Mac And Cheese: Veggie Pairing Perfection

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that can easily stand on its own as a delicious meal. However, with a little creativity, it can be transformed into a complete, well-rounded dining experience. A variety of vegetables, ranging from light salads to roasted veggies, can be paired with mac and cheese to create a vibrant and flavourful dish.

Roasted broccoli

Preparation Tips:

• Broccoli can be steamed, boiled, roasted, or sautéed to be served with mac and cheese.
• When boiling or steaming broccoli, aim for a bright green and crisp-tender texture.
• If you're short on time, steaming or boiling broccoli florets can be a quick option, taking around 5-7 minutes.
• Roasting broccoli florets in the oven can give them a nice crisp and caramelized texture.

Recipes:

Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese:

This recipe combines broccoli with mac and cheese in a casserole-style dish. It's a comfort food that's perfect for a crowd and kid-approved! Here's an outline of the recipe:

• Prepare a lightened-up Béchamel-style sauce by melting light butter, adding flour, and whisking until clumpy. Cook for a bit, then add milk and whisk to break down the clumps. Add spices, then fold in cheeses.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add dry pasta (elbows, corkscrew, or cavatappi) and cook for about 9 minutes, which is about 2 minutes less than the package directions.
• Add broccoli florets to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli using a slotted spoon.
• In a baking dish, combine the sauce, pasta, and broccoli. Sprinkle a mixture of melted butter and panko breadcrumbs on top.
• Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.

This recipe adds roasted broccoli to the classic mac and cheese, creating a tasty and cheesy dish. Here's an overview of the recipe:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Toss broccoli florets with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until lightly browned.
• Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente.
• Prepare a sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Add onion, mustard, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne. Then, add flour and cook until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
• Stir in Worcestershire sauce and shredded Cheddar cheese until melted.
• Combine the sauce with the roasted broccoli, cooked pasta, and diced cheese. Pour into a greased baking dish.
• Bake at 450°F until bubbly and golden, about 30 minutes. Then, broil for about 2 minutes to brown the cheese on top.

These recipes offer delicious ways to incorporate roasted broccoli into your mac and cheese, creating a tasty and nutritious meal!

Spinach with garlic and lemon

Spinach is a great side to serve with macaroni and cheese. Sautéed spinach, in particular, is a tasty, fast, and nutritious dish that can be made in under 10 minutes.

To make sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon, you will need spinach, olive oil, garlic, and lemon. You can use fresh spinach leaves or baby spinach. Start by heating some olive oil in a skillet and adding sliced garlic. Cook the garlic until it is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Next, add the spinach leaves to the pan. You can also add a generous pinch of salt at this stage. Keep tossing the leaves until they are bright green, wilted, and tender. Finally, add some lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.

This simple dish is packed with nutrients and can be served with many main courses. It is a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal and is an excellent side to macaroni and cheese.

Steamed vegetables

Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is a quick and easy option to prepare. Cut the broccoli into small florets, add to a steamer basket and steam for 5-7 minutes until tender. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C and protein, and its bright green colour will add a vibrant touch to your plate. You can also try roasting the broccoli with some olive oil, salt and pepper for a smoky charred flavour.

Green Beans

Green beans are another healthy and tasty option to pair with mac and cheese. Steam them for a crisp-tender texture, or try this lemony variation: steam the beans and then toss with lemon zest and juice for a bright, zesty flavour that will contrast the richness of the mac and cheese.

Carrots

Carrots are a versatile vegetable that can be steamed and served as a simple side. Cut them into uniform pieces, add to a steamer basket and steam until tender. Carrots provide a nice pop of colour and a sweet flavour that can complement the cheese in the mac and cheese.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a healthy and tasty option to consider. Steam them until tender, and then try adding some balsamic glaze for a burst of flavour. You can also shave them into a raw salad with apples, hazelnuts and a brown butter dressing for a unique side dish.

Kale

Kale is a nutritious green that can be steamed or massaged to tenderise the leaves. Try making a kale Caesar salad with a tangy, creamy dressing, or a kale and Brussels sprout slaw for a crunchy side dish to go with your mac and cheese.

These steamed vegetable ideas will not only add some colour and nutrition to your mac and cheese but will also provide a contrast in flavours and textures, making for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Roasted Mediterranean vegetables

Mac and cheese is a hearty, comforting meal, and roasted Mediterranean vegetables are a perfect side dish to add a burst of colour, flavour, and nutrition to the plate. The sweetness of the roasted veggies and the creaminess of the mac and cheese complement each other beautifully.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini/Courgette
• Carrots
• Bell Peppers (any colour)
• Onion (red or yellow)
• Summer Squash
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Lemon Juice (optional)
• Salt and Pepper
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Mint, Basil, or Dill)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F.
• Cut all the vegetables into evenly sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, thyme, oregano, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to make a marinade.
• Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss until they are well coated.
• Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. You may need two sheets to avoid overcrowding.
• Roast the vegetables for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and slightly charred.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm alongside your mac and cheese.

Tips:

• Keep the vegetable sizes consistent to ensure even cooking.
• Toss the vegetables during cooking and flip them for even browning.
• Don't skimp on the olive oil—use enough to coat the veggies generously.
• If you like your veggies softer, roast them for a bit longer, checking every 5 minutes to avoid burning.
• Feel free to experiment with spices like sumac, za'atar, or Italian seasoning.

Brussels sprouts

• Shaved Brussels sprouts: This is a 10-minute side dish that can be served alongside mac and cheese.
• Brussels sprouts mac and cheese: This is a lighter version of the classic mac and cheese, with a cheese sauce made with dairy-free milk, lots of Brussels sprouts, and pasta. It is made in one pan and can be customised by adding proteins such as chicken, bacon, tuna, or white beans.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These are a healthy side dish that can be served with mac and cheese.
• Brussels sprouts with bacon: This is a version of mac and cheese that includes Brussels sprouts and bacon.

Frequently asked questions