Mac And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For The Comfort Food

Macaroni and cheese is a hearty and versatile dish that can be served as a standalone meal or accompanied by various sides. When served as a side dish, mac and cheese pairs well with proteins such as BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or pulled pork. As a main course, it is often complemented by lighter vegetable sides like salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens.

For a true American experience, consider serving mac and cheese with a BBQ brisket sandwich and coleslaw. If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with adding different ingredients to your mac and cheese, like ground beef, bacon, or shrimp.

- Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette

- Steamed broccoli or green beans

- Coleslaw

- Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts

- Bratwurst sausage

- Bread rolls

Salads

Macaroni Salad

A classic macaroni salad is always a good option to serve alongside macaroni and cheese. This salad typically includes macaroni noodles, mayonnaise, and a variety of add-ins such as celery, red onion, bell peppers, and cheese. You can also add in hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickles, or black olives for extra flavour and texture. To make it even more special, try using a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

Cheese Salad

For a more indulgent option, consider a cheese salad. This can include a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère, paired with fruits like apples, pears, or grapes, and nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also add in some greens such as arugula or spinach, and a simple vinaigrette dressing to tie it all together.

Green Salad

A fresh green salad can help balance out the richness of the macaroni and cheese. Opt for a mix of leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, or mixed greens, and top with vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, or radishes. You can also add in some nuts or seeds for crunch, and a light vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing.

Fruit Salad

A fruit salad can provide a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savoury macaroni and cheese. Include a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, and grapes. You can also add in some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour. If you're serving this salad on a hot day, it can be a nice touch to add in some mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is another classic side dish that can pair well with macaroni and cheese. This salad typically includes boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onion. You can also add in hard-boiled eggs, relish, or dill pickles for extra flavour and texture. Like the macaroni salad, it's best to make this ahead of time and chill it before serving.

Proteins

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. Here are some protein-rich options to consider when serving it as a main dish:

Meat and Poultry

Meat and poultry options that go well with mac and cheese include:

• Chicken, such as BBQ chicken, buffalo chicken, or chicken breast.
• Pulled pork or pork ribs.
• Beef, such as brisket or ground beef.
• Hamburgers.
• Meatloaf.

Seafood

Seafood options that complement mac and cheese include:

• Shrimp or prawns.
• Lobster.
• Tuna.
• Salmon.

Vegetarian

For a vegetarian option, consider serving mac and cheese with:

• Tofu.
• Roasted chickpeas.

Creative Add-Ins

You can also get creative and add protein directly to your mac and cheese. Try mixing in:

• Cottage cheese.
• Sliced or shredded chicken breast.
• Shrimp.
• Crumbled tofu.
• Canned tuna.
• Hot dogs or vegetarian hot dogs.
• Ground beef.
• Bacon.

Breads

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. Here are some bread suggestions to accompany your mac and cheese:

Classic Bread Rolls

Soft, fluffy bread rolls are a perfect side to macaroni and cheese, especially if they are of a similar style to the bread you would find in Germany. They can be used to scoop up the mac and cheese, creating a delicious, cheesy bite.

Bread Dumplings

Southern bread dumplings are another great option to accompany mac and cheese. They are traditionally served with gravy, but they pair surprisingly well with mac and cheese too. Don't forget to pull them apart with two forks – it's the Bavarian way!

Panko-Parmesan Topping

For a crunchy, golden topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with butter and paprika, and sprinkle over your mac and cheese before baking. This adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy dish.

Buttered Bread Crumbs

A classic topping for macaroni and cheese is buttered bread crumbs. This adds a comforting, homey touch to the dish.

Garlic Bread

What dish isn't improved by a side of garlic bread? The garlicky, buttery bread is a perfect match for mac and cheese, and will leave your taste buds tingling.

Warm Buns

If you're serving mac and cheese as a side, why not serve it with some warm, buttery buns? This will add a touch of elegance to your meal and is a great way to soak up any leftover cheese sauce.

Roasted vegetables

• Broccoli
• Red peppers
• Squash
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Tomatoes
• Green beans

Simply toss your chosen vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are soft and slightly browned. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Soups

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. Here are some soup options that go well with it:

Tomato Soup

A classic option that pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese crackers. It can also be served with toast or a grilled cheese sandwich for a more filling option.

Hamburger Macaroni Soup

This soup combines ground beef, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and elbow macaroni. It is a hearty and filling option that can be served with crunchy bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Macaroni and Cheese Soup

This soup is a unique take on the classic dish, combining chicken bouillon, celery, carrots, onion, green pepper, macaroni, and cheese. It is a comforting and cheesy option that can be served with cheesy crostini.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Soup

Another variation of the classic dish, this soup includes chicken, multiple types of cheese, veggies, and shell pasta. It is a warm and comforting option that can be served with cheesy toasted crostini.

Green Salad with Sour Cream Dressing

A refreshing option to balance the rich and savoury flavours of macaroni and cheese. It is a simple and classy option that can be served as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions