Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves.
However, while it’s delicious, it can be the perfect accompaniment to a main dish. In this article, we’ll explore different recipes you can pair with your mac and cheese for a satisfying meal.
Roasted Chicken
A crispy roasted chicken paired with mac and cheese makes for an irresistible combination. The savory flavors of the chicken complement the creamy and cheesy goodness of the macaroni.
To create this pairing, preheat your oven to 425°F. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika—Roast for about an hour or until cooked through. Serve your roasted chicken alongside your piping hot mac and cheese.
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Who says mac and cheese can’t go gourmet? Pairing it with grilled ribeye steak takes things up a notch.
Season your steak with salt and pepper before placing it on a hot grill. Cook it to your desired level of doneness before resting it for about ten minutes before slicing.
Serve slices of the grill masterpiece next to a helping of macaroni smothered in delightful Cheddar sauce- perfection!
Baked Ham
Baked ham will impress when served next to ‘mac n’ cheese,’ especially during holiday dinners or with family get-togethers.
Score the surface of your ham with shallow diamond shapes, then glaze it by brushing melted butter over its surface, dusted lightly brown sugar mix spiced by paprika mixed all together generously sprinkled above the surface, which makes it crisp-looking afterward baked patiently under low heat oven (350 °F) for 2 hours covered with foil then lastly uncover to rise past its glistening look then let rest for several minutes before slicing into chunky pieces.
This sweet yet savory ham complements the cheesy pasta in every bite perfectly.
Buffalo Chicken
For those who love spicy food, you could never go wrong with adding buffalo chicken to macaroni bathed in cheddar sauce—it’s heavenly!
Grill boneless skinless chicken thighs brushed on buffalo sauce mix, laying them out nicely onto serving plates beside generous servings of baked homemade Cheddar Mac & Cheese topped off crystal shards of crumbled bleu cheese or sprinkle some green onions as desired.
Vegetarian Chili
Macaroni may contain dairy products that aren’t suitable for vegetarianism; nonetheless, preparing meat-free chili alongside gooey cheesy pasta loaded with delicious texture can satisfy vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike!
Make this herbed vegetarian chili by combing fire-roasted tomatoes with rinsed lentils and diced onion sauteed in olive oil. Seasoned with cumin, coriander powder, and smoked paprika, add garlic. Let simmer over medium heat for half an hour. Afterward, pour the vegetable broth.
Add fresh cilantro at last. Served piping hot bowls filled with steaming chili complemented by indulgent Cheesy Mac prepared using plant-based milk substitute, perfect vegan mealtime feast pairing!
Fried Chicken
Nothing beats the combination of crispy fried chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese. This southern favorite is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal main dish for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Whether you make your fried chicken or order it from your local restaurant, this classic pairing will satisfy any craving for comfort food.
BBQ Pork Ribs
Barbecue pork ribs are another classic main dish that pairs beautifully with macaroni and cheese. The smoky flavors of the ribs perfectly complement the creaminess of the mac and cheese.
You can smoke your ribs or purchase prepared ones from a barbecue joint. Either way, this savory combination will impress everyone at the dinner table.
Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Meatballs in marinara sauce are another delicious option to serve alongside macaroni and cheese. This Italian-American classic is easy to prepare in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time preparing it.
Pairing meatballs in marinara sauce with creamy baked macaroni and cheese creates a beautiful contrast between textures and flavors.
Roasted Vegetables
If you want something lighter yet still flavorful with your macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables like broccoli, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts are great options.
These veggies bring an extra layer of nutrition that complements the indulgent nature of macaroni and cheese nicely.
Roasting them gives them a bit of caramelization, boosting their flavor profile even more. And because they’re roasted rather than steamed, they don’t become too mushy next to the cheesy pasta.
Grilled Steak
For special occasions or date nights at home, grilled steak is an excellent choice of main course, along with macaroni and cheese on the side.
The succulent, tender beef with garlic butter is a luxurious centerpiece, while cheesy pasta is a lovely but satisfying accompaniment.
You can choose any cut, such as ribeye steak or filet mignon, depending on what suits your taste buds best!