What to eat with mac and cheese | Best 5 Comfort Food Combos

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what to eat with mac and cheese

Discover  what to eat with mac and cheese

Mac and cheese, a classic comfort food, does great on its own. But, adding some other dishes can make your meal super tasty. Let’s check out all the different ways you can pair your mac and cheese, making sure it’s a well-rounded and yummy meal.

 

Why Enhance Mac and Cheese with Accompaniments?

Mixing the rich goodness of mac and cheese with different parts not only makes it taste better but also makes it a healthier meal. Adding in meat, veggies, and other tasty sides makes eating it a great experience all around.

 

Ideal Proteins to Pair with Mac and Cheese

Chicken

  • Grilled Chicken: The savory smell of grilled chicken goes really well with the smoothie taste of mac and cheese.
  • Fried Chicken: For a little Southern flair, the crispy fried chicken brings in a great crunch.

Beef

  • Meatloaf: The go-to comfort food just got even better. Meatloaf, with its tangy topping, goes great with the subtle taste of mac and cheese.
  • Steak: A tender steak, be it grilled or cooked in a pan, brings a satisfying flavor to your dish.

Pork

  • Bacon: Crumble some crunchy bacon on top of your mac and cheese for a salty, savory surprise.
  • Pulled Pork: The tender, smoky pulled pork is the perfect match for the creamy pasta.

Seafood

  • Shrimp: Cooked shrimp, lightly seasoned, brings a fancy touch and is a perfect buddy for mac and cheese.
  • Lobster: Looking for something special? Lobster mac and cheese is the treat for any moment.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Green Vegetables

  • Broccoli: Whether it’s steamed or roasted, broccoli’s slightly bitter flavor pairs well with the cheesy creaminess of mac and cheese.
  • Green Beans: Crunchy and fresh green beans, no matter how you cook them, add a great texture and taste.

Root Vegetables

  • Carrots: These sweet and crunchy veggies are perfect when roasted or steamed and they add a pop of color and health benefits.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes are super sweet and earthy, giving the dish an extra kick.

Salads

  • Caesar Salad: The tangy, creamy Caesar salad dressing is the perfect match for the rich flavors of mac and cheese.
  • Garden Salad: A light, fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing really helps keep the mac and cheese from feeling too heavy.

Perfect Bread and Rolls

  • Garlic Bread: Perfectly crispy and packed with buttery goodness, garlic bread and mac and cheese are made for each other.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft and hot dinner rolls are ideal for diving into any leftover cheese sauce.
  • Cornbread: Sweet and full of crumbs, cornbread is the ultimate side to go with Southern-style mac and cheese.

Comfort Food Combos

Southern Style

  • Coleslaw: A zesty, crispy coleslaw is a cool change.
  • Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are great for a cozy meal.

BBQ Style

  • Baked Beans: Delicious and smoky baked beans go well with creamy mac and cheese.
  • Corn on the Cob: Boil or grill corn on the cob for a sweet, juicy touch.

Lighter Side Options

  • Steamed Vegetables: A bunch of steamed veggies, like carrots, peas, and zucchini, makes the meal lighter.
  • Fresh Fruit Salad: Mix of fresh fruits offers a sweet and refreshing end to the meal.

Dipping Sauces and Toppings

  • Hot Sauce: Spicing things up just a bit with a few drops of hot sauce.
  • Ketchup: Regular ketchup is actually pretty good with mac and cheese.
  • Breadcrumb Toppings: Give your dish some crunch with toasted breadcrumbs.

Beverage Pairings

  • Soft Drinks: Stick to the good old cola or a refreshing lemon-lime soda.
  • Beer: Try a lighter beer like a pale ale or a light lager for it to match well with the dish.
  • Wine: Go for a light white like Sauvignon Blanc or a lighter red like Pinot Noir for a great combo.

International Twists

Italian

  • Italian Sausage: Whether you want it spicy or mild, Italian sausage gives a strong taste.
  • Bruschetta: A mix of fresh tomatoes, basil, and a little bit of balsamic on toasted bread is a perfect start.

Mexican

  • Tacos: Whether you like them soft or crispy, filling up tacos with seasoned meat or beans is a cool way to change things up.
  • Guacamole: A smooth guacamole is perfect for adding extra richness and flavor.

Asian

  • Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet and savory teriyaki chicken is delicious.
  • Kimchi: Spicy, tangy kimchi is a great crunchy snack.
what to eat with mac and cheese

Seasonal Pairings

Summer

  • Grilled Veggies: Yum: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, just grilled so good and they taste smoky.
  • Fresh Corn Salad: Sweet corn mixed with tomatoes and herbs is super cool and tasty.

Winter

  • Roasted Vegetables: Big veggies like squash and Brussels sprouts, roasted to perfection and sweet.
  • Hearty Stews: A thick, beefy or veggie stew can be super comforting and delicious.

Kid-Friendly Pairings

  • Chicken Nuggets: Kids can’t get enough of chicken nuggets mixed with mac and cheese.
  • Sliced Apples: Yummy apple slices give it a sweet and crunchy kick.
  • Carrot Sticks: Bite-sized carrot sticks are a good way to go for something healthy yet tasty.

Desserts to Follow Mac and Cheese

  • Brownies: Gooey, fudgy brownies are just the thing to finish off a meal.
  • Apple Pie: Old school apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the ultimate snack.
  • Ice Cream: A basic scoop of ice cream is a crowd favorite.

Conclusion

Combining mac and cheese with the right sides can turn a plain meal into something spectacular. Whether you’re into meats, veggies, or something sweet, there’s a perfect side for everyone. So, if you’re stumped about what to pair with your mac and cheese, give one of these tasty sides a shot and dig into a tastier and more well-rounded meal.

 

FAQs

1. What meat goes well with mac and cheese? 

Chicken, beef, pork, and seafood are all excellent choices. Grilled chicken, meatloaf, bacon, and shrimp are popular options.

 

2. Can mac and cheese be a main course? 

Absolutely! By pairing it with proteins and vegetables, mac and cheese can be a hearty and balanced main course.

 

3. What vegetables pair well with mac and cheese? 

Broccoli, green beans, carrots, and salads like Caesar or garden salad complement mac and cheese well.

 

4. Are there healthy side dishes for mac and cheese? 

Yes, steamed vegetables and fresh fruit salad are great lighter options that balance the richness of mac and cheese.

 

5. What drinks pair well with mac and cheese?

Soft drinks, light beers, and wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir are excellent choices to complement the meal.

 

6. what to eat with mac and cheese ?

 

Mac and cheese pairs well with proteins like chicken or beef, vegetables such as broccoli or green beans, and bread like garlic bread or dinner rolls.

 

7. what to eat mac and cheese with ?

 

Mac and cheese goes well with proteins like chicken or beef, vegetables such as broccoli or green beans, and bread like garlic bread or dinner rolls.

 

8. what to eat with lobster mac and cheese ?

 

Lobster mac and cheese can be enjoyed with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like asparagus.

 

9. what to eat with baked mac and cheese ?

 

Baked mac and cheese complements dishes like meatloaf, baked beans, or a side of coleslaw.

 

10. what to eat with mac and cheese for dinner ?

For dinner, mac and cheese pairs nicely with proteins like grilled chicken or steak, vegetables such as roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh garden salad, and perhaps some garlic bread or dinner rolls.