Mac and cheese is a classic dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Traditionally, it’s made with elbow macaroni and sharp cheddar, creating a tasty meal. Its creamy, cheesy base offers a canvas for all sorts of delicious pairings, especially when it comes to meats.While it’s delicious on its own, pairing it with the right meat can take this classic dish to a whole new level.
So, whether you love classic mac and cheese or like to try new flavors, this guide has you covered. Want to make something like Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese for that cozy, homemade taste? Or maybe you need to know how to freeze mac and cheese in an aluminum pan to save leftovers for later? Either way, you’ll find the best meats to pair with mac and cheese, plus simple tips and recipes to make your meal even better!
In this guide, we’ll explore the best meats to pair with mac and cheese, along with expert tips and recipe ideas to elevate your next meal.
Classic Meat Pairings
Some of the best meat pairings for mac and cheese are the classics—bacon, ham, and ground beef.
Bacon
One of the most popular additions to mac and cheese is crispy bacon.
How to incorporate bacon into mac and cheese:
- As a topping: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for a crispy, ffinish.
- Mixed in: Stir chopped bacon into the cheese sauce for goodness in every bite.
- Bacon-infused roux: Cook bacon first, then use the rendered fat to prepare the roux.
Best cheese pairings: Sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Ham
It’s a great way to use up leftover holiday ham, making the dish both practical and delicious. It’s an easy way to add protein to your mac and cheese.
Ways to add ham to mac and cheese:
- Diced ham: Stir in small cubes for a balanced bite of cheese and meat in every forkful.
- Shredded ham: Perfect for a softer texture that melds seamlessly with the cheese sauce.
- Glazed ham variation: A touch of honey or brown sugar glaze adds extra flavor complexity.
Best cheese pairings: Swiss, gruyère, or classic cheddar.
Ground Beef
For a heartier option, consider creating a “Chili Mac” by mixing seasoned ground beef with mac and cheese. This pairing not only boosts protein but also transforms the dish into a filling entrée.
Popular variations:
- Chili Mac: Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, chili powder, and tomatoes before mixing it into mac and cheese for a Tex-Mex kick.
- Cheeseburger Mac: Brown ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and stir it into mac and cheese for a comforting, all-American twist.
- Meatball Mac and Cheese: Shape ground beef into mini meatballs and serve them over mac and cheese for an elevated dish.
Best cheese pairings: Cheddar, American cheese, or a blend of gouda and mozzarella.
Barbecue-Inspired Pairings
For those who love barbecue-style meats take mac and cheese to another level. Pulled pork, BBQ chicken, and brisket add incredible taste making the dish feel like a gourmet meal.
Pulled Pork
Slow-cooked, tender pulled pork pairs beautifully with mac and cheese. The combination of juicy pork and rich cheese sauce creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s perfect for BBQ lovers.
Best ways to serve pulled pork with mac and cheese:
Layered: Serve pulled pork on top of a bowl of mac and cheese.
Mixed in: Stir pulled pork directly into the mac and cheese for an all-in-one dish.
Topped with BBQ sauce: Drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the pulled pork before serving.
BBQ Chicken
Shredded barbecue chicken is another tasty addition. The barbecue sauce blends seamlessly with the creamy pasta.
Ways to combine BBQ chicken with mac and cheese:
Stir it in: Mix shredded BBQ chicken into the mac and cheese for a cohesive meal.
Top it off: Place sliced or shredded BBQ chicken over a bowl of mac and cheese for a layered effect.
Add heat: Spice things up with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy BBQ mac and cheese variation.
Brisket
Brisket is one of the most flavorful meats to pair with mac and cheese. You can either serve it sliced on the side or chop it up and mix it into the dish.
How to enjoy brisket with mac and cheese:
Sliced on the side: Serve smoked brisket alongside mac and cheese for a classic BBQ plate.
Chopped and mixed in: Dice brisket into small pieces and stir it into the mac and cheese.
Brisket-topped mac and cheese bake: Layer chopped brisket over mac and cheese, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Seafood Options
Shrimp
Grilled or sautéed shrimp adds a juicy bite that pairs beautifully with creamy cheese sauce. Want even more flavor? Seasoning the shrimp with Cajun spices provides an extra flavor boost.
Lobster
Lobster mac and cheese is a luxurious variation that combines tender lobster meat with a creamy cheese sauce, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
Best Ways to Incorporate Lobster:
- Mixed in: Fold chunks of cooked lobster into the mac and cheese for an even distribution of flavor.
- Layered: Add lobster on top before baking for a visually stunning and flavorful finish.
- Butter-Drizzled: Toss the lobster in melted butter before mixing it in to enhance its flavor.
Poultry Choices
Fried Chicken
For a Southern-inspired twist, try pairing fried chicken with mac and cheese. The crispy coating adds a crunch that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
Best Ways to Serve Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese:
- Side by Side: Enjoy crispy fried chicken with a generous portion of mac and cheese.
- Bite-Sized Mix-In: Cut fried chicken into small pieces and stir it into mac and cheese for a crunchy, cheesy bite in every forkful.
- Topped with Sauce: Drizzle hot honey, buffalo sauce, or barbecue sauce over the fried chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
Turkey
Looking for a leaner protein option? Roasted or smoked turkey is a great alternative. It’s mild enough to let the cheese Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!
Best Ways to Serve Turkey with Mac and Cheese:
- Shredded or Diced: Stir roasted or smoked turkey pieces into the mac and cheese for added texture and protein.
- Turkey & Cheese Bake: Layer mac and cheese with turkey in a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for a crispy, golden finish.
- Spicy Turkey Mac: Toss turkey with Cajun or buffalo seasoning before mixing it into mac and cheese.
Recipe Inspirations
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is already a beloved classic, but adding bacon takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. This creamy, cheesy bacon mac and cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, and the best part? You only need one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Get Recipe dinneratthezoo
BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese
BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese is a simple, one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s irresistibly creamy, loaded with melty cheese, and coated in a rich, tangy sauce—everything you crave in a
perfect stovetop mac and cheese!
Get Recipe chelseasmessyapron
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Seafood mac and cheese is a gourmet dish featuring tender seafood, rich aged cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and a luscious sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for an restaurant-worthy meal!
Get Recipe thebewitchinkitchen
