Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. While it is often considered a complete meal, there are several side dishes that can complement it. From classics such as meatloaf and brisket to healthier options like broccoli and sauteed spinach, there is something for everyone. For those who enjoy a crunchy texture with their pasta, potato chips or a simple salad are ideal. For a sweet and savoury combination, consider pairing it with winter squash. For a more indulgent option, bread rolls can be used to scoop up the macaroni and cheese, creating a delicious sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Arugula, Radicchio, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Carrot Sticks, Crunchy Vegetable, Bagged, Caesar, Slaw |
| Meat | Meatloaf, Bacon, Bratwursts, Ham, SPAM, Prosciutto, Hot Dogs |
| Bread | Bread Rolls, Garlic Bread |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Cauliflower, Air-fried Sweet Potato, Roasted Kale, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Collard Greens, Yams, Turnip Greens, Green Peas |
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What You'll Learn
Salads and vegetables
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of salads and vegetables. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
Salads
Salads can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of macaroni and cheese. A simple bagged salad or carrot sticks can do the trick, but if you're feeling adventurous, try a Brussels sprout Caesar salad with a tangy dressing and crunchy texture. Another option is an arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, or a radicchio salad with a creamy lemon-vinaigrette, buttery olives, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. For a vegetarian option, the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad features beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil.
Vegetables
When it comes to vegetables, roasted vegetables are a great option to pair with macaroni and cheese. You can go for a classic option like roasted broccoli or try something different like grilled broccolini with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds. If you're looking for a healthier option, sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil adds a boost of nutrients. Roasted kale, cherry tomatoes, and portabella mushrooms are also delicious choices, especially with a balsamic vinaigrette. For a unique twist, try Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower, a low-carb and gluten-free option with cheesy and peppery flavors.
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Meat
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various meat side dishes to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for meat side dishes that will complement your macaroni and cheese:
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a delicious and juicy option that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesiness of macaroni and cheese. The tender, smoky flavours of the pork complement the richness of the macaroni, creating a harmonious combination.
Sausage
Sausages, especially bratwurst sausages, are a tasty addition to macaroni and cheese. Chopped up into pieces and added to the macaroni, they provide a savoury flavour and a satisfying texture contrast. For an extra indulgent treat, wrap your sausages in bacon for an explosion of smoky, savoury goodness.
Chicken
Grilled chicken tenders or BBQ pulled chicken are excellent choices to pair with macaroni and cheese. The juicy, smoky flavours of the chicken complement the creamy richness of the mac and cheese, creating a well-rounded and flavourful dish.
Beef Brisket
Slow-cooked beef brisket is a meaty masterpiece that tastes incredible with macaroni and cheese. The tender, slow-cooked meat blends beautifully with the creamy pasta, creating a harmonious balance of flavour and texture.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs and macaroni and cheese might seem like an unexpected combination, but they create a magical mouthfeel. The soft and snappy texture of the hot dog blends seamlessly with the creamy and velvety macaroni, resulting in a surprisingly delightful pairing.
For a heartwarming and comforting meal, pair your macaroni and cheese with a meatloaf. This classic dish provides a savoury and satisfying contrast to the creamy cheesiness of the macaroni.
These meat side dishes will not only add substance to your macaroni and cheese but will also create flavourful and indulgent combinations that are sure to impress.
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Breads
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of breads. Here are some ideas for bread sides to serve with macaroni and cheese:
Garlic Bread
Frozen garlic bread is a popular choice to pair with macaroni and cheese. It provides a crunchy, garlicky contrast to the creamy pasta dish. You can serve it as a side or get creative and make a macaroni and cheese sandwich with garlic bread. Look for a brand that offers a crispy exterior and soft, oily interior for the perfect texture combination.
Bread Crumbs
Bread crumbs are not just for topping your macaroni and cheese but can also be served as a side. To make your own bread crumbs, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add bread crumbs, and cook until well-coated and browned. You can also add garlic for extra flavor. Spread the bread crumbs on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. This creates a crunchy, savory side dish that complements the creaminess of macaroni and cheese.
Herbs and Seeds Bread
A slice of freshly baked bread with herbs and seeds can be a delightful accompaniment to macaroni and cheese. The herbs add a flavorful twist, while the seeds provide a crunchy texture. If you're making homemade bread, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, and seeds such as poppy or sesame seeds. This type of bread offers a more sophisticated take on the classic comfort food pairing.
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread is another excellent option to consider. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture pair well with the richness of macaroni and cheese. Look for a hearty, dense loaf that will hold up to the heft of the pasta dish. You can also toast slices of whole wheat bread and use them for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
When pairing bread with macaroni and cheese, look for varieties that offer a contrast in textures and flavors. The crunchy, savory nature of bread complements the creamy, cheesy pasta, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
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Fruits
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes, including fruits. Here are some fruit-based side dish ideas to serve with mac and cheese:
- Salads: A simple salad with fruits such as cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and carrots can be a refreshing contrast to the rich mac and cheese. You can also add colourful fruits like pomegranate to make it more special.
- Fruit Slaw: A fruit-and-veggie slaw can be a delicious and crowd-pleasing side dish. For example, you can make a cabbage slaw with a slightly sweet honey dressing or a Brussels sprout slaw with a tangy dressing.
- Strawberry Salad: For something unique, try pairing mac and cheese with a strawberry salad. The sweetness of strawberries can complement the creamy cheese sauce.
- Fruit-based Desserts: While not a traditional side dish, fresh fruit or a fruit-based dessert can be a light and refreshing end to a meal centred around mac and cheese.
- Couscous Salad: This versatile salad can be paired with a variety of dishes, including mac and cheese. A lemon dressing adds a light and crisp flavour that balances out the richness of the main course.
When choosing fruit side dishes to serve with mac and cheese, look for options that provide a contrast in flavours and textures. Fresh, crisp, and slightly tangy or sweet fruits can help balance the richness and creaminess of the mac and cheese.
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Pickles
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes, including pickles. Pickles, such as dill pickles, can be incorporated into a variety of side dishes that complement macaroni and cheese. Here are some ideas for pickle-based side dishes to serve with macaroni and cheese:
Macaroni Salad with Pickles
This side dish combines cooked macaroni with a variety of ingredients, including sweet pickles, celery, onion, olives, carrots, green pepper, and chopped eggs. The key to this dish is the dressing, which includes mayonnaise, sour cream, dry mustard, sweet pickle juice, and celery seed. This dish is meant to be served chilled, making it a refreshing counterpart to the warmth of macaroni and cheese.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickles are the star of this pasta salad, adding a burst of flavor and a crunchy texture. The pasta is boiled al dente and then tossed in pickle juice before being combined with the other ingredients and dressing. This salad can be made ahead of time and served chilled, making it a convenient option.
Pickled Shallots
Pickled shallots are a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs well with macaroni and cheese. The tangy flavor of pickled shallots can cut through the richness of the macaroni and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast.
Brussels Sprouts with Pickles
Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish that can be enhanced with the addition of pickles. A Brussels sprout Caesar salad with a tangy dressing and crunchy texture is a perfect complement to the creaminess of macaroni and cheese. Alternatively, Brussels sprouts can be prepared with balsamic vinegar, offering a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the main dish.
Pickled Vegetable Medley
In addition to traditional dill pickles, you can create a medley of pickled vegetables to accompany your macaroni and cheese. This could include carrots, onions, and other vegetables of your choice. The tangy and crisp flavors of pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of macaroni and cheese.
These pickle-centric side dishes offer a range of flavors, textures, and temperatures to complement the heartiness of macaroni and cheese, providing a well-rounded dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many side dishes that go well with macaroni and cheese. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can try broccoli, sauteed spinach, or roasted kale. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try meatloaf, bacon, or bratwursts.
Some easy side dishes that go well with macaroni and cheese are carrot sticks, bagged salad, steamed frozen vegetables, or garlic bread.
Some unique side dishes that pair well with macaroni and cheese are a Brussels sprout Caesar salad, air-fried cauliflower, or bread rolls to scoop up the macaroni and cheese.
