Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food enjoyed by many. While it can be a meal on its own, it also pairs well with many other dishes. Whether you're looking for a hearty meat dish, a refreshing salad, or a creative twist on the classic, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can experiment with different cheeses, add-ins, and cooking methods to elevate your mac and cheese experience. So, let's dive into the delicious world of pairings and explore the endless possibilities!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main dishes | Meatloaf, BBQ ribs, chicken drumsticks, buttermilk fried chicken, tandoori fried chicken, chicken wings, meatballs, pulled chicken tacos |
| Sides | Salads (arugula, shaved sprouts, Brussels sprout Caesar, cucumber, red onion, tomato, carrot), roasted vegetables, sautéed vegetables, asparagus, tomato soup, candied Brussels sprouts, air-fried cauliflower |
| Twists | Moussaka, lasagne, runner beans, green beans, pumpkin seeds, rocket and watercress salad, smoked haddock, roasted sweet potato, cayenne, American mustard, nutmeg, pine nuts, bacon, pancetta, spring onions, bread cubes, gruyere, smoked gouda, fontina, bowtie pasta |
| Vegan options | Almond milk, other milk alternatives |
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What You'll Learn
- Salads, such as arugula, Brussels sprout Caesar, or a classic with cucumbers and tomatoes
- Meat, including BBQ ribs, chicken drumsticks, and meatloaf
- Vegetable sides, like roasted sweet potato, asparagus, or roasted vegetables
- Cheese variations, for example, Gruyere, smoked Gouda, or Fontina
- Hybrids, like macaroni cheese lasagne, macaroni cheese moussaka, or mac and cheese cups
Salads, such as arugula, Brussels sprout Caesar, or a classic with cucumbers and tomatoes
Salads are a great way to balance out the richness of macaroni and cheese. They add a refreshing and crisp element to the meal.
Arugula salad is a simple yet effective pairing. This salad can be tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and finished with shaved Parmesan, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the meal.
Brussels sprout Caesar is another ideal salad to partner with mac and cheese. The dressing is slightly tangy, and the salad is crunchy, creating a textural contrast to the creamy macaroni. This salad is also a good option for leftovers.
A classic salad with cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots is another great option to pair with mac and cheese. This salad adds freshness and crispness to the meal.
If you're looking for a heartier salad option, you can try a Brussels sprout salad with bacon. The saltiness of the bacon pairs well with the creamy macaroni, and the sprouts provide a nice textural contrast.
These salad options will not only complement the flavours of macaroni and cheese but also provide a refreshing and crisp balance to the dish.
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Meat, including BBQ ribs, chicken drumsticks, and meatloaf
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 drumsticks, and meatloaf.
BBQ ribs, such as baby back pork ribs or leftover BBQ pork ribs, are a delicious match for macaroni and cheese. The smoky barbecue sauce on the ribs complements the creamy, cheesy macaroni, creating a memorable meal.
Chicken drumsticks, especially when grilled or baked, also go well with macaroni and cheese. Barbecued chicken drumsticks, with their sweet and tangy sauce, add a finger-licking element to the dish. For a crispier option, buttermilk fried chicken or chicken tenders can provide a satisfying crunch to contrast with the creamy macaroni.
Meatloaf, a classic comfort food, is another excellent choice to pair with macaroni and cheese. A ground beef meatloaf, such as the Wagyu meatloaf, can be served hot from the oven or cold the next day as a sandwich, making it a versatile option.
In addition to these options, other meat dishes that can be paired with macaroni and cheese include bacon-wrapped filet mignon, grilled chicken, and pulled pork.
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Vegetable sides, like roasted sweet potato, asparagus, or roasted vegetables
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various vegetable sides, such as roasted sweet potato, asparagus, or roasted vegetables. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
Roasted Sweet Potato
For a hearty and flavourful side, consider roasted sweet potato. The natural sweetness of the potato pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesiness of macaroni and cheese. To enhance the dish even further, a pinch of cayenne pepper and a grating of nutmeg can be added to the sweet potatoes. This combination creates a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury notes.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a subtle yet elegant choice to accompany macaroni and cheese. Its gentle flavour and quick preparation time make it an ideal option for a sophisticated meal. Asparagus provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the macaroni and cheese, ensuring your meal is well-rounded and enjoyable.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables offer a versatile and nutritious option to pair with macaroni and cheese. You can choose from a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful texture to your meal. This option allows you to be creative and use your favourite vegetables or whatever is in season.
Salads
If you're looking for a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of macaroni and cheese, consider serving it with a crisp salad. A simple salad with cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots can provide a refreshing crunch. Alternatively, you can try a Brussels sprout Caesar salad with a tangy dressing and a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy macaroni.
These vegetable sides not only add flavour and texture to your meal but also provide a nutritious boost, ensuring your macaroni and cheese is complemented and elevated to new heights.
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Cheese variations, for example, Gruyere, smoked Gouda, or Fontina
Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that can be elevated by using different types of cheese. Here are some cheese variations to consider:
Gruyere
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a unique flavour profile that can enhance the taste of macaroni and cheese. Aged Gruyere has a salty and nutty flavour, while young Gruyere is known for its pronounced creaminess. When paired with elbow macaroni noodles, young Gruyere can create an exceptionally creamy and indulgent dish.
Smoked Gouda
Smoked Gouda is a buttery cheese with a complex flavour profile that balances salty and sweet notes. Adding this cheese to macaroni and cheese introduces a delightful interplay of flavours. Its buttery texture also contributes to the overall creaminess of the dish.
Fontina
Fontina is an Italian cheese known for its pungent, nutty flavour. It can add a sophisticated twist to the traditional macaroni and cheese. Fontina's strong flavour can provide a unique depth of taste that complements the elbow noodles commonly used in macaroni and cheese.
Experimenting with different cheeses in macaroni and cheese allows you to explore new dimensions of this beloved comfort food. Each cheese variation offers its own distinct characteristics, transforming a familiar dish into something extraordinary.
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Hybrids, like macaroni cheese lasagne, macaroni cheese moussaka, or mac and cheese cups
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be combined with other classics to create unique hybrids. Here are some ideas for hybrids with mac and cheese:
Macaroni Cheese Lasagne
This hybrid combines two comforting dishes into one delicious family favourite. The key to this recipe is to use a boxed mac and cheese that comes with a 'prepared cheese sauce', resulting in a liquid-ish sauce rather than a cheese powder. Prepare the mac and cheese according to the package directions. In a separate skillet, brown ground beef, onions, and garlic, stirring occasionally. To assemble the lasagne, layer the mac and cheese with the savoury mixture of ground beef, onions, and garlic, interspersing with a blend of Italian cheeses. For extra cheesiness, add some cheddar to the shells and cheese. Don't forget to let it rest before serving to prevent it from leaking out when scooped.
Macaroni Cheese Moussaka
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish typically made with layers of thinly sliced potato, aubergine, and lamb, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. To create a mac and cheese moussaka, prepare the mac and cheese according to your preferred recipe. In a separate pan, fry the aubergine slices in batches with olive oil until golden brown and beginning to soften. Set aside. In the same pan, add mince and fry until deep golden brown, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon. Assemble the dish by layering the mac and cheese with the fried aubergine and mince, and finish with a generous topping of béchamel sauce.
Mac and Cheese Cups
These mini mac and cheese cups are a fun appetiser or side dish that transforms the classic dish into finger food. To make them, cook the pasta according to the package directions, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a separate pot, melt butter and add paprika, followed by flour, stirring for 2 minutes. While whisking, slowly add milk to create a thick sauce. Finally, add the cheese and drained pasta, stirring until well combined. Grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, and fill each cup with the pasta mixture. Bake until bubbly, gooey, and lightly golden brown. Top with chopped scallion greens or buttered breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. Serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're serving macaroni and cheese as a side, some good main course dishes to serve with it include BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken drumsticks, meatloaf, and tomato soup. If you're looking for side dishes, roasted vegetables, salads, and asparagus are all good options.
Some good vegetarian side dishes to serve with macaroni and cheese include roasted vegetables, salads, sautéed vegetables, and asparagus. You can also add runner and green beans to your macaroni and cheese to increase your vegetable intake.
Some good non-vegetarian side dishes to serve with macaroni and cheese include buttermilk fried chicken, Tandoori fried chicken, chicken wings, and baby back pork ribs.
