Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of vegetables to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. While some people enjoy adding vegetables directly to the macaroni and cheese, others prefer to serve them as side dishes. Popular choices include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, butternut squash, and tomatoes, as well as crisp green salads with a variety of vegetables and dressings. Frozen vegetables, such as peas, spinach, and corn, are also convenient options that can be added directly to the dish. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, ingredients like cayenne pepper, chilli, and mustard can be incorporated into the sauce. Meat lovers can also experiment with adding bacon, sausage, or chicken to their macaroni and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Veggies to add to mac and cheese | Broccoli, spinach, peas, kale, chard, asparagus, cauliflower, butternut squash, green beans, mushrooms, corn, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, onions, pepperoncini |
| Salads to pair with mac and cheese | Green salad, citrus salad, kale salad, coleslaw |
| Spices to add to mac and cheese | Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, mustard powder, yellow mustard, cider vinegar, dill pickle juice |
| Meat to add to mac and cheese | Sausages, bacon, speck, pancetta, hamburger, turkey dogs, chicken, tuna |
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What You'll Learn
Salads: green, citrus, or kale
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various salads, including green, citrus, or kale varieties.
A "Goes with Anything" green salad is a perfect side dish to macaroni and cheese. This salad features a colourful mix of veggies, such as radishes, carrots, red and green onions, and pepperoncini, paired with crunchy homemade croutons. The versatility of this salad lies in the variety of dressing options available, including Homemade Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Italian, or Honey Mustard.
For a refreshing citrus twist, a vibrant citrus salad pairs beautifully with macaroni and cheese. This salad showcases tangy grapefruit, navel oranges, and sweet blood oranges, drizzled with a zingy dressing and topped with crushed pistachios and fresh mint. The juicy citrus notes complement the richness of the pasta.
Kale salads, specifically those featuring dark green Tuscan kale, offer a nutritious and flavourful option. The kale is coated in a tangy, Italian-style lemon and garlic dressing, with a hint of Parmesan cheese, creating a savoury and tangy experience.
In addition to these salad options, a simple green bean side dish can accompany macaroni and cheese. Bright and zesty lemon-infused green beans provide a fantastic contrast to the rich cheese sauce.
When considering what vegetables to pair with macaroni and cheese, it's essential to remember that roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or butternut squash, can also be excellent choices, either as a side dish or mixed directly into the pasta.
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Roasted vegetables: broccoli, butternut squash, or corn
Roasted broccoli is a great way to add some nutrition-dense vegetables to your mac and cheese. Broccoli florets can be added to the mac and cheese and are a good way to make the dish a full meal. Broccoli mac and cheese is also a great way to get kids to eat their veggies.
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a delightful combination. The roasted butternut squash adds a subtle flavour to the dish without overwhelming the cheese, making it a real crowd-pleaser. It is also a one-pot dish, which makes it convenient and less time-consuming.
Macaroni corn casserole is a wonderful change from plain mac and cheese. It is a creamy, rich, and delicious dish. The recipe includes canned corn, uncooked macaroni pasta, processed cheese, and butter. You can also add cubed and cooked boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cooked with onions, and frozen broccoli to make it a full meal.
To make roasted vegetables, you can start with fresh or frozen veggies, depending on what you have on hand. Roasted vegetables go well with mac and cheese, and you can also try roasted mushrooms and pickled shallots as sides or additions to your mac and cheese.
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Sautéed vegetables: spinach, kale, or chard
Sautéed vegetables are a great side dish to macaroni and cheese. Here are three options: spinach, kale, or chard.
Sautéed Spinach
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be sautéed and served as a side dish or added to pastas, frittatas, grain bowls, and more. To make sautéed spinach, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the spinach and salt, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the spinach is just wilted. Remove the pan from the heat and toss the greens with a squeeze of lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sautéed Kale
Kale is another nutritious and delicious option that can be served as a side dish or added to various dishes such as pastas, frittatas, grain bowls, tacos, and pizzas. To make sautéed kale, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, chopped kale, salt, and pepper, and cook until the kale is wilted, about 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and squeeze some lemon juice over the kale. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Sautéed Chard
Chard is a tasty green that can be sautéed and served as a side or added to other dishes. To make sautéed chard, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and half of the chard, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing often, until wilted, about 4 minutes. Add lemon juice and the remaining chard, and cook for about 1 minute, until all the chard is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
These sautéed vegetable options are quick, easy, and healthy additions to your macaroni and cheese meal!
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Vegetables with a kick: green chilli, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes
Macaroni and cheese is a staple dish that can be easily customised with various vegetables. If you're looking for a kick of spice, consider adding green chillies, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to your mac and cheese.
Green chillies are a great way to add a mild spice to your dish. They are often found in canned diced tomatoes with green chillies, which can be added directly to your macaroni. If you prefer fresh green chillies, simply dice them up and sauté them along with your other vegetables.
Cayenne pepper provides a more intense and straightforward heat to your mac and cheese. A small amount goes a long way, so you can control the spice level to your liking. Cayenne pepper is also commonly used to make red pepper flakes, which offer a similar spicy kick to your dish.
Red pepper flakes, derived from dried and crushed cayenne peppers or other chilli peppers, provide a bold and intense heat to your macaroni and cheese. They are perfect for those who want a quick and potent spiciness in their dish. Red pepper flakes are also very versatile and can be sprinkled on various dishes, including pizzas, roasted vegetables, and marinades.
When adding these spicy vegetables and seasonings to your mac and cheese, you can control the spice level to suit your taste preferences. You can start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired heat level.
In addition to green chillies, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes, you can also include other vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Sautéing these vegetables in olive oil until soft creates a flavourful base for your mac and cheese. You can also add beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for some extra protein.
So, if you're looking for a kick of spice in your macaroni and cheese, don't be afraid to experiment with green chillies, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can customise the spice level to suit your taste and create a delicious and wholesome meal.
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Meat and vegetables: sausages, bacon, or turkey dogs
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various meats and vegetables to enhance its flavour and make it a more substantial meal. Here are some ideas for pairing sausages, bacon, or turkey dogs with vegetables:
Sausages
Sausages, particularly those that are cooked and crumbled, can be a tasty addition to macaroni and cheese. Consider using pork, turkey, or chicken sausages, or even vegetarian "sausages" for a meat-free option. To add a crispy texture, sauté the sausages in a skillet before folding them into the macaroni and cheese.
As for vegetable pairings, roasted vegetables such as broccoli, butternut squash, or cauliflower go well with the dish. You can also add some colour and flavour with sweet corn, tomatoes, or roasted mushrooms. A crisp, green salad with radishes, carrots, onions, and a tangy dressing is another refreshing option to balance out the richness of the macaroni and cheese.
Bacon
Bacon is another delicious meat option to pair with macaroni and cheese. Cooked and crumbled bacon, speck, or pancetta can be added to the dish, but be mindful of the salt content of these cured meats.
Vegetable companions for bacon-infused macaroni and cheese could include sautéed spinach, seasoned with garlic and olive oil. Lemony green beans also make a bright and zesty side dish to contrast the creamy pasta. For a heartier option, try roasted butternut squash or cauliflower, which will add a nice caramelized flavour to the meal.
Turkey Dogs
Turkey dogs are a leaner option to pair with macaroni and cheese. They can be sliced and added directly to the pasta, providing a good source of protein.
When it comes to vegetables, consider a colourful salad with carrots, onions, and pepperoncini. You can also add some crunch with homemade croutons and a variety of salad dressing options, such as ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or honey mustard. If you're looking for a warmer vegetable option, roasted broccoli or spinach are always great choices to pair with the turkey dogs and macaroni and cheese.
These suggestions provide a starting point for creating delicious combinations of meats and vegetables to accompany macaroni and cheese. Feel free to experiment and customise according to your taste preferences!
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Frequently asked questions
Broccoli, spinach, kale, peas, and carrots are some vegetables that can be added to macaroni and cheese.
You can roast or sauté vegetables like broccoli and butternut squash and add them to your macaroni and cheese.
Yes, softer vegetables like spinach, kale, and peas can be mixed into the macaroni and cheese sauce.
A crisp green salad with vegetables like carrots, radishes, and green onions can complement the richness of the macaroni and cheese.
Yes, sautéed spinach, roasted green beans, or a citrus salad with grapefruit and oranges can also be served as sides with macaroni and cheese.
