Randy Chandler
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 grilled meats such as steak, pork chops, and hamburgers. It can also be served alongside fried chicken, fish sticks, or ribs. For those who enjoy a creamier consistency, mixing in pulled pork or brisket is a popular option. As a main course, macaroni and cheese can be paired with a light and crispy salad, such as a Brussels sprout Caesar or a simple mix of cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and carrots. Other side options include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, or squash, and bread-based dishes, such as pretzel dogs or cornbread. For those who enjoy a more indulgent meal, adding different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Gouda, or Fontina, can elevate the dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Meatloaf, Fried chicken, Pulled pork, Sausages, Brisket, Ribs, Lobster tail, New York strip, Pork roast, Breaded fishsticks, Grilled steak, Ham steak, Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp, Bacon-wrapped meatloaf, Buffalo chicken, Glazed ham, Grilled halibut steaks |
| Salads | Caesar salad with Brussels sprouts, Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, Shaved sprouts salad, Simple salad with cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and carrots, Bacon blue cheese salad |
| Vegetables | Roasted vegetables, Sautéed vegetables, Air-fried cauliflower, Broccoli, Asparagus, Roasted poblano peppers, Fried squash, Butternut squash, Baked chips, Baked sweet and sour meatballs, Roasted butternut squash and pecans, Baked cabbage wedges |
| Breads | Breaded mac and cheese, Pretzel dogs, Cornbread, Pull-apart bread, Buns and butter |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyere, Smoked gouda, Fontina |
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What You'll Learn
Meats: pulled pork, ribs, fried chicken, and more
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. When served as a side, it pairs well with a variety of meats, including:
Pulled pork
Pulled pork is a delicious option to serve alongside macaroni and cheese. The combination of tender, juicy pulled pork with the creamy, cheesy pasta creates a satisfying contrast in textures. The savoury flavours of the pork complement the richness of the mac and cheese, making for a hearty and indulgent meal.
Ribs
Ribs are another excellent choice to pair with macaroni and cheese. Whether you opt for baby back ribs, BBQ ribs, or short ribs, the combination of juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat with the creamy pasta is a match made in comfort food heaven. The sweet and sticky sauce on BBQ ribs adds a delightful touch of flavour that enhances the overall dining experience.
Fried chicken
For a crispy and juicy contrast to the creamy macaroni and cheese, fried chicken is an ideal choice. The crunchy exterior of the fried chicken provides a satisfying textural contrast, while the juicy meat pairs perfectly with the cheese sauce. Whether you choose traditional fried chicken or spice things up with Tandoori Fried Chicken, the combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Other meat options
In addition to the classics mentioned above, macaroni and cheese pairs well with a variety of other meats. Meatloaf, a classic comfort food, is a popular choice that complements the creamy pasta. Grilled chicken, steak, and pork chops are also excellent options, offering a balance of flavours and textures. For a more indulgent option, consider topping your mac and cheese with a split lobster tail for an extra special treat.
So, whether you're serving macaroni and cheese as a main dish or a side, these meat pairings are sure to take your meal to the next level. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favourite flavour profiles and create a dining experience that your family and friends will adore.
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Salads: a light, tangy contrast to rich mac and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a rich and hearty dish, so a light and tangy salad is a great contrast. Salads with a sharp vinaigrette dressing are a good pairing with mac and cheese. A simple garden salad with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, sliced onions, and sliced cucumbers with a basic vinaigrette is a great option. For a more refreshing salad, add mint and dill.
If you want something a little more indulgent, a Brussels sprout Caesar salad is an ideal partner for mac and cheese. The dressing is tangy, and the salad is crunchy, which contrasts with the creamy macaroni. You could also try an arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan.
For a peppery taste, a mesclun salad is a good choice, and if you want to add fruit, apples or strawberries work well. A watermelon salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette is another option for a fruity salad. If you want to stick to a more classic salad, a Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, or a salad with very crunchy greens like red cabbage and shaved Brussels sprouts, is a good choice.
If you're looking for a more substantial salad, a Caprese salad or a Mediterranean orzo salad with artichokes, kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese tossed in a lemon pesto mayo dressing are good options.
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Vegetables: roasted broccoli, butternut squash, or Brussels sprouts
Roasted broccoli, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent vegetable pairings with macaroni and cheese.
Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli is a popular choice to pair with macaroni and cheese. To make this dish, you can blanch the broccoli to reduce bitterness. A lightened-up béchamel-inspired cheese sauce can be used to coat corkscrew-shaped pasta and broccoli florets. To finish, the dish can be topped with a buttery layer of breadcrumbs and baked.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a delightful combination that is not too rich and has a subtle roasted butternut squash flavour. This dish can be made with a variety of pasta shapes, such as pipe rigate, macaroni noodles, casarecce, cavatelli, fusilli, or gluten-free options. Cream cheese or a béchamel sauce can be used to create a creamy texture, and cheddar or Parmesan cheese can be added for extra flavour.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts and macaroni and cheese is a simple yet delicious combination. This dish can be made in one pan with a lightened-up creamy cheese sauce. The Brussels sprouts can be cooked with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and the cheese sauce can be made with butter, flour, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. The dish can be topped with additional cheddar cheese, parsley, or hot sauce.
These vegetable pairings add a nutritious and tasty twist to the classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese.
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Seafood: shrimp, grilled halibut, or lobster tail
Seafood is a great way to add a twist to the classic macaroni and cheese. Here are some ideas for seafood accompaniments to this dish:
Shrimp
Garlic shrimp mac and cheese is a popular variation of the classic dish. To make this, you can cook the shrimp in a pan with garlic, pepper, and butter. The shrimp juices and the golden bits left in the pan after searing them will boost the flavour of the mac and cheese sauce. You can then add the shrimp to the macaroni and cheese sauce, along with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. This dish can be made in just one pot and is ready in about 20 minutes.
Grilled Halibut
Macaroni and cheese with grilled halibut is a tasty and healthy dish that is perfect for a family meal or potluck. You can use leftover grilled halibut from a previous meal or bake fresh halibut in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Shred the fish into small pieces and add it to the macaroni and cheese sauce. You can then pour the mixture into a baking dish, top it with breadcrumbs, and bake it in the oven until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
Lobster Tail
Lobster tail mac and cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic dish. To make this, you'll first need to poach the lobster tails in a pot of water until the shells turn bright red. Remove the lobster meat from the shells, chop it into small pieces, and set it aside. You can then use the lobster shells to make a seafood-flavoured pasta by boiling them in water with pasta until the pasta is al dente. Finally, make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, onions, garlic, dry mustard, seafood seasoning, heavy cream, and Gruyère and Cheddar-jack cheeses. Stir the cooked pasta and lobster meat into the sauce, pour the mixture into a casserole dish, and sprinkle with more Gruyère and Cheddar-jack cheeses. Bake until the cheese is melted and enjoy!
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Cheese: smoked gouda, fontina, gruyere, or blue cheese
Smoked Gouda
Smoked gouda mac and cheese is a flavourful, creamy, and decadent dish. The strong, pungent taste of smoked gouda is balanced by the addition of sharp white cheddar cheese. To enhance the creaminess and richness of the dish, butter, heavy cream, and milk are also added. Smoked gouda mac and cheese pairs well with crumbled bacon as a topping, adding a savoury contrast to the creamy pasta.
Fontina
Fontina mac and cheese is a simple yet delicious variation, with a creamy sauce and few ingredients. This recipe calls for fontina cheese, butter, heavy cream, nutmeg, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Fontina has a unique flavour that stands out, even when used alone, and its creaminess makes it ideal for mac and cheese.
Gruyere
The ultimate three-cheese gruyere mac and cheese combines sharp white cheddar, Swiss-style gruyere, and dry Jack cheese, resulting in a sophisticated, creamy, and cheesy dish. The key to this recipe is freshly grated cheese, which ensures a smooth and even melt. To add a crunchy texture, top the mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs sautéed in butter. This dish is versatile and can be served as a side or main, and it pairs well with various proteins and vegetables.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese mac and cheese is an indulgent option for those who love the distinct flavour of blue cheese. This recipe calls for a mixture of blue cheeses, such as gorgonzola and buttermilk blue, combined with scallions, chives, cilantro, and parsley. The strong flavour of blue cheese means that those who don't enjoy it should opt for a different recipe or substitute with another cheese. Blue cheese mac and cheese can be served as a side or main, and it pairs well with various proteins, such as steak or chicken.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with macaroni and cheese include roasted vegetables, salads, and sautéed vegetables. If you're looking for something more specific, roasted butternut squash, grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp, and fried chicken are all great options.
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. Some popular options include meatloaf, BBQ ribs, and fried chicken. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try pairing it with a New York strip steak or a burger.
There are several vegetarian options that can be paired with macaroni and cheese. Some ideas include a simple salad with cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and carrots, roasted broccoli, or asparagus.
