What goes with Macaroni and Cheese

Getting your Sunday dinner ready? Or maybe you’re just curious about swapping out what you normally serve, either way, we got you covered. We’re sharing some accompaniments for a classic…macaroni and cheese!

Whether baked, stove top, or in muffin cups (yes! mac and cheese cups), mix and match these ideas for a delicious and comforting meal.

Soul Food Roots

Soul food IS comfort food. It’s the food of our ancestors, it ties our homes and traditions together. And what’s more comforting than macaroni and cheese? Few things, IMO

But were you aware of the soul food origins of macaroni and cheese?  Like many American classic dishes, macaroni and cheese was created by the American enslaved. Former slave to Thomas Jefferson, James Hemings is being credited to creating the dish we now know as macaroni and cheese.

“It was during his time in France that Hemings learned the French dish of pasta and cheese. He prepared a dish called “macaroni pie”.^[6] This dish evolved to what Americans call macaroni and cheese today. James is believed to be one of the first American chefs to prepare the original French dish in this way.” – Wikipedia

What’s the difference between Macaroni and Cheese and “Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese”?

The main difference between “Macaroni and Cheese” and “Soul Food or Southern Macaroni and Cheese” is the texture. Most soul food recipes for macaroni and cheese are served creamy and cheesy, just like the one below. You usually won’t find breadcrumbs on top of soul food macaroni and cheese. And if you serve it dry…you’re no longer invited to the cookout! Just kidding…but it’s that serious.

The ingredients are usually simple, like most soul food meals. Although recently I’ve seen videos of cooks adding all types of cheeses to their macaroni and cheese recipes, growing up in Texas, we were almost always served macaroni and cheese with cheddar cheese and sometimes American cheese.

Macaroni and Cheese Main Dish Pairings

Are you looking for some ideas of what main dish to serve with your macaroni and cheese? You’ve come to the right place! Check out some of these delicious soul food main dishes to serve.

·      Fried Chicken

·      Ox Tails

·      Beef Pot Roast

·      Fried Pork Chops

·      BBQ Ribs

·      Beef Tips and Rice

·      Fried Catfish

·      Meatloaf

·      Chicken Fried

·      Pork Neckbones

·       Steak

·      Stuffed Bell Peppers

·      Blackened Salmon

·      Hamburger Steak

Macaroni and Cheese Side Dish Pairings

·      Broccoli

·      Cabbage

·      Black Eyed Peas

·      Stewed Okra

·      Collard Greens

·      Candied Yams

·      Green Beans

·      Cucumber Salad

·      Baked Beans

·      Mashed Rutabaga

·      Green Salad

Can you make macaroni and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, macaroni and cheese can be made ahead of time. And the leftovers are delicious! Macaroni and cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can you freeze macaroni and cheese?

Yes! You can freeze macaroni and cheese for up to 3 months. I usually freeze my macaroni and cheese in a disposable foil pan that has been wrapped with plastic wrap then topped with foil. This way it’s easy to bake after defrosting. Allow frozen macaroni and cheese to defrost in the refrigerator 12-24 hours before cooking. You can reheat the macaroni and cheese by baking as you would normally or in the microwave.

Can you use almond milk for macaroni and cheese?

You can definitely use almond milk or any other milk alternative for macaroni and cheese. However, it will produce different results from your standard cow’s milk in both taste and texture. Almond milk has a higher water content; therefore, the cheeses don’t always melt into it as easily. The result is not as creamy.  Also, almond milk does have a nutty flavor that will be present in your finished dish. When using almond milk in macaroni and cheese, be sure to get unsweetened, unflavored almond milk.