Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But what if you want to add meat to your mac and cheese? This article will explore some of the best meats to pair with mac and cheese.
Bacon
Bacon is a classic choice for pairing meat with mac and cheese. The smoky flavor of bacon adds depth to the creaminess of the mac and cheese.
To incorporate bacon into your mac and cheese, cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it over the top of your mac and cheese. You can also mix chopped bacon into the cheesy sauce before baking.
Chicken
Chicken is another popular option for adding protein to your macaroni and cheese. The mild flavor of chicken pairs well with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese.
Cut cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or shred them to add chicken to your dish. Mix the chicken with your macaroni and cheese before baking, or layer it for a crispy finish before broiling.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is an excellent option if you’re looking for a heartier meal. Adding seasoned ground beef to your macaroni can take it from a side dish to an entree.
To make ground beef macaroni and cheese, brown ground beef in a pan with onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. Stir in prepared macaroni and creamy sauce, then bake until bubbly.
Ham
Ham is another popular choice for pairing meat with macaroni and cheese. Its salty flavor complements the creaminess of the dish perfectly.
To add ham to your dish, dice up leftover ham or purchase pre-cooked diced ham at your grocery store. Mix it in with your prepared cheesy sauce before baking for added depth of flavor.
Lobster
For seafood lovers, lobster can be an indulgent addition to traditional macaroni and cheese—lobster pairs particularly well with rich cheeses like cheddar or Gruyere.
To add lobster to the mix, simmer fresh or frozen raw lobster tails in water until cooked. Remove from shells, and stir cooked lobster chunks into prepared cheesy sauce before baking as usual.
We hope these suggestions have inspired you to pair meat with your favorite comfort food!
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a classic pairing with mac and cheese. The lean protein in the chicken helps cut through the richness of the cheesy sauce while adding a nice texture to each bite.
Grilled chicken is versatile enough to be flavored in many different ways – from garlic herb to Cajun spice – allowing you to customize your meal.
Pulled Pork
If you’re looking for something indulgent, pulled pork is an excellent addition to any bowl of mac and cheese.
The sweet BBQ flavor from slow-cooked pork pairs perfectly with creamy macaroni slathered in melted cheesy goodness.