Complementing Classic Comfort Food: What to Eat with Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese ranks as one of Americas top comfort foods for good reason. The cheesy, creamy pasta dish satisfies cravings and warms bellies. But serving it as a well-balanced meal requires nutritious accompaniments.
The right sides help make indulgent mac and cheese healthier. Pairing in vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and even fruit cuts excess carbs, fat, calories and sodium. You get a complete and tasty family dinner!
Choosing Sides Based on Macaroni and Cheese Style
What food goes well with macaroni and cheese depends slightly on preparation method. Is it:
- Rich, creamy baked mac and cheese?
- Stovetop Kraft-style out of the blue box?
- Fancified pasta with unique cheeses and mix-ins?
- Spiced up with cajun, barbecue or buffalo flavors?
Complementing flavors and textures accordingly optimizes your meal enjoyment!
Best Meat Pairings with Macaroni and Cheese
Hearty cuts of lean meat make satisfying protein additions to balance mac and cheese. Options like:
Chicken
Chicken offers a mild flavor that works well with any cheese or seasonings. Breaded fried chicken tenders, baked chicken parmesan, or grilled chicken breasts pair nicely.
Turkey
Sliced turkey deli meat gets an upgrade when served alongside piping hot cheesy pasta. Or opt for leftover roast turkey if you have it.
Ham
Salty cured ham delivers a complementary punch of flavor next to rich dishes. Dice up ham steaks, bake a ham slice, or break out leftover holiday glazed ham.
Sausage
Spicy Italian sausage crumbles or links contribute satisfying substance and spice. Grill or pan-fry it just until browned and cooked through.
Ground Beef
Lean ground beef sauted with taco seasoning and vegetables makes a tasty taco night pairing. Or keep it classic with all-American cheeseburger meat.
Bacon
A few chopped pieces of crispy cooked bacon sprinkled on top lends smoky depth and crispy contrast to creamy mac and cheese.
Best Vegetable Additions for Balance
Rounding out a macaroni and cheese meal with fiber and nutrients requires fresh vegetable accents. Ideal produce-aisle picks include:
Leafy Greens
Sturdy leafy greens like kale, spinach or chard wilt nicely right into cheesy pasta. Baby greens lend well for side salads too.
Broccoli
Roasting broccoli florets caramelizes natural sugars into a sweet pairing for mac and cheese. Steaming works too for tender crispness.
Green Beans
Quick-cooking green beans sauteed in olive oil with minced garlic and toasted nuts or breadcrumbs balance indulgence.
Peas
Sweet peas mash easily into mac and cheese batter for bonus nutrition. Or serve fresh sugar snap peas on the side.
Carrots
Shredded carrots naturally sweeten cheese sauces. Another option: oven-roasted carrot fries alongside macaroni.
Tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes baked with Parmesan or mozzarella make an easy side. Tomato sauce stirred into the pasta works too.
Whole Grain Accompaniments
Adding a serving of filling fiber-rich whole grains balances a rich, heavy macaroni and cheese meal. Ideas include:
Bread Crumbs
Toasted panko or Italian breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top adds crispy texture and carbs.
Corn Bread
Warm crumbled corn bread complements the sweetness of corn mixed into the cheesy pasta.
Brown Rice
Nutty, hearty brown rice fills you up. Mix in sauteed veggies for extra nutrition.
Whole Grain Pasta Salad
Chilled whole wheat fusilli pasta salad with vinaigrette cools the palate between gooey bites.
Quinoa
Fluffy quinoa adds plant-based protein to balance meatless versions. Toss it in vinaigrette or cream sauce.
Fruit Accents
A pop of sweet, bright fruit cuts richness for a well-rounded meal. Choices like:
Apples
Sliced apples pair nicely either baked right into the macaroni and cheese or fresh on the side.
Berries
Mixed berries sprinkled over the finished dish or blended into the sauce provide just enough sweetness.
Pears
Buttery baked pears work well in the oven alongside macaroni and cheese casseroles.
Citrus
Tangy citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit make refreshing squeezed juice or segmented fruit salads.
Putting Together a Balanced Mac and Cheese Meal
When preparing a well-rounded macaroni and cheese dinner, choose:
- 1 lean protein like chicken, beef or turkey
- 1 fiber-rich whole grain such as quinoa or brown rice
- 2-3 vegetable side dishes like roasted broccoli and greens
- 1 fresh fruit like berries or apples
Finish by adding any extra garnishes like bacon bits, tomatoes, breadcrumbs or hot sauce over the hot pasta.
Following this balanced plate approach helps ensure you get plenty of nutrients from all the food groups while enjoying a cherished cheesy favorite.
Making Smart Leftover Pairings
Transform leftover mac and cheese into more complete meals later by reheating and serving with items like:
- Deli roasted chicken or turkey
- Warmed canned beans stirred in
- Chopped hard boiled eggs
- Salsa or hot sauce mixed throughout
- Sauteed zucchini or broccoli florets
Embrace creative possibilities for giving humble macaroni and cheese nutrition and flavor boosts!
FAQs
What vegetables go with mac and cheese?
Broccoli, greens, green beans, carrots, peas, and tomatoes pair nicely with mac and cheese. Try roasting or sautéing veggies, adding them to the pasta, or serving a fresh side salad.
What is the best meat for mac and cheese?
Chicken, ham, bacon, Italian sausage, ground beef or turkey all taste delicious with mac and cheese. Leaner meats help balance the fat and carbs.
What can I add to boring boxed mac and cheese?
Make it more exciting by stirring in roasted vegetables, diced ham, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chili powder, hot sauce, salsa, or parsley.
What fruit pairs with mac and cheese?
Fresh berries, apple slices, baked pears, and citrus segments or juice nicely cut the richness. The sweet and tangy contrast livens up the flavor.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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