Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food beloved by many for its creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a festive holiday dish, knowing what goes well with macaroni and cheese can elevate the meal to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best sides, beverages, and desserts that perfectly complement macaroni and cheese. From crisp salads to hearty meats, refreshing drinks, and delightful desserts, find out how to create a balanced and satisfying meal with macaroni and cheese as the star.
What Goes Well with Macaroni and Cheese?
Sides
Salads
Adding a fresh, crisp salad alongside macaroni and cheese provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
| Salad Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Caesar Salad | Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. |
| Garden Salad | Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. |
| Spinach Salad | Baby spinach, strawberries, almonds, and poppy seed dressing. |
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing is a classic pairing.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Romaine Lettuce | 4 cups |
| Croutons | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Caesar Dressing | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
Garden Salad
A simple garden salad adds freshness and color to your meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mixed Greens | 4 cups |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup, chopped |
| Cucumbers | 1 cup, sliced |
| Carrots | 1/2 cup, shredded |
| Red Onion | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Spinach Salad
A spinach salad with sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds is a delightful side.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Baby Spinach | 4 cups |
| Strawberries | 1 cup, sliced |
| Almonds | 1/2 cup, sliced |
| Poppy Seed Dressing | 1/2 cup |
Vegetables
Steamed or roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful side dish.
| Vegetable Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Steamed Broccoli | Lightly steamed broccoli with a touch of butter. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic. |
| Sautéed Spinach | Spinach sautéed with garlic and olive oil. |
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a simple and nutritious side.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Broccoli Florets | 4 cups |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts add a savory and crispy element to your meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | 4 cups, halved |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is quick to prepare and full of flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Baby Spinach | 4 cups |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Proteins
Adding a protein to your meal can make it more satisfying and balanced.
| Protein Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Juicy and flavorful chicken breasts. |
| Baked Ham | Savory and slightly sweet baked ham slices. |
| Meatloaf | Classic meatloaf with a rich glaze. |
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a lean and flavorful protein that pairs well with macaroni and cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Baked Ham
Baked ham adds a savory and slightly sweet contrast to the creamy macaroni and cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ham | 2 lbs, sliced |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Cloves | 1/2 tsp, ground |
Meatloaf
Classic meatloaf with a rich glaze is a hearty complement to macaroni and cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Beverages
Wines
Choosing the right wine can enhance the flavors of your meal.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Rich and buttery, pairs well with creamy dishes. |
| Pinot Noir | Light and fruity, complements cheesy dishes. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp and refreshing, balances the richness. |
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a rich and buttery wine that pairs well with macaroni and cheese.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Rich, buttery, and complements creamy dishes. |
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light and fruity wine that works well with cheesy dishes.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Light, fruity, and pairs well with cheese. |
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, balancing the richness of macaroni and cheese.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp, refreshing, and balances rich flavors. |
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages can also be a great pairing with macaroni and cheese.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Sweet and tangy, refreshing complement. |
| Iced Tea | Versatile and refreshing, enhances the meal. |
| Sparkling Water | Light and bubbly, cleanses the palate. |
Lemonade
Lemonade is a sweet and tangy drink that refreshes the palate.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Sweet, tangy, and refreshing. |
Iced Tea
Iced tea is versatile and refreshing, making it a great choice with macaroni and cheese.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Iced Tea | Versatile, refreshing, and complements the meal. |
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is light and bubbly, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sparkling Water | Light, bubbly, and palate-cleansing. |
Desserts
Light Desserts
Light desserts provide a sweet ending without overwhelming the palate.
| Dessert Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fruit Salad | Fresh fruits with a light syrup. |
| Sorbet | Refreshing and tangy frozen dessert. |
| Yogurt Parfait | Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. |
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is a light and refreshing dessert that complements macaroni and cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | 1 cup, sliced |
| Blueberries | 1 cup |
| Kiwi | 2, sliced |
| Mango | 1, chopped |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
Sorbet
Sorbet is a light and refreshing dessert that cleanses the palate.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemon Sorbet | Tangy and refreshing, perfect for summer meals. |
| Raspberry Sorbet | Sweet and tart, pairs well with savory dishes. |
Yogurt Parfait
A yogurt parfait is a healthy and light dessert option.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Greek Yogurt | 2 cups |
| Granola | 1 cup |
| Mixed Berries | 1 cup |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
|Conclusion
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide variety of sides, proteins, beverages, and desserts. From fresh salads and steamed vegetables to grilled chicken and baked ham, the possibilities are endless. Complement your meal with the right beverages, such as a rich Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea, and finish with a light dessert like fruit salad or sorbet. Experiment with different pairings to find what you enjoy most, and elevate your macaroni and cheese meal to a delightful dining experience.
FAQs
What side dishes go well with macaroni and cheese?
Great side dishes for macaroni and cheese include Caesar salad, garden salad, steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sautéed spinach.
What proteins pair well with macaroni and cheese?
Grilled chicken, baked ham, and meatloaf are excellent protein options that complement the creamy and cheesy nature of macaroni and cheese.
What beverages complement macaroni and cheese?
Wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc pair well. Non-alcoholic options include lemonade, iced tea, and sparkling water.
What desserts go well with macaroni and cheese?
Light desserts such as fruit salad, sorbet, and yogurt parfait are great choices to end the meal on a sweet note without overwhelming the palate.
How can I make my macaroni and cheese meal more interesting?
Incorporate fresh salads, hearty proteins, refreshing beverages, and light desserts to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Experiment with different pairings to discover your favorites.