Delicious Pairings That Go Perfectly With Lobster Mac n Cheese

Lobster mac n cheese is the ultimate comfort food. The decadent combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender chunks of lobster meat over pasta is rich, indulgent, and oh so satisfying. But a meal centered around this luxurious dish still needs the right supporting sides to round it out.

I’ve tried all kinds of side dishes alongside lobster mac to find ones that truly complement its flavors and textures. Based on my tasty experiments here are 23 fantastic pairings that take lobster macaroni and cheese to the next level.

Light Side Dishes to Balance The Richness

Lobster macaroni and cheese is a heavy, creamy dish, so lighter sides help balance that richness

• A fresh green salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette serves as a palate cleanser between bites of cheesy pasta. The crisp greens and acidic dressing cut through the fat. I like to top mine with strawberries, mandarin oranges, or toasted walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.

• Coleslaw offers a nice crunchy, cooling contrast to hot creamy mac n cheese. The tang of the vinegar and the sweetness of the cabbage pair beautifully. Using a mix of green and red cabbage plus shredded carrots makes it extra colorful.

• Cucumber salad is another crisp, refreshing choice that won’t weigh you down. Simple sliced cucumbers in a light dill or rice wine vinegar dressing work nicely.

• For an easy no-cook option, a caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brings a fresh note to the table. The juicy tomatoes help cut through the richness.

Hearty Veggie Sides

If you want more hearty fare alongside your lobster mac, roasted vegetables are a fantastic choice.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelized with balsamic vinegar offer a sweet-tangy flavor that stands up well to the pasta. Tossing in some crumbled bacon makes them even more irresistible.

• For a touch of sweetness, roasted butternut squash is delightful. The natural sugars in the squash balance beautifully with the salty cheese and seafood.

• Garlic roasted broccoli is a tasty and healthy accompaniment. The bright green florets add great color contrast too.

• Sauteed mushrooms lend an earthy umami note to the meal. Their meatiness complements the richness of the mac perfectly.

Crunchy, Starchy Sides

Crisp, starchy sides work nicely to soak up that velvety cheese sauce.

• Garlic bread is my go-to for dunking into the leftover cheesy lobster sauce. Warm, crusty baguette slices or rolls spread with garlicky butter can’t be beat!

• Corn on the cob slathered with butter is a classic summer pairing, when fresh corn is at its peak. The natural sweetness balances the saltiness of the pasta.

• For Southern flair, skillet-fried cornbread served warm from the pan gives the meal homey comfort food appeal. Use a cast iron skillet for the crispiest edges.

• Cheddar biscuits deliver hot-from-the-oven goodness you can split open and fill with lobster mac! Adding fresh chives or scallions to the dough offers extra flavor.

Seafood Appetizers to Start

Before digging into the rich mac and cheese, starters featuring seafood are a smart choice. They prime your palate for the creamy lobster pasta coming next.

• An elegant lobster cocktail served chilled in a martini glass makes an impressive appetizer. The cool lobster meat contrasts the warm cheesy pasta later on.

• For an extravagant start, oysters Rockefeller with spinach and bacon are my favorite. The briny oysters pair so well with the sweet lobster in the main dish.

• A few bacon wrapped shrimp broiled until the bacon is crisp offer irresistible smoky and salty flavors that match beautifully with the mac and cheese.

• Mini crab cakes served hot with a lemony aioli are another fantastic way to kick things off. The sweet crab meat inside a crispy coating is perfect.

What to Sip Alongside

Of course, you’ll want the right beverages to sip alongside the meal. Here are some of my favorites:

• Chardonnay – A buttery, oaked Chardonnay can stand up to the pasta’s richness without overpowering the seafood flavors.

• Rose wine – The berry flavors and crispness of a nice dry rose complement lobster mac perfectly. It has enough acidity to cut through the fat.

• For bubbles, sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco have a lively effervescence that counterbalances the density of the dish.

• Irish stout beer – The subtle roastiness and creaminess of stouts like Guinness work beautifully with the smoky cheddar and lobster.

• Iced tea – For a non-alcoholic option, freshly brewed iced tea – sweet, unsweet, or herbal – offers thirst-quenching possibilities.

So for your next lobster mac and cheese dinner, try pairing it with a few of these tasty sides and sips for a well-rounded, delicious meal that looks as good as it tastes! The combinations of flavors, textures, and colors will make this classic comfort food even more amazing. Just don’t forget a salad – you’re gonna need some greens!