Elevate your mac and cheese experience: uncover the side dishes that will transform your meal
What To Know
- Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of other dishes.
- A simple green salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese.
- Mac and cheese is a great way to add a touch of richness and flavor to a bowl of chili.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of other dishes. But what is mac and cheese good with? The answer to that question depends on your personal preferences, but there are some classic pairings that are always a hit.
Main Courses
- Fried chicken: Mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for fried chicken. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy, savory chicken.
- Meatloaf: Meatloaf is another great main course to pair with mac and cheese. The rich, flavorful meatloaf is complemented by the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches: Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that can be made even better with a side of mac and cheese. The melted cheese in the grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Hot dogs: Hot dogs are a simple but delicious main course that can be made even better with a side of mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy sauce adds a touch of richness to the hot dogs.
Side Dishes
- Green beans: Green beans are a healthy and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with mac and cheese. The green beans add a touch of color and crunch to the dish.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is another healthy and refreshing side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The broccoli adds a touch of color and nutrients to the dish.
- Corn: Corn is a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The corn adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- Peas: Peas are a simple but delicious side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The peas add a touch of color and sweetness to the dish.
Salads
- Caesar salad: Caesar salad is a classic salad that pairs well with mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy dressing pairs perfectly with the crisp romaine lettuce and croutons.
- Green salad: A simple green salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The salad adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
- Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a tangy and refreshing side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The coleslaw adds a touch of acidity and crunch to the dish.
- Potato salad: Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The potato salad adds a touch of starch and flavor to the dish.
Breads
- Garlic bread: Garlic bread is a delicious and savory bread that pairs well with mac and cheese. The garlic bread adds a touch of flavor and crunch to the dish.
- French bread: French bread is a classic bread that pairs well with mac and cheese. The French bread adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.
- Rolls: Rolls are a simple but delicious bread that pairs well with mac and cheese. The rolls add a touch of starch and flavor to the dish.
- Cornbread: Cornbread is a sweet and savory bread that pairs well with mac and cheese. The cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to the dish.
Other Pairings
- Soup: Mac and cheese is a great addition to a bowl of soup. The creamy, cheesy sauce adds a touch of richness and flavor to the soup.
- Chili: Mac and cheese is a great way to add a touch of richness and flavor to a bowl of chili. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the spicy chili.
- Fruit: Fruit is a refreshing and healthy way to end a meal of mac and cheese. The fruit adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the dish.
The Perfect Pairing
Ultimately, the best way to find out what mac and cheese is good with is to experiment and find what you like. There are no rules when it comes to pairing mac and cheese, so don’t be afraid to try different things. The possibilities are endless!
What People Want to Know
What are some popular side dishes to serve with mac and cheese?
Some popular side dishes to serve with mac and cheese include green beans, broccoli, corn, peas, Caesar salad, green salad, coleslaw, potato salad, garlic bread, French bread, rolls, and cornbread.
What are some creative ways to serve mac and cheese?
Some creative ways to serve mac and cheese include:
- Mac and cheese bites: These are bite-sized pieces of mac and cheese that are coated in bread crumbs and fried.
- Mac and cheese waffles: These are waffles that are made with mac and cheese batter.
- Mac and cheese grilled cheese sandwiches: These are grilled cheese sandwiches that are made with mac and cheese instead of cheese.
- Mac and cheese pizza: This is a pizza that is topped with mac and cheese instead of cheese.
What are some tips for making the perfect mac and cheese?
Here are some tips for making the perfect mac and cheese:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Fontina.
- Cook the pasta al dente: The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when it is mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of flour and butter that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. A roux will help to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming thin and watery.
- Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. Use whole milk or cream for a richer flavor.
- Season the cheese sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add other ingredients to the cheese sauce, such as cooked bacon, vegetables, or herbs.