Macaroni and tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that has been increasing in popularity again in recent years. With a strong nostalgic pull for some to return to the classic dishes of their childhoods and others discovering the allure of southern cuisine, this dish is popping up more and more in recipe books and blogs.
However, a lot of people want to serve something else alongside this dish. So what does it pair well with, and what can you enjoy alongside it to make an even more memorable meal?
Read on to find out.
1. Bacon
So many recipes call for using bacon grease in the cooking process over butter that you may as well go the whole hog and throw in some extra pig. A little bacon can make this dish pop with a new dimension of flavor, and all you need to do is cook it and then cut it up and stir it into the dish. Delicious and simple!
2. Chicken
A simple chicken breast chargrilled with some added spices will make a fantastic modern meat pairing for this dish. You can dice the chicken and mix it in, or you can serve it on the side. Either way, it tastes delicious and isn’t to be missed!
3. Veggies (Southern style)
Go for veggies, but southern style, of course. There are a few excellent options you have here. You can try any number of collard greens recipes or something simple like mirliton relish, grilled okra, or green beans. These all work well to varying degrees depending on the recipes you follow and your personal tastes.
4. Ribs
Served alongside a nice rack of barbecue ribs with a sweet and sticky bbq sauce, you’ll be in heaven with this combination. So many ribs lovers are willing to serve them alongside fries, potato salads, slaw, and even macaroni cheese. The thing is that macaroni and tomatoes should be mentioned in the same breath. The smokey meat flavors from the ribs work harmoniously with the macaroni and tomatoes’ mild yet complex flavors.
5. Cornbread
What’s more southern than a bit of cornbread? If you want to serve something extra, you can go with cornbread and do it alongside anything else on this list. This idea is primarily good when cooking for numbers as it can help make the whole meal an authentic experience.
6. Ground beef
Many traditional recipes call for adding some ground beef into the recipe, and it’s no surprise why. Ground beef goes well with dozens of tomato and pasta-based dishes; this one is no exception. You can add some onions and spices or cook it right up and mix it right in there. Either way, it can seriously add volume to the meal, ensuring that you’re full for hours.