What to Serve with Mac and Cheese: Ultimate Side Dish Guide

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that many love. But what if you want to transform this creamy delight into a well-rounded meal? The right side dishes can add depth, texture, and flavor. In this article, we’ll share the best proteins, veggies, salads, and breads to pair with mac and cheese. Let’s dive in!

Proteins to Pair with Mac and Cheese

Adding a protein alongside mac and cheese creates a balanced, hearty meal. Here are some mouthwatering options that complement its creamy, cheesy flavor.

Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken with a crunchy coating pairs perfectly with creamy mac and cheese. The savory and crispy contrast is unbeatable.

Recipe: Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 2-4 hours.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Coat each chicken piece with the flour mixture, pressing firmly.
5. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F or 75°C).
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (per 100g):

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	290
Protein	21g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	17g
Sodium	450mg

BBQ Ribs

Tender, smoky BBQ ribs make a bold partner for mac and cheese. Their sweet and tangy glaze creates a tasty contrast.

Meatloaf

Juicy meatloaf with a savory glaze is a classic pairing that brings hearty, home-cooked vibes to the table.

Grilled Sausages

Grilled sausages, whether chicken or beef, add a smoky, savory flavor that balances the richness of mac and cheese.

Proteins to Pair with Mac and Cheese

A protein-packed side dish can make mac and cheese a complete meal. Here are some top choices that blend beautifully with its creamy, cheesy goodness.

BBQ Ribs

Sweet, smoky BBQ ribs are the ultimate comfort food companion. Their bold flavors balance the rich and creamy mac and cheese.

Recipe: Smoky BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork or beef ribs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture over the ribs.
4. Wrap ribs in foil and bake for 2.5-3 hours.
5. Remove foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5-7 minutes until caramelized.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (per 100g):

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	22g
Sodium	480mg

Meatloaf

A hearty, flavorful meatloaf is a great way to add substance to your mac and cheese meal. Its tender texture and rich taste create the perfect contrast.

Recipe: Classic Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
3. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Information (per 100g):

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	270
Protein	19g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	16g
Sodium	450mg

Grilled Sausages

Grilled sausages provide smoky, savory notes that pair wonderfully with creamy mac and cheese. Choose beef, chicken, or turkey sausages based on your taste.

Recipe: Simple Grilled Sausages

Ingredients:

• 4 sausages (beef, chicken, or turkey)
• Olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush sausages lightly with olive oil.
3. Grill sausages for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently until browned and fully cooked.
4. Serve immediately with mac and cheese.

Nutritional Information (per 100g):

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	280
Protein	20g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fat	22g
Sodium	720mg

Vegetable Side Dishes

Adding vegetables to mac and cheese balances its creamy richness with freshness and crunch. These flavorful vegetable sides make perfect companions.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright green, tender-crisp steamed broccoli adds nutrition and freshness. Its slight bitterness balances the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.

How to Steam Broccoli:

1. Cut broccoli into florets.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, place broccoli in a steamer basket, and cover.
3. Steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements mac and cheese beautifully.

Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until caramelized.

Green Beans Almondine

Sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and freshness, making them a classic side dish for any hearty meal.

Recipe: Green Beans Almondine

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Boil green beans in salted water for 4-5 minutes; drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté almonds until golden brown.
3. Add garlic, then toss in green beans.
4. Cook for 2 minutes, season, and serve.

Salads to Complement Mac and Cheese

Fresh salads are a perfect way to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of mac and cheese. Their crisp textures and vibrant flavors provide a refreshing contrast.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, is a perfect pairing for mac and cheese. Its tangy, savory taste cuts through the richness.

Recipe: Classic Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss romaine with dressing until evenly coated.
2. Add Parmesan and croutons; toss gently.
3. Sprinkle with black pepper and serve immediately.

Garden Salad with Vinaigrette

Light and refreshing, a garden salad with vinaigrette adds a splash of color and acidity, balancing the creamy mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens (spinach, lettuce, arugula)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Combine greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.
2. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
3. Serve immediately for the best freshness.

Tomato Basil Salad

Tomato basil salad bursts with bright, fresh flavors. Its acidity cuts through the creamy mac and cheese, making it a perfect match.

Ingredients:

• 3 large tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange tomato slices on a platter.
2. Tuck basil leaves between the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Apple Slaw

Crunchy apple slaw brings a sweet-tart flavor that complements mac and cheese perfectly. Its crisp texture adds a satisfying bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, julienned
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine apples and cabbage.
2. In a small bowl, whisk mayo, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over apple mixture and toss well.
4. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.

Bread and Grain Side Dishes

Adding bread or grains to mac and cheese creates a complete, satisfying meal. Here are some top choices for warm, flavorful sides.

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate side dish. Its crisp crust and savory garlic flavor pair beautifully with mac and cheese.

Recipe: Homemade Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix butter, garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
3. Spread mixture evenly over the bread.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.

Cornbread

Sweet and crumbly cornbread is a southern favorite that pairs well with the creamy richness of mac and cheese.

Recipe: Classic Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients.
3. Add milk, oil, and eggs; stir until combined.
4. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Dinner Rolls

Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a classic addition to any comfort meal. They are perfect for mopping up extra cheese sauce.

Recipe: Easy Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
2. Add milk, butter, and egg; knead into a dough.
3. Let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
4. Shape into rolls, place on a baking sheet, and let rise again.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is a nutritious, protein-packed option that pairs well with the cheesy richness of mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and feta.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Toss well and season with salt and pepper.

Light and Refreshing Sides

Balancing the rich, creamy texture of mac and cheese with light and refreshing sides creates a well-rounded meal. These dishes bring brightness and crispness to the plate.

Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy cucumber salad is a refreshing choice. Its light, tangy flavor complements the creamy richness of mac and cheese.

Recipe: Fresh Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix cucumbers and red onion.
2. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
3. Pour dressing over cucumber mixture and toss gently.
4. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Fruit Salad

A mix of juicy fruits adds sweetness and a refreshing contrast to mac and cheese. It’s light, hydrating, and visually appealing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 2 kiwis, sliced
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine all fruits in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with honey and lemon juice (if using).
3. Gently toss and serve chilled.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad, with its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, is a flavorful and light side dish that balances mac and cheese’s creamy texture.

Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a platter.
2. Tuck basil leaves between slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

Hearty and Comforting Sides

For a complete comfort-food experience, pair mac and cheese with hearty, satisfying sides. These options offer warmth and depth of flavor.

Baked Beans

Sweet and savory baked beans add richness and depth to your mac and cheese meal. Their smoky flavor complements the cheesy pasta perfectly.

Recipe: Homestyle Baked Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 cans navy beans, drained
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic comfort side. Their smooth texture and mild flavor create a cozy pairing with mac and cheese.

Recipe: Classic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Mash potatoes while adding milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix until creamy and serve hot.

Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy sweet potato fries are a delicious, slightly sweet side that adds crunch and a hint of natural sweetness to balance mac and cheese’s savory notes.

Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

International Flavors

For a creative twist, try pairing mac and cheese with international-inspired side dishes. These global flavors add variety and exciting taste combinations.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Mexican street corn, or “elote,” is a smoky, spicy, and tangy dish that pairs beautifully with mac and cheese. Its creamy topping complements the cheesy pasta while adding a zesty punch.

Recipe: Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Grill corn over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice.
3. Brush the mixture over grilled corn.
4. Sprinkle with Cotija cheese and chili powder before serving.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad’s fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and tangy vinaigrette balance mac and cheese’s creamy texture with Mediterranean flavors.

Recipe: Authentic Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and olives in a bowl.
2. Add olive oil and vinegar; toss gently.
3. Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.

Korean Kimchi

Spicy, tangy kimchi adds a bold and unexpected twist to mac and cheese. Its fermented flavors balance out the creamy, cheesy richness.

How to Serve:

• Serve a small portion of store-bought or homemade kimchi on the side.
• Its tangy heat enhances every bite of mac and cheese.

Beverages to Serve with Mac and Cheese

The right beverage can elevate your mac and cheese meal by refreshing your palate. Choose drinks that balance its creamy richness.

Iced Tea

A tall glass of iced tea refreshes the palate and complements mac and cheese’s rich flavors with its slightly bitter and cooling notes.

How to Make Iced Tea:

1. Brew 4 cups of black tea and let it cool.
2. Pour over ice and sweeten with sugar or honey, if desired.
3. Add lemon slices for extra brightness.

Lemonade

Fresh lemonade’s tangy, citrus flavor cuts through the cheesiness of mac and cheese, leaving a clean, refreshing taste after every bite.

Recipe: Fresh Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 4 large lemons, juiced
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Mix lemon juice, water, and sugar until dissolved.
2. Chill and serve over ice.
3. Garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

Sparkling water infused with citrus slices is light and refreshing. Its effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites of mac and cheese.

How to Serve:

• Add lemon, lime, or orange slices to sparkling water.
• Serve chilled for a bubbly refreshment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about what to serve with mac and cheese:

What foods go well with mac and cheese?

Foods that complement mac and cheese include proteins like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and grilled sausages. Vegetable sides such as steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cucumber salad add freshness. Bread options like garlic bread or cornbread create a balanced meal. For an international twist, try Mexican street corn or Greek salad.

Is mac and cheese a side or main dish?

Mac and cheese can be both a side and a main dish, depending on how it’s served. As a main course, pair it with hearty proteins or a variety of side dishes. As a side, it complements barbecue, fried chicken, or roasted meats perfectly.

What is in Gordon Ramsay’s mac and cheese?

Gordon Ramsay’s mac and cheese typically includes a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheeses, combined with béchamel sauce. He enhances the flavor with mustard, cayenne pepper, and sometimes crispy breadcrumbs for added texture.

How to cook compliments for macaroni and cheese?

To cook side dishes that complement macaroni and cheese, focus on contrasts. Choose roasted or grilled vegetables, fresh salads, or crispy proteins. Balancing creamy mac and cheese with savory, tangy, or crunchy sides creates a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Mac and cheese is a versatile comfort food that pairs well with countless sides. Whether you choose classic proteins, fresh salads, or international flavors, the right accompaniments enhance the overall dining experience. With these tasty pairings, your mac and cheese meal will be a hit every time. Enjoy crafting your perfect menu!