ribs, chicken, brisket, steak, and pulled pork. For a heartier meal, macaroni and cheese can be served as a main course with the addition of meats such as bacon, ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken. It can also be paired with a salad or vegetable side dish to round out the meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat to add directly to macaroni and cheese | Bacon, beef, chicken, ham, pork, turkey, shrimp, sausage, hotdogs, ground beef, pulled pork, cooked sausage, brisket, shredded chicken, shrimp, sausages, hotdogs, beef chili, tofu, tempeh, soy versions of shredded chicken, or lobster tail |
| Meat to serve as a side dish with macaroni and cheese | Meatloaf, BBQ chicken, pork, grilled chicken, steak, fried pork chops, grilled steak, smoked brisket, ribs, buffalo chicken, fried chicken, tandoori fried chicken, pulled chicken, baby back pork ribs, buttermilk fried chicken, chicken drumsticks, brisket, sausages, BBQ ribs, pork tenderloin, pork roast, breaded fishsticks, or lobster tail |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
BBQ ribs
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. When served as a side, it pairs well with meats like chicken, brisket, or BBQ ribs.
One way to elevate your mac and cheese is to add shredded BBQ rib meat directly into the dish. This can be done with leftover ribs, or you can specifically prepare ribs to mix into your mac and cheese. For example, you can smoke a beef rib low and slow until it's juicy and tender, shred it, and mix it into your mac and cheese for a hearty and flavourful meal. You can also top your mac and cheese with extra cheese and bacon bits for added crunch and flavour.
Another option is to serve the ribs and mac and cheese as separate dishes. You can prepare fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs and serve them with a side of creamy mac and cheese. This combination is sure to impress your guests and leave them talking about it for days.
Whether you mix the ribs into your mac and cheese or serve them as a side, the combination of BBQ ribs and macaroni and cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to be a hit.
Stouffer's Mac and Cheese: Phthalates Included?
You may want to see also
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 pairs well with meats like chicken, brisket, or BBQ ribs.
To make this delicious dish, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet or a 9x13 casserole dish with tinfoil and lightly spray with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and honey BBQ sauce. You can also add ground sausage to this mixture for extra flavour. Knead the mixture until it is fully combined.
Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into an 8"x4" loaf in the centre of your chosen dish. Gently press down on the centre of the loaf to create a small cavity, leaving the sides about 1 inch thick. In a separate bowl, mix together the macaroni and cheese with some mozzarella cheese and then scoop it into the cavity in the meatloaf. Top the meatloaf with the remaining meat mixture, pinching the sides closed to enclose the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the meatloaf until it is mostly cooked, then remove it from the oven and add your desired toppings. Pop it back into the oven for a few more minutes until it's done. Serve this mouthwatering dish with a side salad or some Parmesan-roasted broccoli, and you've got a family-friendly meal that's sure to be a hit!
Mac and Cheese Day: A Celebration of Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Fried chicken
There are several ways to prepare fried chicken to pair with macaroni and cheese. One option is to coat the chicken in a buttermilk batter before frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Another variation is Tandoori Fried Chicken, where the chicken is marinated in Tandoori spices before frying, adding a burst of flavour and a crispy texture to the dish.
When serving fried chicken with macaroni and cheese, it can be offered as a side dish or incorporated into the mac and cheese as a meaty addition. Fried chicken can also be served with a barbecue sauce, creating a sweet and tangy flavour profile that complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
Additionally, fried chicken can be shredded or cubed and mixed directly into the macaroni and cheese, creating a hearty and savoury dish. This allows the flavours of the fried chicken to blend seamlessly with the cheesy goodness of the macaroni, resulting in a satisfying and flavourful meal.
Overall, fried chicken is a versatile option that can be customised to suit different preferences when paired with macaroni and cheese. Whether served as a side or incorporated into the dish, fried chicken adds a unique texture and flavour that enhances the dining experience.
Mac and Cheese: Delicious Comfort Food or Bland?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pulled pork
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. When served as a side, it pairs well with meats such as chicken, brisket, or BBQ ribs. When served as a main course, macaroni and cheese can be paired with a vegetable side dish or a salad.
One way to prepare pulled pork as a side dish to macaroni and cheese is to use a slow cooker. This allows the pork to become tender and flavourful, creating a contrast between the creamy macaroni and cheese and the tender meat.
Another option is to prepare Dr Pepper pulled pork, which has a unique and slightly sweet flavour that can complement the creaminess of the macaroni and cheese.
Additionally, pulled pork can be used as an ingredient in macaroni and cheese. Adding shredded pulled pork to the dish can create a savoury depth of flavour and make it a more hearty and satisfying meal. This can be especially tasty when combined with other ingredients such as different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.
Overall, pulled pork is an excellent choice of meat to pair with macaroni and cheese, either as a side dish or as an ingredient in the dish itself, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Macaroni and Cheese: A British Comfort Food?
You may want to see also
Sausages
When serving sausages as a side, you can choose from a variety of recipes, such as grilling or frying them. You can also experiment with different types of sausages, like smoked sausages, to add a unique flavour to your meal.
If you decide to incorporate sausages into your mac and cheese, you can add cooked sausages to the dish after the cheese has melted. This way, you can ensure the sausages retain their savoury depth of flavour and texture. You can also try mixing in different types of cheese, vegetables, and seasonings to create a more complex and personalised dish.
For a more elegant dinner option, you can make a crispy topping with breadcrumbs and extra cheese. This topping can be a delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, creating an enjoyable dining experience.
Additionally, serving a fresh and light salad on the side can complement the rich flavours of the sausage and macaroni combination. A simple vegetable side dish, such as steamed or sautéed broccoli, can also add some greenery to your meal.
Mac and Cheese: Britain's Favourite Comfort Food?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Popular choices include bacon, ground beef, shredded chicken, cooked sausage, and pulled pork.
Barbecue meats such as brisket, pulled pork, and baby back ribs pair well with macaroni and cheese.
Grilled and smoked meats such as steak, chicken, and barbecue leftovers can be added as toppings.
Meatloaf is a popular side dish that pairs well with macaroni and cheese.
Birria tacos, a popular Mexican dish, can be combined with macaroni and cheese for a unique flavor profile.
