Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. When served as a side, mac and cheese pairs well with meats such as chicken, brisket, or BBQ ribs. For a heartier meal, mac and cheese can be served as a main dish with a variety of meats. Some popular options include ground beef, bacon, and fried chicken. For a lighter option, mac and cheese can be served with a vegetable side dish such as a salad or steamed vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat to serve with Mac and Cheese | Bacon, Beef ribs, Hamburger pinwheels, Meatballs, Fried chicken thighs, Ground beef, Lobster, Crab, Chicken |
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What You'll Learn
Fried chicken
To make fried chicken mac and cheese, you will need to start by marinating your chicken. This can be done by adding the chicken to a bowl with buttermilk and spices, and leaving it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also add sriracha and maple butter to the marinade if you want to add some spice to your dish. The chicken should then be dredged in flour and fried for around 5 minutes. If you are frying in batches, you can keep the cooked chicken warm in the oven at 200 degrees.
While the chicken is frying, you can start preparing the macaroni. Boil your pasta of choice for 6 minutes—elbow macaroni is a popular choice, but you can use any noodle. For a more luxurious dish, you could try adding pumpkin puree to your mac and cheese. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a pot and add flour, creating a roux. You can then add in milk or cream and simmer until thickened. If you are using milk, you can use any percentage—just ensure you use the same amount of liquid. You can also add spices to your sauce for extra flavour. Once the cheese has melted, combine the pasta and sauce, and layer with fried chicken.
Finally, place your dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has browned. You can then serve with fresh parsley and hot sauce.
This fried chicken mac and cheese is a perfect comfort food, and a great dish to serve at a party or holiday gathering.
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Meatloaf
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with various meats, including fried chicken thighs, ground beef or turkey, bacon, and beef ribs. For those seeking a unique and indulgent option, meatloaf stuffed with macaroni and cheese is a creative way to elevate this classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
- Lean ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Onion
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
- Honey BBQ sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Macaroni and cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9x13 casserole dish or a baking sheet with tinfoil and lightly spray with non-stick spray. Set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and honey BBQ sauce. Knead the mixture until it is fully combined.
Take half of the meat mixture and shape it into an approximately 8-inch by 4-inch loaf in the center of your chosen dish. Gently press down on the center of the loaf to create a small cavity, leaving the sides about one inch thick.
In a separate bowl, mix together your favorite macaroni and cheese with the mozzarella cheese. Generously scoop this mixture into the cavity you created in the meatloaf.
Top the meatloaf with the remaining meat mixture, carefully enclosing the macaroni and cheese by pinching the sides closed. This step is crucial to ensure the macaroni and cheese stays inside during baking.
Place your meatloaf in the oven and bake until it is mostly cooked through. Then, remove it from the oven and add your desired topping. Popular choices include a simple ketchup glaze or a more complex, savory sauce. Return the meatloaf to the oven for a few final minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
Slice into your meatloaf to reveal the cheesy surprise inside. Serve with a side salad or Parmesan-roasted broccoli for a complete and indulgent meal.
This Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf is sure to impress and satisfy your family and friends, offering a unique twist on two classic comfort foods.
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Ground beef
If you're looking for something a little more creative, ground beef can be used in a number of recipes that complement macaroni and cheese. For example, you could try Crock Pot Cowboy BBQ Beans, which include ground beef, crumbled bacon, lima beans and kidney beans. This dish is hearty and wholesome, and the beans provide a great source of protein and fibre.
Another option is to make Easy Hamburger Pinwheels or Cheeseburger Roll-Ups, which are a fun and tasty way to incorporate ground beef, bacon and cheese into your meal. These roll-ups are a unique and interesting way to present these classic flavours, and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Finally, ground beef can be used to make beef ribs, which are a showstopping and mouthwatering dish. The ribs are succulent and flavourful, with a sauce that caramelizes as they cook, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone. These ribs will definitely impress your family and friends, and make for a memorable meal when served with macaroni and cheese.
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Sausages
Grilled or Fried Sausages
Grilling or frying sausages is a simple and quick way to prepare them to be served with macaroni and cheese. You can choose from a variety of sausage types, such as Italian sausages, bratwurst, or chorizo sausages. Cooking the sausages this way will give them a nice char and add a bit of texture to your meal.
Sausage and Bean Casserole
If you're looking for a heartier option, you can make a sausage and bean casserole to serve with macaroni and cheese. This option is perfect for a winter warmer, as it will fill you up and leave you feeling satisfied. You can use canned beans or cook dried beans for a more budget-friendly option. Add some spices and herbs to taste, and don't forget to include some vegetables like onions, peppers, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Sausage and Vegetable Skewers
For a fun and unique way to serve sausages with macaroni and cheese, try making sausage and vegetable skewers. Simply cut up your favorite sausages and thread them onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Grill or bake the skewers until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This option adds a bit of color and freshness to your meal.
Sausage and Macaroni Bake
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can create a sausage and macaroni bake. Simply cook your favorite sausage links and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Mix the sausages with your prepared macaroni and cheese, and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with some extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy texture, and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
Sausage and Noodle Stir-Fry
For a quicker and easier option, you can make a sausage and noodle stir-fry. Slice the sausages into thin pieces and cook them in a wok or large pan. Add some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, along with your cooked macaroni noodles. Stir in your favorite stir-fry sauce and toss everything together until heated through. This option is perfect for a fast weeknight meal.
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Bacon
Sautéed bacon bits can be sprinkled on top of your macaroni and cheese to add a crunchy and savory element. The saltiness of the bacon complements the creaminess of the mac and cheese, creating a delicious flavor combination.
If you prefer a more integrated bacon experience, you can chop up the bacon into small pieces and mix it directly into your macaroni and cheese. This ensures that you get a bit of bacon in every bite, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
For a more creative option, you can use bacon as an ingredient in cheeseburger roll-ups or pinwheels. This involves combining ground beef, bacon, and cheese to create a savory filling that is then wrapped in dough and baked. These roll-ups make for a fun and flavorful addition to your mac and cheese meal.
Side Dish: Crock Pot Cowboy BBQ Beans
If you're looking for a hearty side dish to accompany your mac and cheese, Crock Pot Cowboy BBQ Beans with bacon are a perfect choice. This dish combines ground beef, crumbled bacon, lima beans, and kidney beans for a wholesome and flavorful experience.
Beverage Pairings
When serving bacon with mac and cheese, consider pairing it with a refreshing beverage like sparkling white wine, Chardonnay, or even coffee, depending on the time of day and your personal preference.
Remember, when it comes to serving bacon with macaroni and cheese, you can get creative and adjust the quantities and preparations to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this classic combination!
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Frequently asked questions
You can serve macaroni and cheese with chicken, brisket, or BBQ ribs. If you want to add meat to your macaroni and cheese, you can add bacon, ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
You can serve macaroni and cheese with buttermilk fried chicken, tandoori fried chicken, or chicken tenders. Alternatively, you can serve it with chicken wings, such as spicy Korean chicken wings or classic buffalo chicken wings.
You can serve macaroni and cheese with beef ribs or hamburger pinwheels. If you want to add beef to your macaroni and cheese, you can add ground beef or beef chili.
You can serve macaroni and cheese with baby back pork ribs. If you want to add pork to your macaroni and cheese, you can add bacon, ham, or pork.
You can serve macaroni and cheese with meatloaf. If you want to add meat to your macaroni and cheese, you can add sausages or shrimp.
