What Protein Goes With Mac and Cheese: 12+ Perfect Ideas
When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese ranks high on my list. That warm, gooey cheese sauce clinging to each piece of pasta is pure bliss.
But as much as I love a creamy macaroni and cheese dish on its own, sometimes you want to make it heartier, right? Adding protein to your mac and cheese takes it from a side dish to a main dish that’s ready to serve the hungriest crowd.
In this article, I’ll show all the best protein options you can pair with mac and cheese, so you’ll know exactly what to cook next time you’re whipping up this classic comfort food.
Why Add Protein to Mac and Cheese?
Adding protein to your homemade mac and cheese doesn’t just make it more filling—it makes it better! Whether you’re looking to add a little variety or balance the rich, creamy dish, protein brings texture and flavor that elevates a regular macaroni cheese to something truly special.
Here’s why you might want to add protein to your mac and cheese:
- Balance: The combination of cheese, pasta, and a hearty protein helps create a more nutritionally complete meal.
- Texture: Proteins like crispy bacon or tender chicken breast add crunch or chew to your otherwise soft and creamy cheese recipe.
- Flavor: Proteins can add savory, tangy, or even smoky elements to your dish.
If you’re like me and sometimes feel like mac and cheese alone just isn’t enough, then adding some tasty protein is a no-brainer.
Best Meat Proteins to Pair with Mac and Cheese
When you’re thinking about what protein goes with mac and cheese, meat is usually the first thing that comes to mind. And trust me, there are so many great options!
Chicken
I personally love adding chicken to mac and cheese, especially grilled chicken breast. It’s lean, juicy, and soaks up the flavors of the cheese sauce beautifully. Whether you grill, bake, or fry it, chicken is an easy way to add both protein and flavor to your dish.
Variations:
- Grilled chicken breast for a healthier option.
- BBQ chicken for a sweet and tangy twist. You can serve it with some extra BBQ sauce on the side.
- Shredded chicken mixed into the mac and cheese for an even distribution of flavors.
Bacon
If you ask me, you can never go wrong with bacon! The crispy texture and salty flavor are the perfect contrast to the creamy cheddar cheese sauce in your homemade mac. I like to fry my bacon extra crispy, crumble it, and sprinkle it over the top of my baked mac and cheese before it goes into the oven. Trust me—that crunch is everything.
How to use:
- Crumble the bacon and mix it into the macaroni cheese.
- Use bacon as a topping for a crispy finish.
- Try bacon-wrapped mac and cheese bites for something extra fun!
Pulled Pork
If you’ve never tried pulled pork with your mac and cheese, you’re missing out! The savory, slow-cooked pork is so tender that it melts in your mouth, making it a fantastic pairing with the creamy dish. The BBQ sauce adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with the cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Layer the pulled pork on top of your mac and cheese for a full-flavor experience.
- Mix pulled pork into your dish for an even distribution of smoky goodness.
Sausage
Adding sausage to mac and cheese is another favorite of mine, especially if you like bold, savory flavors. A good spicy Italian sausage or smoked kielbasa adds richness and complexity to your dish.
Variations:
- Spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
- Kielbasa or smoked sausage for a more subtle, smoky flavor.
- Chorizo if you’re craving something with a Latin flair.
Ground Beef
Ground beef turns your mac and cheese into something akin to a cheeseburger pasta. It’s hearty and savory—the kind of meal that’s perfect for a hungry family. You can even season the ground beef with garlic and herbs to add some extra flavor.
How to use:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet before mixing it into your mac and cheese.
- Season with garlic, onion, and herbs for added flavor.
- Serve it as a one-pan dish for an easy, hearty meal.
Best Seafood Proteins for Mac and Cheese
I love adding seafood to mac and cheese for a luxurious twist. Here are my favorite seafood options to elevate this classic comfort dish with rich, delicate flavors.
Lobster
There’s nothing quite like lobster mac and cheese if you’re looking to take your meal to the next level. The sweet, tender pieces of lobster contrast beautifully with the rich, cheesy pasta. This combination feels luxurious, like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.
How to serve:
- Add chunks of lobster to your mac and cheese and bake it for an elegant twist.
- Drizzle a bit of butter over the lobster mac and cheese for extra indulgence.
Shrimp
For a lighter seafood option, shrimp is an excellent choice. The shrimp pairs well with the cheese sauce, adding a tender texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Cajun shrimp for a spicy kick that complements the creamy flavors.
Best preparations:
- Grilled shrimp to add a smoky flavor.
- Cajun shrimp for a spicy twist.
Crab
If you want something delicate, crab is a great option. The subtle flavor of crab meat works well with sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese. Adding crab to mac and cheese creates a dish that feels both rich and light at the same time.
- Fold in lump crab meat into your cheese sauce for a seafood twist.
- Top with bread crumbs and bake for a crunchy, golden finish.
Salmon
Salmon is another fantastic seafood protein to pair with mac and cheese. The rich, buttery flavor of salmon complements the creamy cheese sauce, adding a healthy, satisfying protein. You can grill or bake the salmon and either flake it into the pasta or serve it alongside the dish.
How to serve:
- Flake grilled salmon into the mac and cheese for a smoky, savory addition.
- Serve a baked salmon fillet alongside your mac and cheese for a balanced meal.
Scallops
For an elevated meal, scallops are a delicious choice. Their tender, slightly sweet flavor contrasts well with the rich, creamy mac and cheese. Seared scallops add an elegant touch and a perfect combination of textures.
Best preparations:
- Pan-seared scallops for a golden, crispy exterior.
- Serve scallops as a topping for individual mac and cheese portions.
Vegetarian and Plant-Based Proteins
If you’re vegetarian or simply want to cut back on meat, there are still plenty of ways to get your protein fix with mac and cheese. You don’t need to sacrifice flavor or texture just because you’re skipping the meat!
- Tofu: When prepared well, tofu can absorb all the rich flavors of the cheese. It’s also super versatile—crispy tofu adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creaminess of the pasta.
- Beans and Lentils: These are an easy way to add protein to your mac and cheese without much fuss. White beans, for instance, blend smoothly into the cheese sauce, while black beans can add an earthy flavor to more robust dishes.
- Chickpeas: I love adding chickpeas to mac and cheese for an extra boost of protein. You can roast them for a crispy topping or blend them into the cheese sauce for a creamy consistency.
How to Choose the Right Protein for Your Mac and Cheese
Choosing the best protein depends on a few factors. Here are some things to think about when you’re deciding what protein to add to mac and cheese:
Flavor Profile
What’s the flavor of your mac and cheese like? A classic mac and cheese is versatile and can go with almost anything, from bacon to BBQ ribs. Also, a spicy mac might pair better with chicken or shrimp.
Dietary Preferences
If you’re cooking for others, it’s important to consider everyone’s preferences. For example:
- For meat lovers: Go for pulled pork, sausage, or steak.
- For pescatarians: Shrimp or lobster is always a good choice.
- For vegetarians: Tofu, beans, or chickpeas work great.
Texture
Are you looking for something crispy, chewy, or tender?
- Crispy bacon or fried chicken adds crunch.
- Tender pulled pork or lobster adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Incorporate Protein into Your Mac and Cheese
There are a few methods you can use to mix your chosen protein into the dish. Here’s what I’ve found works best:
- Stir-In Method: Simply mix your shredded chicken, ground beef, or beans into the mac and cheese before serving. This method works well for evenly distributing protein.
- Topping Method: Lay your crispy bacon, shrimp, or steak on top of the mac and cheese for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
- Side Dish Method: Sometimes, you want to keep things simple and serve your protein alongside the mac and cheese. BBQ ribs, meatloaf, or even grilled chicken are great on the side.
Final Thoughts
Mac and cheese is a wonderfully versatile dish, and pairing it with the right protein can take it from simple to spectacular.
Whether you’re a fan of bacon, love the tenderness of pulled pork, or want to try something lighter like shrimp, there’s no wrong answer.
So, next time you’re making mac and cheese, why not try adding one of these delicious proteins? You’ll be surprised at just how much they can transform the dish!
FAQs: Mac and Cheese Protein Pairings
Can I Add Protein to Boxed Mac and Cheese?
Yes, protein can be added to boxed mac and cheese. Consider shredded chicken, ground beef, or bacon to make it more hearty and flavorful while boosting its nutritional value.
What Main Dish Goes With Mac and Cheese?
A variety of main dishes pair perfectly with mac and cheese. Popular choices include roast chicken, BBQ ribs, meatloaf, or grilled steak. These proteins complement the creamy texture.
What Are Some Low-Fat Protein Options for Mac and Cheese?
Low-fat protein options for mac and cheese include grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu. These proteins are healthy choices that add flavor without overwhelming the dish with extra fat.
How Much Protein Should You Add to Mac and Cheese?
For balance, 4-6 ounces of protein per serving of mac and cheese is recommended. This ensures the dish remains flavorful without being too heavy on the protein or overwhelming.
Can You Serve Mac And Cheese at A Barbecue?
Yes, mac and cheese is a popular side at barbecue gatherings. Its creamy texture pairs perfectly with the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.
How Do You Use Shredded Cheese in Mac and Cheese?
Shredded cheese can be used by mixing it into the sauce or sprinkling it on top before baking. Using sharp cheddar or parmesan adds a richer, more intense flavor to the dish.