What Meat Goes with Cauliflower Cheese? (18 Meats)

Cauliflower cheese is one of those side dishes that goes with just about anything.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal.

Whether you are looking for a side dish for a weeknight dinner or something to take to a potluck or barbecue, cauliflower cheese is always a good option.

But if you are wondering what kind of meat goes with cauliflower cheese, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 18 of the best meats to serve with cauliflower cheese including chicken, pork, beef, and more.

As you know, knowing what goes with cauliflower cheese isn’t exactly easy.

So if you are looking for a delicious and easy side dish to make, look no further than this list of the best meats to serve with cauliflower cheese!

What Meat Goes with Cauliflower Cheese?

There are many different meats that go well with cauliflower cheese. Some popular choices include ham, bacon, and sausage. For a heartier dish, you could also add ground beef or shredded chicken. If you are looking for a more unique flavor combination, you could try pairing cauliflower cheese with pulled pork or even lamb.

Cauliflower cheese is one of those dishes that’s so good, it’s hard to believe it only has a few ingredients.

But what really makes cauliflower cheese special is the type of meat you pair it with.

Here are 18 types of meat that go with cauliflower cheese:

1. Chicken

Lean chicken is a great option when it comes to cauliflower cheese because it cooks quickly and retains its flavor.

Also, adding some diced-up chicken will turn this classic comfort food into something that’s even more delicious.

Related post: What Fish Goes with Cauliflower Cheese

2. Beef

When you’re craving something hearty and filling, beef is the perfect protein choice for cauliflower cheese.

Not only does it add tons of flavor, but also a little bit of beef can help to bind the cheese mixture together.

3. Pork

Pork is another easily digestible meat that goes well with cauliflower cheese.

It has a lot of flavor and can be chopped up fairly small, which means it won’t overpower the delicate flavors in the cauliflower cheese mixture.

4. Shrimp

Cauliflower cheese is a great way to sneak in some extra protein, and shrimp is a perfect option because it’s both sweet and savory.

This dish can be prepared in a variety of ways, but my favorite way to cook shrimp is by sautéing them in a pan with garlic and olive oil until they’re slightly pink in the center.

5. Bacon

Bacon is another common ingredient that pairs well with cauliflower cheese, and the smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the cheesy white sauce.

If you prefer a cheesier bacon flavor, try cooking it until it crisps up and then serving it atop your cauliflower cheese.

6. Sausage

If you enjoy sausage, chances are you love cauliflower cheese as well.

Not only does sausage add a hearty flavor, but it also binds together the cheese and sauce nicely.

Try combining it with your favorite kind of sausage — Polish kielbasa, frankfurters, or Italian bologna are all good options — and enjoy!

7. Crab Meat

Crab meat is another great option because it has a sweet flavor that goes well with the cheese.

It’s also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it an ideal meat choice for a heavy dish like cauliflower cheese.

Simply cook the crabmeat until it’s slightly pink in the center and then add it to the cheese sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

8. Turkey

Turkey is a great meat to use with cauliflower cheese because it has a delicious sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.

Cooked turkey breast can be shredded and used in place of beef, pork, or lamb in most recipes.

And, the skin can be removed before cooking, which reduces fat and calories.

9. Lamb

Lamb is the perfect meat to pair with cauliflower cheese because it’s incredibly tender and has a mild flavor that can easily be masked by the cheese.

10. Duck

Duck is another meat that pairs well with cauliflower cheese due to its delicate flavor and moist, fatty flesh.

It’s also a great option if you’re looking for something a little more filling since it contains plenty of protein.

11. Goose

Goose is a versatile bird that can be cooked in many different ways, but pairing it with cauliflower cheese is a great way to highlight its rich, buttery flavor.

Not to mention, the slightly sweet sauce will go perfectly with this creamy cheese dish.

12. Quail

Quail pairs well with cauliflower cheese because it has a mild flavor and is a little bit sweeter than other meats.

1. To prepare quail, you will need to season it first with some salt and pepper.
2. Then, you will want to heat up some oil in a frying pan and cook the quail until it’s browned all over.
3. Once it’s cooked, you will want to remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into small pieces.
4. Then, you will want to mix the quail with some cauliflower cheese and serve.

13. Rabbit

Slightly stronger, meatier, and earthier than chicken, rabbit pairs well with this meal because both have a delicate flavor that can be easily overpowered.

Rabbit also has a high fat content, which helps to keep it moist and tender when cooked.

When preparing rabbit, it is important to first remove the fur and then the entrails.

The easiest way to do this is to cut along the underside of the animal from the base of the neck to the tail.

Once you have removed the fur and entrails, you can then proceed to cut the meat into pieces.

If you are planning on roasting the rabbit, you will want to cut it into 8 pieces (2 legs, 2 thighs, 2 loins, 2 shoulders).

14. Venison

If you love the taste and texture of venison, you’ll love it even more when eaten over cauliflower cheese.

The strong game taste works perfectly with the cheese, and the Venison will provide a nice balance to all of the flavors.

15. Pheasant

This bird tends to be lean and has a mild flavor, so it will complement the cheese nicely.

If you can’t find pheasant in your area, try substituting squab or grouse.

16. Squab

This bird is rich and fleshy, so it will help balance out the flavors of the cheese and sauce.

If you can’t find squab in your area, try substituting duck or goose, both of which are a bit more earthy in flavor.

17. Cornish game hen

And then there’s the Cornish game hen.

This big bird isn’t quite as delicate as the others, but it still delivers on flavor when eaten over cauliflower cheese.

The slightly gamy taste will go great with the cheesy dish, and it’s sure to fill you up without weighing you down.

18. Grouse

If you want to go all out with your meat-and-cauliflower cheese pairing, go for grouse.

This bird has a robust flavor that will really stand out against the milder flavors of the cheese and sauce.

It’s also fairly pricey, so if you don’t have room in your budget for it, try substituting chicken or turkey instead.