Alright, let’s talk about mac and cheese, you know, that cheesy stuff the young’uns love. But what do you eat with it? Can’t just be mac and cheese, gotta have some other stuff on the plate, right? It’s like when you’re having a big ol’ Sunday dinner – you need more than just the main thing.
Sides, Sides, and More Sides for That Cheesy Goodness
So, you’re makin’ mac and cheese, the real deal, not that box stuff. Good for you! But listen here, it ain’t a meal without some sides. Think of it like this: mac and cheese is the star, but the sides are the backup singers, gotta make the whole show better, you know? Don’t just stare at me blankly, you get it, right?
- Green beans: Now, these are good for ya. A little bit of green on the plate makes ya feel less guilty about all that cheese. You can cook ‘em up simple, just boil ‘em with a bit of salt, or you can get fancy with some butter and garlic. Whatever floats your boat.
- Mashed potatoes: Okay, okay, maybe this is a bit much, carbs on carbs, but sometimes you just gotta go all out, right? Creamy mashed potatoes with that cheesy mac? It’s like a warm hug for your belly. Just don’t tell the doctor I said so.
- French fries: Now, the young’uns, they love these. Crispy, salty fries with gooey mac and cheese? It’s a match made in heaven, I tell ya. Even us old folks can’t resist a good fry now and then.
- Salad: Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking. “Salad? With mac and cheese?” But hear me out. Sometimes you need somethin’ fresh and crunchy to cut through all that richness. A simple salad with some lettuce, tomatoes, and maybe a little cucumber, it’ll do ya good.
- Soup: Now, this might sound odd, but a nice bowl of tomato soup with your mac and cheese, that’s comfort food at its finest. Specially on a cold day. It warms you right up, from the inside out.
Mix It Up: Getting Fancy with Your Mac and Cheese
Now, some folks, they like to get fancy with their mac and cheese. They add stuff into it, not just on the side. I ain’t one for fussin’ too much, but I gotta admit, some of these ideas ain’t half bad.
You can throw in some bacon, make it all smoky and crispy. Or some broccoli, get some veggies in there for the young’uns. And them onions, the ones that are all sweet and soft? Oh, they’re good in mac and cheese. Jalapeños, if you like it hot. Shrimp, if you’re feelin’ fancy. Sausages, or even hot dogs, if you’re old school like me. Heck, you can even use different kinds of cheese. I heard tell of some fancy lady, uses three different cheeses in her mac and cheese. Three! Can you imagine? But I guess that’s what the city folk do.
The Secret Ingredient: An Egg?
And here’s a little somethin’ I heard from my neighbor, Agnes. She says the secret to really good mac and cheese is…wait for it…an egg! Yeah, an egg. She says it makes the sauce all smooth and creamy. And a little bit of mustard powder, gives it a little zing. Sounds crazy, I know, but Agnes, she knows her way around the kitchen.
So there you have it. Mac and cheese ain’t just mac and cheese. It’s a whole meal, with sides and fixin’s and all sorts of ways to make it your own. Whether you’re havin’ a big party or just a quiet dinner at home, mac and cheese with the right sides, well, that’s just plain good eatin’. Don’t go forgettin’ that now!
And don’t worry about following some fancy recipe, just do what feels right. Cooking ain’t about rules, it’s about makin’ food that tastes good and fills your belly. That’s all that matters.
Tags: [mac and cheese, side dishes, comfort food, easy recipes, dinner ideas, family meals, cheese, cooking tips]
