What Goes Good With Macaroni And Cheese

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Faq About Mac And Cheese

Italian Macaroni and Cheese with Béchamel Sauce

Can mac and cheese be frozen?

You can definitely freeze mac and cheese! Place in a freezer resealable bag or air-tight container and store in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. When defrosting it, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before heating and serving.

Can mac and cheese be reheated?

To reheat mac and cheese, transfer it to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and stir. Place the saucepan on a stove top over medium-low heat and stir until consistency is smooth and noodles are warmed through. If microwaving, heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring after each, until cheese has melted and the noodles are heated through.

What to serve with mac and cheese?

Just about anything can be served alongside mac and cheese. Here are a few great options: steamed veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower, chopped salad, spinach or a Ceasar salad. Or how about roasted tomatoes or sauteed mushrooms?!

Can mac and cheese be made ahead?

Mac and cheese can be made ahead of time. Make the recipe in its entirety the day before, then reheat until hot and serve.

Baked Chicken And Ricotta Meatballs

The baked chicken and ricotta meatballs recipe is quick and easy. Baked chicken and ricotta meatballs have a savory flavor that is perfect when serving with mac and cheese.

Although this recipe has various ingredients, you can easily substitute one for each other. It depends on what you desire. For instance, you can use basil instead of parsley, double the amount of garlic, or skip the pepper flakes to avoid a spicy taste.

What Goes With Mac And Cheese Main Dishes And Sides

Mac and cheese is typically thought of as a southern dish, which is why it is usually paired with main dishes, such as BBQ ribs, served with pulled pork, or brisket. However, it is not limited to the south, served at cookouts, holiday gatherings and weeknight dinners nationwide!

Below are good main dishes to pair if serving mac and cheese as a side, or side dishes to go along with it as a starring main dish.

  • Meatloaf
  • BBQ Pulled Chicken or Pork
  • Coleslaw
  • Grilled meats chicken, pork, or steak
  • Sloppy Joes
  • Hot dogs

Read Also: What Sauce Is On A Philly Cheese Steak Pizza

Where Did Mac And Cheese Come From Anyway

Most of us grew up on the boxed mac and cheese as kids on ordinary days.

And while we loved it and rejoiced when Mom said thats what was for dinner, the only thing that made us happier was when she announced she was making it from scratch.

Out of box or completely homemade, theres no denying mac and cheese is an American comfort food that everyone loves.

But how did it come to be?

Kraft first started making macaroni and cheese in its famous boxes back in 1937. But the first mac and cheese recipes ever known to man were from the late 13th century in Italys southern region.

Not surprising since it is made with pasta. In a publishing called Liber de coquina, there is a recipe for something called lasanis which experts surmise was the original template for mac and cheese.

The difference here was that this recipe was made from lasagna sheets which were cut into little squares about 2 inches big.

They were boiled as is usual for pasta and then tossed with grated cheese.

Of course, it arrived in America with Italian immigrants but thats about all anyone can agree on.

There seems to be two different claims of mac and cheese as we know it in the states today. The first claims that it was served at a New England churchs potluck supper.

The more famous story though is that it came from southeastern Connecticut and was called macaroni pudding.

Accordingly, this version of macaroni and cheese went along with Thomas Jefferson back to Virginia after he spent time in Italy.

Faq About Homemade Mac And Cheese

What Goes with Mac &  Cheese?

What cheese is best in mac and cheese?

There are so many options when deciding what type of cheese to use. It depends on the flavor you are going for! If your recipe makes a béchamel sauce before adding the cheese, really any cheese will work, as long as its a smooth melter. Avoid dry cheeses, like feta or cotija. If you are adding cheese without making a béchamel first, you may want to add a portion of processed cheese for a creamier consistency, such as Velveeta or american cheese. Adding a little cream cheese also works for this. Personally, I find mild cheddar to be lackluster in flavor, so I lean towards sharper cheeses for more pronounced flavor, such as extra sharp cheddar, gouda, or parmesan cheese.

Why is my dish grainy / not creamy?

There could be several reasons why its dry or clumpy. First, be sure not to add the cheese too quickly. Grating or cubing cheese and adding a bit at a time helps it emulsify into the sauce.Also, lower the heat of the milk before adding cheese. If the mixture is too hot the cheese will seize and separate.If baking the macaroni and cheese, pull it out of the oven when it starts to bubble around the edges and middle is very hot. Overcooking will make the dish grainy.

What is the best way to reheat macaroni and cheese?Can mac and cheese be frozen?Can I use gluten-free pasta for mac and cheese?

Read Also: Where To Buy White Cheddar Cheese

Beef: For That Hearty Meaty Feel

Beef is one of the most common accompaniments to mac and cheese.

When you need something hearty to go with your noodles, beef is the way to go.

Beef comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from ground beef to bacon-wrapped filet mignon.

You can use beef in your mac and cheese itself or just serve it alongside it, like in these easy-to-make cheeseburger bowls.

Complementary Condiments To Serve With Macaroni And Cheese

Hot Sauce Whether you like Franks or Tabasco, a splash of hot sauce livens up mac and cheese unlike anything else.

Salt and Black Pepper Some people like to add salt and pepper to everything, so make sure you have some on the table.

Red Pepper Flakes This is another condiment that adds heat to balance the creaminess.

Ketchup Some people like ketchup on almost anything, and macaroni and cheese is no exception.

Mustard Add a little zing to your mac and cheese with a bit of mustardeither regular or dijon. Or you can use dry mustard, but remember that a little bit goes a long way.

Please feel free to share!

Also Check: How To Cook Velveeta Mac And Cheese On The Stove

Shrimp: The Seafood Sensation

This popular seafood item is one of our favorites for several reasons.

Its fresh, briny taste adds a savory flavor to any dish, in addition to its nutritional profile.

Shrimp is low in saturated fats and high in protein, along with other vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium.

Its also extremely versatileyou can boil it or add it to pasta dishes like our personal favorite .

Offer Options When Serving Macaroni And Cheese

1 Dollar Fancy Mac and Cheese | But Cheaper

My easy macaroni and cheese casserole is delicious with or without the crunch because I bake it until the top turns a golden brown. Every bite is so satisfying!

Although you can make a full meal out of a bowl of macaroni and cheese, I think its a good idea to include some sides.

You dont have to offer a lot of different dishes. Choose foods that add color to the plate to make the meal a more satisfying experience.

You can also set aside a bowl of cooked plain macaroni for anyone who cant have dairy products. If you offer a few add-ons, such as bacon bits, garlic salt, or ham, the person can doctor it up according to his or her personal taste.

Also Check: How Do You Make Grilled Cheese With Mayo

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Here is another air fryer recipe for you to try. Compared to deep-fried foods, air-fried ones are healthier and suitable for people sticking to a balanced diet. Air fryer chicken nuggets are warm and juicy in the interior with a crumbling exterior.

Air fryer chicken nuggets are also kid-friendly. You can add this dish to your kids daily menu with mac and cheese. Top any kind of salad with air fryer chicken nuggets to increase the level of fiber is also a good idea!

Savory Sauted Green Beans

One day, as I sipped my green tea in the peaceful greenhouse that Ive had for ten years now, I decided to make something healthy with my mac and cheese that night.

Since my kids were already eating broccoli, I thought maybe they would like green beans. I wanted something that would contrast with the texture of my mac and cheese.

So, I went to the kitchen and started my sautéed green beans. I incorporated mushrooms, garlic onions, sliced almonds, ground pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

When I served green beans as a side dish, the kids enjoyed the combination. My husband loved it, too. So, during one of our stay home date nights, I made it for him with a dash of white wine. His eye lit up as he chewed the mac and cheese and the green beans. Recipe here

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Piglets In The Blanket

The combination of piglets in the blanket with mac and cheese may bring you many good memories of the old days because it is childhoods standard breakfast or lunch.

This cooking method is also quick and easy. Furthermore, you can make it as meal prep and freeze it for later uses. The outstanding convenience of this food is that you do not have to defrost it before reheating. You just need to extend the reheating time.

Creamy Pea Bacon Pecan Salad

What Goes Good with Mac and Cheese? The Awesome Sides You Need to Know ...

This delightful salad hits all the right notes. Its lightly creamy and full of crunch from the bacon and pecans.

And how can you ever go wrong with bacon? Its always so right!

Especially when you serve with mac and cheese! With all the textures and flavors, were betting there will be no leftovers with this side!

Check out this awesome recipe from . This is one youll definitely want to click over to and try!

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The Best Side Dishes To Serve With Mac And Cheese For Kids

Here are my general favorite sides with macaroni and cheese.

  • Cut fruit
  • Hot dogs
  • Bacon
  • Fries my kids actually prefer sweet potato fries
  • Tots
  • Cheese stick or babybel cheese
  • Baked carrots
  • Green peas
  • Potatoes any way mashed potato, smashed, baked
  • Mac n cheese
  • Bread/rolls

If you are wondering what goes with mac and cheese for adults, consider:

  • Cole slaw
  • Grain salad like cous cous, quinoa, etc
  • Broccoli

Brownies With Ice Cream

Mac and cheese is made so much better with a delicious brownie on the side.

All you need is sugar, eggs, butter, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Just mix everything together and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes.

And then, of course, youll need some ice cream to top it all off.

This is the perfect dessert to finish off a perfect meal. And its so easy to make that youll be able to whip it up in no time.

Recommended Reading: Where To Order Cheese Online

What Can You Serve With Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese is, without a doubt, in the top ten of everyones favorite comfort food list.

We can never say no to its creamy and cheesy sauce melded together with the soft and chewy macaroni. The best part is, you can choose to make it from scratch or purchase a boxed version of macaroni and cheese of your choice.

Thinking about what to serve with mac and cheese may be a bit challenging, since some people already consider mac and cheese by itself as a complete meal.

The truth is, having a side dish makes it a more delectable meal. Plus, youll find that our tried-and-true recipes all complement mac and cheeses rich and creamy flavor.

How To Eat: Macaroni Cheese

Creamy Mac n Cheese Recipe | Baked Mac n Cheese

How do you like yours? Does it need pulled pork? Can you put it in a toastie? Its the ultimate comfort food just dont call it mac n cheese.

Quarrelsome cooks! Pernickety portion-controllers! Gimlet-eyed gastronomes! Your attention, please. It is time for How to Eat to hand down its verdict on the transcendent comfort food, macaroni cheese.

Please note, we will refer to it as macaroni cheese throughout not mac, not mac n cheese, not crack n cheese, in a stand against the constant renaming of foods in order to fuel the gastro-industrial complex and its appetite for novelty. In the UK, the reinvention of macaroni cheese as the spuriously hip mac n cheese illustrates how juvenile and creatively spent our food culture is. Molecular gastronomy was a genuine paradigm shift for restaurant food slopping pulled pork on macaroni cheese is barely doodling in the margins of history.

Below the line, as ever, we offer a penne for your thoughts. But please, think before you post. By all means, grill your fellow contributors, but no going off half-baked, no salty language and, of course, no cheesy puns.

Read Also: Where Can I Buy Pepperoni Cheese

What Is Mac And Cheese

This creamy and delicious dish of macaroni pasta is one of the most loved food across the world. However, one of the main differences between white Sauce Pasta and Macaroni and Cheese is that white sauce pasta uses a straight form of pasta that has notches across it. This style of pasta can hold the sauce nicely. This style of pasta is employed because it can contain enough sauce. Mac & Cheese, on the other hand, is prepared with twisty macaroni pasta as opposed to straight ones.

What To Serve With Baked Mac And Cheese

Mac and Cheese is worthy of serving as a meal in its own right, served with just a fresh green salad or simple vegetable side. Nothing heavy because Macaroni Cheese is so rich as it is!

As a side dish, it will compliment virtually any non-Asian main dish. From simple Baked Pork Chops to Steak, a Roast Chicken to Crispy Garlic Chicken Thighs, the only things I probably would not serve with Mac and Cheese would be very light summery mains such as a Tuna Tartare just a little too much contrast.

And of course, festive gatherings! Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter alongside a grand Roast Turkey or your Herb & Garlic Butter Slathered Turkey Breast, the juicy Roast Pork with impossibly Crispy Crackling or your Prime Rib thats so perfectly blushing pink all the way through, it makes you want to weep.

Holidays would not be the same without this Mac and Cheese!! Nagi xx

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Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts With Parmesan

These Brussels sprouts take no time at all to make, and come out bright green and crisp tender! You’ll need a pressure cooker for this one, which is perfect for making a side while you have the stovetop or oven busy with mac and cheese. Mixed with a hint of butter, chives, and Parmesan cheese, theyre super flavorful and a healthy side to serve with mac and cheese.

Main Dish Recipes To Go With Macaroni And Cheese

What Goes with Mac and Cheese: 15 Delish Sides

Barbecue Pork Chops If you cant decide whether to serve macaroni and cheese, potato salad, or sweet potatoes with any main dish, go ahead and serve all of them. Sometimes you just need a little extra comfort.

Hot Dogs Serve hot dogs on buns to go with the macaroni and cheese. Or another great option is to chop up the hot dogs and cook them with the macaroni and cheese.

Juicy Meatloaf This recipe is on my friend Julies Back to My Southern Roots blog, and its extremely yummy.

Pork Tenderloin When I see these on sale at the grocery store I usually pick up several. Theyre delicious cooked in a slow cooker or in the oven.

Roast Beef Cook the roast yourself or get deli style thin roast for sandwiches.

Salmon Cakes This is an easy recipe that you can cook on the stovetop or in the oven. Be sure to include some of this delicious tartar sauce along with some fresh lemon juice.

Chicken Strips These delicious chicken tenders can be cut in half if you prefer to make homemade chicken nuggets.

They are absolutely delicious dipped in a barbecue sauce, creamy sauce, or even honey mustard dressing.

Actually, almost any salad dressing is good on chicken.

Read Also: How Much Is Stouffer’s Mac And Cheese

How To Reheat Macaroni And Cheese In The Oven

Using an oven is the best way to reheat macaroni and cheese. Here is the step-by-step process of reheating Mac and cheese in the oven.

  • Put your leftovers in a glass jar with tight-fitting lids. Glass jars are ideal for reheating food within a short time.
  • For every cup of macaroni and cheese, add 1-tbs of milk.
  • Reheat on 50% power, and stir every minute.
  • Add a little butter to bring back the dishs moisture. But before adding cheese, check that the food is at the proper temperature.
  • Steak: The Perfect Pairing

    Put down that fork!

    Youre going to want a knife for this one. Steak is the perfect meat to pair with your mac and cheese.

    Why?

    Because its a little daring, a little adventurous, and a little bit of wildjust like you.

    When you think of steak on its own, its probably in the context of some kind of manly mealyou know, bacon-wrapped filet mignon or something like that.

    But when you put it next to your mac and cheese, it takes an unexpected turn: suddenly, youve got a meal thats both dainty and daring.

    Its the perfect balance! Plus, did we mention that steak is delicious? You cant go wrong.

    Read Also: What Kind Of Cheese Goes On A Charcuterie Board

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