Mac And Cheese Veggie Pairings: Finding The Perfect Match

what veggie goes with macaroni and cheese

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. To make mac and cheese into a full meal, you'll want to serve it with food items that contrast its rich and creamy flavour profile. Here are some veggie sides that will pair well with mac and cheese:

Characteristics Values
Veggies to serve with mac and cheese Broccoli, Green Beans, Spinach, Kale, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Arugula, Carrots, Tomatoes, Radishes, Green and Red Onions, Pepperoncini Peppers, Asparagus, Mushrooms, Zucchini, Beets, Lentils, Cauliflower, Baby Vegetables, Strawberries, Basil, Oranges, Thyme, Potatoes

cycheese

Roasted broccoli

Preparation:

First, you'll want to cut the broccoli into small florets. You can also trim and slice the stalks into smaller pieces, as they are edible and nutritious. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut fresh broccoli florets.

Cooking Method:

Roasting is a great way to cook broccoli as it adds a nice char and brings out its nutty flavour. Here's a simple recipe:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Toss the broccoli florets and stalks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and slightly charred. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions:

When serving roasted broccoli with macaroni and cheese, consider the following:

  • You can serve the roasted broccoli on the side or mix it directly into the macaroni and cheese.
  • If mixing them together, you may want to adjust the seasoning of your macaroni and cheese to complement the broccoli.
  • For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the broccoli before serving. This will add to the flavour and create a nice, crispy texture.

cycheese

Spinach with garlic and lemon

Ingredients:

  • Spinach: You can use baby spinach or other baby greens, such as arugula or a spring mix. Mature greens like mature spinach, kale, or collards will take longer to cook.
  • Garlic: Finely chop or mince 4-6 cloves of garlic, depending on your taste preference.
  • Lemon: You'll need the juice of about half a lemon, which is around 2 tablespoons.
  • Olive oil or butter: Use extra-virgin olive oil or butter for cooking the garlic and adding flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper.

Instructions:

  • Heat a large skillet: Preferably use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sauté the garlic: Add the olive oil or butter to the skillet and heat it. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, until it becomes fragrant.
  • Add lemon juice: Squeeze in the lemon juice and give it a quick stir.
  • Add spinach: Pile the spinach into the skillet. You can add as much as you want, but be aware that it will wilt down as it cooks and releases liquid.
  • Cook the spinach: Stir the spinach occasionally, trying to get the cooked leaves on top and the uncooked ones at the bottom. You can cover the skillet for the first minute to speed up the process. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the greens are wilted but not browned.
  • Season and serve: Remove the spinach from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while it's still hot.

This dish is a great way to use up any greens that are about to go bad, and it's a healthy and tasty addition to your macaroni and cheese. Enjoy!

cycheese

Steamed vegetables

Broccoli

Broccoli is a popular choice to pair with mac and cheese. You can steam a batch and serve it as a side dish, or add it directly to your mac and cheese for a heartier dish. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C and protein, so it's a nutritious addition to your meal.

Green Beans

Green beans are another option for steamed veggies to go with your mac and cheese. You can steam them and add a zesty lemon dressing to contrast with the rich cheese sauce. They are also a good source of vitamins and pair well with pasta.

Carrots

Carrots are a great option if you're looking for a crunchy, colourful addition to your mac and cheese. You can steam them and add them directly to your mac and cheese, or serve them on the side. Carrots provide beta carotene and vitamin A, so they're a healthy choice.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another vegetable that goes well with cheese sauce, so it can be a great addition to your mac and cheese. You can steam cauliflower florets and add them to your dish for some extra texture and flavour.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious and tasty option to pair with mac and cheese. You can steam them and add some butter, chives, and Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. They also work well in a salad, such as a Brussels sprouts Caesar salad, which can be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.

Tomatoes

If you're looking for a pop of colour and some extra flavour, consider adding steamed tomatoes to your mac and cheese. They work well in an Italian-style mac and cheese, paired with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

When preparing steamed vegetables to go with your mac and cheese, you can season them with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice to enhance their flavour. You can also experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favourite pairing!

cycheese

Salads with a variety of veggies

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it can be a challenge to turn it into a full meal. A simple salad with a variety of veggies is a great way to balance out the richness of the macaroni. Here are some ideas for salads with a variety of veggies that will pair well with mac and cheese:

"Goes with Anything" Salad

This salad features a rainbow of veggies: radishes, carrots, red and green onions, and tangy jarred pepperoncini. The salad dressing is customizable and can include options like Healthy Ranch, Best Balsamic Vinaigrette, Easy Honey Mustard, or Homemade Caesar. This salad is a perfect pair for the rich cheese in mac and cheese.

Strawberry, Basil, and Arugula Salad with Black Pepper

This salad combines the sweetness of strawberries macerated in vinegar and honey with the peppery notes of arugula and basil. It creates a refreshing and flavourful contrast to the creaminess of mac and cheese.

Kale and Brussels Sprout Caesar Slaw

A vegan-optional twist on the classic Caesar salad, this slaw is creamy and crisp. The kale and Brussels sprouts add a nutritious and crunchy texture to your meal, balancing the indulgent mac and cheese.

Family-Style Chicken Caesar Salad

A classic chicken Caesar salad is another excellent option to pair with mac and cheese. The crisp salad and cheesy macaroni create a delightful combination of textures and flavours.

Citrus Salad

This vibrant salad features tangy grapefruit, navel oranges, and sweet blood oranges. It is drizzled with a zingy dressing and topped with crushed pistachios and fresh mint. The juicy citrus pairs beautifully with the richness of the mac and cheese, creating a refreshing contrast.

Spinach Apple Salad

This simple salad combines crisp apples and juicy pears with a balsamic vinaigrette. It is topped with maple-glazed walnuts or pecans, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch. The freshness of the spinach and the crisp fruit pair perfectly with the rich pasta.

These salad suggestions offer a variety of veggie options that will complement the flavours and textures of mac and cheese. Whether you choose a classic salad or something more fruity or nutty, these veggie-filled salads will make a great addition to your meal.

cycheese

Crispy bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts

Ingredients

  • Brussels sprouts
  • Salt and pepper
  • Bacon
  • Maple syrup
  • Brown sugar

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
  • Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and put them into a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Cut the bacon in half, then wrap each sprout in bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place them on the baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup and brown sugar. Brush this mixture on top of the Brussels sprouts.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
  • Remove the sprouts from the oven and place them on a serving dish.

Tips

  • When buying Brussels sprouts, look for ones that are tightly packed with bright green leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to have a sweeter flavour and cook more evenly.
  • Cut off any rough edges and remove any damaged leaves from the sprouts before cooking.
  • This recipe works best when the sprouts are baked whole.
  • You can use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place while baking, but it's easier to wrap it around the sprouts.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy, bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts make a delicious appetizer or side dish. They're perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering. For an extra touch, serve them with a side of creamy homemade ranch dressing.

Frequently asked questions

Easy veggie sides to serve with mac and cheese include carrot sticks, bagged salad, steamed veggies, and roasted broccoli.

If you have a little more time, you can try making sautéed spinach, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, sheet-pan chicken and rainbow veggies, or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Green veggies that pair well with mac and cheese include steamed broccoli, lemony steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, and roasted broccoli.

Salads that go well with mac and cheese include a simple green salad, a "Goes with Anything" salad (with radishes, carrots, onions, and pepperoncini), a citrus salad, a spinach apple salad, and a strawberry Cobb salad.

Some unique veggie sides to serve with mac and cheese include strawberry, basil, and arugula salad; baby veggies with orange and thyme; zucchini chips; and coconut creamed spinach.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment