What Goes Good with Mac n Cheese: 25 Delicious Pairings

Are you a cheese lover? Do you have an insatiable appetite for cheese-laden dishes? Look no further! For those seeking cheesy satisfaction, this blog post will provide a variety of recipes to tantalize the taste buds. From classic baked macaroni to chili mac with pulled pork, we’ve got it all covered.

We’ll start off with the basics – how to make a homemade creamy sauce for your mac and cheese using cream cheese and cheddar cheese. For those seeking something a bit more complex, try infusing smoky flavors or throwing in some cayenne for an extra kick. If you’re looking for a complete meal, we’ve also included side dishes like steamed broccoli or sweet potatoes.

If you want something quick and easy, we have instant pot options as well as slow cooker meals that require minimal effort but still deliver maximum flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try our recipe for BBQ ribs with a gooey cheesy finish!

No matter what kind of cheese dinner you’re in the mood for, this post has got you covered. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in some ultimate comfort food!

Meat Pairings

When it comes to meat pairings, chili dogs are a classic favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight meal, chili dogs offer up the perfect combination of savory flavors and comfort food goodness. Serve them alongside homemade mac and cheese for an indulgent treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Savory meatloaf is another great option when it comes to pairing with mac and cheese. Top with ketchup or BBQ sauce before baking in the oven for a delicious main course that pairs perfectly with creamy macaroni and cheese.

For those who prefer lighter fare but still want something hearty enough to fill them up, BBQ pulled chicken is the way to go. This simple recipe combines cooked chicken breasts with your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce – just shred the chicken after cooking and mix together in one pan. Serve on buns or over rice alongside some cheesy macaroni for an unbeatable meal combo

For a tantalizing twist, try pairing your mac n cheese with some delectable meat to add an extra burst of flavor. For those looking for something healthier, try one of the delicious options in our next heading – Healthy Options.

Healthy Options

When it comes to healthy options, grilled chicken tenders and slow-cooked beef brisket are excellent choices. Both of these proteins are lean, full of flavor, and easy to prepare. For a side, why not opt for something veggie-based like grilled or baked corn on the cob, zucchini casserole, or broccoli? Swiss chard is another great option for adding nutrition without extra calories. All of these sides pair perfectly with mac and cheese for a balanced meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty afterwards. Plus they’re all simple enough for any homemaker to make in no time at all.

Healthy options are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to mac n cheese. Soups and salads can make for a delightful addition to mac n cheese, introducing an array of varied tastes that will surely enhance the dining experience.

Salads & Soups

Salads and soups are an ideal way to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to any meal. The Autumn Crunch Salad is a great option for fall dinners as it combines sweet apples with tart cranberries. This salad provides balance to the richness of macaroni and cheese or other cheesy pasta dishes. Tomato soup adds warmth on cold days while also complementing the flavors in your favorite cheesy dish. Tomato soup may be crafted from fresh tomatoes or canned, whatever you have available. For extra flavor, consider incorporating herbs such as oregano or basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to your tomato soup.

For those who prefer something heartier than a salad but still light enough for dinner time there’s slow-cooked beef brisket which pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables like zucchini or squash for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. If you’re looking for something lighter yet flavorful then grilled chicken tenders make an excellent choice – they go well with almost anything including roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli.

When it comes time for dessert why not try making apple pie? This classic treat is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth while providing plenty of vitamins too. Or if you’re feeling adventurous why not give smoked hot dogs a try? They may sound strange but they actually pair quite nicely with sautéed onions and peppers – just don’t forget the ketchup. Finally, Air-Fried Garlic Parmesan Popcorn Chicken makes an amazing snack that will keep your family happy all day long; serve them up with some ranch dressing dip if desired.

Salads and soups are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your mac n cheese meal. Moving on, desserts and snacks provide an additional layer of flavor that can really take the dish up a notch.

Desserts & Snacks

Apple Pie is a classic dessert that pairs perfectly with any dinner. It’s sweet, comforting flavor and buttery crust make it an ideal end to a meal. Grandma’s smoked hot dogs air-fried garlic parmesan popcorn chicken are another great option for those who prefer savory snacks after their main course. This savory snack brings together the smoky taste of hot dogs and the crispy texture of air-fried popcorn chicken, all enveloped in a garlicky Parmesan coating. It’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. For busy homemakers looking for a delicious, quick meal to make at the end of their day, these two treats are sure to hit the spot. So why not give both options a try? You’ll be glad you did.

Desserts and treats can be a scrumptious way to top off mac n cheese, providing a pleasing blend of sweet or salty flavors that everyone will love. For special occasions, why not elevate your meal with glazed ham and garlic knots for an unforgettable dinner?

Special Occasions

Celebrations are the ideal moment to go all out in terms of culinary creations. For an impressive show-stopping dish, glazed ham is a classic option that will make any dinner table look like a feast. With glazed ham as the centerpiece, preparing this dish ahead of time will allow you to focus on other elements for your special occasion. To add extra flavor and texture, garlic knots are a great accompaniment for any meal. These soft, buttery rolls have just enough garlic to give them an unmistakable aroma and flavor that everyone loves.

Glazed ham is one of those dishes that never fails to impress guests. It’s best cooked low and slow over several hours until the meat is tender and juicy with a sweet glaze coating each slice. The key here is using quality ingredients such as fresh herbs, spices, honey or brown sugar for sweetness along with some acidity from vinegar or lemon juice for balance before baking in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown perfection.

Garlic knots are also easy to prepare ahead of time so they’re ready whenever needed. Simply mix together softened butter with minced garlic cloves plus salt & pepper then brush onto pre-made pizza dough cut into small pieces before rolling up into individual buns then bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until lightly golden brown – delicious. For added flavor try sprinkling parmesan cheese over top prior to baking – yum.

When hosting special occasions, there is no need for complicated recipes; simple yet tasty dishes like glazed ham paired with garlic knots always go down well amongst guests, especially when served alongside other crowd pleasing sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

FAQs in Relation to What Goes Good With Mac N Cheese

What goes good with mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, so it pairs well with other comforting sides. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli or squash are all excellent options to accompany mac and cheese. A simple green salad can also provide a light crunchy contrast that complements the creamy texture of macaroni and cheese. For a more substantial side, try serving mac and cheese with grilled poultry or fish to up the protein content. Finally, adding some bacon bits on top of your dish will give it an extra salty kick.

What meat to eat with mac and cheese?

Bacon can be included in mac and cheese to give it a smoky taste that melds well with the cheesy pasta. Ground beef can also be used for added texture and heartiness. For a meaty twist, poultry – whether diced or shredded – can be added to the mix for extra protein while still allowing the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese to stand out. For those avoiding meat, mushrooms are a great way to bring umami into the dish without overpowering its other flavors. No matter what you choose, it’s hard to go wrong when pairing meat with mac and cheese.

How to jazz up mac and cheese?

Adding a few ingredients to mac and cheese can transform it from a bland dish into something delicious. Mix in diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms or broccoli for a tasty twist. For more texture, consider crumbled bacon or cooked sausage. To add some spice, try sprinkling in chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat; paprika for smokiness; garlic powder for zest; and Parmesan cheese to bring out the cheesy flavor. Finally, bake until golden brown and bubbly with a topping of breadcrumbs.

What goes good with mac n cheese reddit?

For example, bacon and jalapenos add a smoky and spicy flavor to the dish; diced ham or chicken make it heartier; peas, carrots, and broccoli offer more vegetables for nutrition; while tomatoes bring an acidic contrast. Additionally, adding sauces like buffalo sauce or Alfredo will give your mac n cheese extra zing. With these simple additions you can take this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary in no time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different options for what goes good with mac n cheese. Veggies, like broccoli and peas, can be incorporated to give the mac n cheese a nutritious boost of flavor. Meats like bacon, chicken, and sausage add a delicious savory flavor that pairs perfectly with cheesy macaroni. For an added layer of flavor, try topping your mac n cheese with sauces and condiments like hot sauce or Parmesan cheese. Finally, breads and crackers provide crunchy texture when sprinkled on top of the dish for a complete meal experience. No matter what combination you choose, adding something special to your classic mac n cheese will definitely elevate this comfort food favorite into something extraordinary.

Discover the perfect side dishes to go with your mac n cheese! From crispy bacon and crunchy vegetables, to savory herbs and spices, explore our selection of recipes for a delicious meal.