Lobster mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to make your next dinner party special. But don’t forget to serve it with the right side dishes to complete the meal. From vegetables and salads to potatoes and other grains, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we explore some of the best side dishes to serve alongside your lobster mac and cheese.
Key Takeaways
- Recommended side dishes include roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, sautéed greens and grilled asparagus
- Sauces and toppings that accompany lobster mac and cheese well include lemon butter sauce, chive cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs
- Drinks which fit this meal often include white wins, sparkling cider and iced tea
- To finish it off desserts that go well with lobster mac and cheese include apple crisp, chocolate lava cake and ice cream sundae
Side Dishes
Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a great accompaniment to lobster mac and cheese. Depending on your taste, you can use a variety of different vegetables in this dish including potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, and winter squash. For a flavorful addition to the dish, consider adding fresh herbs or garlic to the vegetable mix before roasting. Roasting the vegetables at high heat will bring out deep flavors and create a nice caramelization on the outside. Using any combination of these vegetables along with savory herbs provides a delicious finishing touch for your lobster mac and cheese meal.
Roasted potatoes
A simple side dish of roasted potatoes is a delicious way to complement a meal of lobster mac and cheese. Roasting potatoes is an easy and flavorful way to prepare them; all you need are some potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. It’s a great way to add flavor without using too many extra ingredients.
When selecting potatoes, the most important thing is to choose the right type. Smaller varieties such as new or fingerling potatoes work best for this dish. For a crispy texture, try slicing them into wedges or cubes. You will want approximately ¼ cup of olive oil per pound of potatoes and salt & pepper to taste for seasoning.
To make roasted potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the potato wedges or cubes on two rimmed baking sheets that have been lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt & pepper (to taste), then use your hands or a spoon to evenly distribute the oil and seasoning over all of them. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through so they can cook evenly on both sides until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside but still tender in the middle when pierced with a fork. Serve warm alongside your lobster mac and cheese for the perfect meal!
Sautéed greens
Sautéed greens are a great side dish to serve with lobster mac and cheese. Not only do they provide an element of color, texture and freshness to the meal, but they’re also loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For example, fresh spinach contains high levels of vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber and a variety of phytonutrients.
In addition to spinach, kale, bok choy and Swiss chard are all terrific options when it comes to preparing sautéed greens. To bring out the brightest flavors, cook the leaves in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender (about 5 minutes). You can add a bit of garlic or onion powder for added flavor or leave them plain — it’s up to you! To finish your dish off nicely, season your greens with salt and pepper to taste.
Sautéed greens are an easy-to-prepare side dish that perfectly complements many foods like lobster mac and cheese. They can be served hot or cold depending on your preferences — either way you’ll get all of their essential nutrients without compromising on taste!
Grilled asparagus
Asparagus is an excellent partner for lobster mac and cheese; its fresh and light flavor provides a nice contrast to the richness of the dish, complementing the creaminess of the macaroni and cheese, which is often studded with chunks of sweet, tender lobster. Grilling asparagus in a very hot skillet or on a stove top griddle produces charred tips and stalks while locking in its natural sweetness. The delicate flavors are further boosted when finished with a squeeze of lemon juice, splash of sherry vinegar and sprinkle of salt. Asparagus makes an attractive side dish that pairs nicely with a variety of main courses but is especially complementary to lobster mac and cheese because it adds flavor without competing with the bolder tastes.
Sauces and Toppings
Lobster mac and cheese is a delicious comfort food dish that can be served with a variety of different sauces and toppings. You can choose to top it with butter, herb butter, garlic butter, or even cheese sauce. Alternatively, you can also mix in some herbs and spices, such as garlic powder and oregano leaves. You can also choose to pair it with a cream-based sauce or a tomato-based sauce. Let’s talk about the different sauces and toppings for this classic dish.
Lemon butter sauce
Lemon butter sauce is a savory and luxurious way to finish lobster mac and cheese. It is also known as “beurre blanc” (white butter), a classic French sauce that contains only butter, lemon juice and white wine vinegar.
To make the sauce, first melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it begins to bubble, add lemon juice and white wine vinegar, stirring constantly with a whisk until the mixture is smooth. Simmer for several minutes while you continue to whisk until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Serve immediately on top of lobster mac and cheese or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
The acidity of the lemon pairs perfectly with both lobster and cheesy pasta dishes, creating an indulgent flavor combination that makes this recipe truly special. You can also whip up a larger batch of this easy-to-make sauce for other dishes like grilled fish or roasted vegetables — just remember to adjust seasonings accordingly!
Chive cream
Chive cream is a delightful and simple sauce that can be served with lobster mac and cheese to give it an added flavor kick. It calls for a few simple ingredients and can be prepared in just a few minutes. To make chive cream, combine sour cream, chopped fresh chives, minced garlic cloves, fresh parsley leaves, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until all of the ingredients are blended together. This sauce pairs well with seafood dishes like lobster mac and cheese because its tart flavor nuances balance the richness of the macaroni.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is a great addition to top off your lobster mac and cheese. It adds a salty flavor, with a creamy texture, and balances out all of the other ingredients perfectly. Parmesan cheese can also help bring out the flavor of the lobster, since its sweetness will be in contrast to the tangy, salty taste of the parmesan. You can buy it pre-grated or grate it right off a block into your dish– both will work great! You can even get creative with flavored parmesan cheeses like garlic and herb for extra pizzazz!
Fresh herbs
To enhance the flavor of your lobster mac and cheese dish, you should consider adding fresh herbs. A combination of parsley, tarragon and chives can give the dish a fragrant herbal flavor. The herbs can be finely chopped before being sprinkled on top of the finished dish for a flavorful aroma as well as a bright visual presentation. Fresh herbs will help bring out the richness of any cheese sauce used in the macaroni and cheese recipe, as well as provide a light piquancy to delicate lobster meat. Additionally, dried herbs such as oregano, thyme or basil can be used during cooking for added depth.
Drinks
When choosing drinks to pair with lobster mac and cheese, you’ll want to keep in mind the richness of the dish. A light white wine or dry sparkling wine can help to cut through the richness of the lobster mac and cheese. A crisp and acidic rosé can also be a good choice. Light beers or ales can also be a good option as they will help to refresh the palate between bites.
White wine
White wines can be served with lobster mac and cheese to enhance the rich flavor of the dish. A buttery Chardonnay or a rich and creamy Sauvignon Blanc would be an excellent choice. There are a variety of white wines that will pair beautifully with this comfort food staple.
Chardonnay is usually full-bodied, fruity, and silky with bright acidity — a great match for the creamy cheesy richness of mac and cheese. Look for one in an unoaked style which will help cut through the fat content while still retaining the fresh notes at play in the wine.
Sauvignon Blancs offer an herbaceous character that perfectly complements seafood dishes like lobster mac and cheese. With its naturally high acidity, it will help cut through the richness of this dish while offering complementary flavors like citrus and stone fruit to accentuate the savory flavors of macaroni and cheese.
Riesling is a fantastic option for pairing with macaroni and cheese — its spicy notes bring out the spiciness in certain cheeses while its sweetness enhances the savory taste of seafood flavors like those found in Lobster macaroni and cheese dishes.
Unwooded or lightly wooded Chenin Blanc can also be served to mindfully bring out different elements found in lobster macaroni and cheese: apple, pear, melon aromas that accentuate without competing against rich cheesy sauces or overpowering seafood components.
Regardless of your chosen white wine, remember to serve them chilled so they don’t mute their delicate aromas when paired with your comforting meal.
Sparkling cider
For those looking for a refreshing and non-alcoholic accompaniment to a delicious meal of lobster mac and cheese, then sparkling cider may be the perfect option. This type of drink is the adult version of apple juice, with a soft carbonation added to balance out that sweetness. Depending on the type you buy, it can range from being slightly sweet to moderately sweet—it’s up to you!
Sparkling cider contains no added sugar, so it has fewer calories than most wines or beers, which can make it a great low-calorie option for those wanting to watch their weight. It also makes it an excellent pairing with something rich like lobster mac and cheese. Its slightly crisp and bubbly texture helps to balance out the fats in heavier dishes like this, while its sweet taste adds an extra layer of flavor without being overpowering.
You’ll find sparking ciders come in different styles—from dry to semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet—so there’s sure to be something for every taste preference available. Most stores will also offer a selection of organic and gluten free options too! Enjoy your lobster mac and cheese with a glass (or two) of sparkling cider!
Iced tea
Iced tea is a perfect complement to creamy and decadent seafood dishes like lobster mac and cheese. Not only does it provide an effervescent flavor contrast, but some varieties of unsweetened iced tea can also provide additional health benefits. Green, white, oolong and herbal teas offer a refreshing balance to the indulgent flavors in this dish. Lemon wedges can also be used to add a touch of citrus flavor to your iced tea.
For those looking for a sweetened beverage option that goes with lobster mac and cheese, Sun Tea is an excellent choice. Try making your own at home using green or black loose-leaf tea steeped in filtered water in the sunshine for several hours — simply add sugar or honey to make it sweet enough for your taste! Alternately, you could make Sun Punch by mixing lemonade with yourself-brewed iced tea for a delicious sweetness that won’t overpower the rest of your meal.
Desserts
Serving the perfect dessert after a succulent plate of lobster mac and cheese can be the crowning touch on a delicious meal. Whether you need something light to end the meal on a light note or a decadent treat, there are plenty of dessert options that can pair deliciously with lobster mac and cheese. Let’s look at some of the most popular desserts to serve with this dish.
Apple crisp
Apple crisp is an easy, old-fashioned dessert that captures the warm flavors of ramain apples. To make an apple crisp, begin by combining peeled and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl. Then mix together old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate bowl to make a crumbly topping. Carefully pour the mixture over top of the apples and spread evenly across the surface. Place into a greased baking dish and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Serve this classic dessert warm with ice cream or whipped cream alongside your lobster mac and cheese for a delicious meal finale!
Chocolate lava cake
Chocolate lava cake is a warm and indulgent chocolaty dessert that can be the perfect complement to a rich, creamy lobster mac and cheese. The signature element of this decadent treat is that it contains warm, gooey chocolate sauce in the center. This molten interior gives way to the robust, chocolaty outside that makes it such an irresistible treat.
Lava cakes come in a variety of preparations – from easy-to-make packet mixes to more elaborate recipes with homemade components – but all of them showcase the same end result – an ooey-gooey chocolate center that melds perfectly with whatever accompaniments you choose to serve it with. Notably, the contrast between the sweet and salty taste of this classic dessert pairs perfectly with lobster mac and cheese as its richness is a great foil for the savory flavors in this beloved dish.
Whether served hot or cold, chocolate lava cake can be sourced from your local bakery or obtained from your favorite grocery store. If you prefer to make your own at home, there are several recipes available online or in cookbooks which will provide you with tips and strategies for crafting this delicious classic dessert. The outcome will be sure to please your palate!
Ice cream sundae
Ice cream sundaes are a perfect way to finish off a meal of lobster mac and cheese. Enjoy homemade or store-bought ice cream with toppings like hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream and sprinkles. You can also top your sundae with chopped nuts, cookie chunks or fresh seasonal fruit for added flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter dessert option, substitute sherbet for the ice cream.