When it comes to comfort food, mac and cheese is hard to beat. Its creamy, cheesy texture is universally loved, making it the perfect go-to dish for many occasions. But what if you want to elevate your bowl of this dish by pairing it with the right sides or accompaniments? Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, knowing what goes with this dish can make your meal more balanced, satisfying, and memorable.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best meats, vegetables, salads, breads, and more that go perfectly with mac and cheese. From hearty additions to lighter sides, you’ll find everything you need to create the ultimate meal.
Why Pairings Are Important for Mac and Cheese
This dish is rich, creamy, and indulgent. While this makes it delicious on its own, it can be even better when paired with complementary sides. Choosing the right accompaniments adds variety to the meal, balances out the richness, and enhances the overall flavor experience.
Contrasting Textures and Flavors
Because mac and cheese is so creamy, it pairs well with dishes that add a contrasting texture or flavor. Think crunchy salads, crispy meats, or tangy, acidic flavors that cut through the heaviness of the cheese sauce.
Turning Mac and Cheese Into a Full Meal
While this dish can be served as a side, it can also be the star of the meal. Adding the right proteins, vegetables, and other sides can transform it from a simple dish into a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Meats That Go Well with Mac and Cheese
Adding meat to your mac and cheese dinner can make it more substantial and filling. Here are some meat options that go perfectly with this dish:
BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken
If you’re looking for a bold, smoky pairing, BBQ pulled pork or chicken is an excellent choice. The tangy, sweet flavors of barbecue sauce complement the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese beautifully, creating a balanced bite that’s full of flavor.
Grilled or Baked Chicken
For a lighter option, grilled or baked chicken pairs wonderfully with this dish. The clean, simple flavors of chicken help balance out the richness of the pasta, making the meal feel less heavy.
Meatloaf
A classic comfort food combination, meatloaf and mac and cheese are a match made in heaven. The savory flavors of the meatloaf pair well with the creamy pasta, creating a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Bacon or Sausages
For a more indulgent option, try adding crispy bacon or sausages to your dish. The salty, crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, while sausages bring a savory, rich flavor that pairs well with the cheese sauce.
Roast Beef or Brisket
For a more elegant pairing, slow-cooked roast beef or brisket makes a perfect complement to mac and cheese. The tender, flavorful beef pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
Seafood (Lobster or Shrimp)
For a luxurious twist, try pairing this dish with lobster or shrimp. The sweetness of the seafood contrasts nicely with the rich cheese sauce, making this combination feel indulgent and gourmet.
Vegetable Sides to Serve with Mac and Cheese
Adding vegetables to your mac and cheese meal can bring freshness, color, and a healthy balance to the plate. Here are some vegetable sides that go well with this dish:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower provide a caramelized, crispy texture that contrasts with the creaminess of mac and cheese. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect complement to the savory cheese sauce.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a classic side that adds both color and nutrition to your dish dinner. Its mild flavor and slight crunch make it an ideal pairing with cheesy pasta.
Grilled Asparagus
For a fresh, crisp option, grilled asparagus is a great side dish. The slight char from grilling adds a smoky depth that pairs well with the creamy mac and cheese, while the asparagus itself provides a light, refreshing contrast.
Sautéed Greens (Spinach or Kale)
Earthy greens like spinach or kale sautéed with garlic are a fantastic way to balance the richness of this dish. The greens add a touch of bitterness and freshness, helping to cut through the creamy cheese sauce.
Peas or Green Beans
Simple but classic, peas or green beans are easy vegetable sides that go well with mac and cheese. Their fresh, slightly sweet flavor complements the cheesy pasta without overwhelming it.
Salads That Complement Mac and Cheese
A crisp, refreshing salad can provide a welcome contrast to the richness of mac and cheese. Here are some salads that go perfectly with this creamy dish:
Mixed Green Salad with Light Vinaigrette
A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent pairing for this dish. The acidity from the vinaigrette helps cut through the heaviness of the cheese, while the fresh greens add a light, refreshing element to the meal.
Caesar Salad
If you’re looking for a bolder option, a Caesar salad is a great choice. The crunchy croutons and creamy dressing pair well with the cheesy pasta, adding texture and flavor to the meal.
Apple and Walnut Salad
For a sweet and crunchy option, an apple and walnut salad is a delightful pairing with mac and cheese. The crisp apples and crunchy walnuts provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta, while the sweetness of the apples complements the savory cheese sauce.
Coleslaw
Whether creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw is a great side to go with this dish. Its crunchy texture and tangy flavor balance the richness of the pasta, making it a refreshing addition to the meal.
Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing
If you want something light and peppery, an arugula salad dressed with lemon is a great choice. The bitterness of the arugula and the brightness of the lemon cut through the creamy cheese sauce, providing a sharp contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Bread to Serve with Mac and Cheese
Bread is a great side to pair with this dish whether for dipping into the sauce or for adding a bit of texture to your meal. Here are some bread options that go well with mac and cheese:
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a flavorful, indulgent option that pairs perfectly with this dish. The buttery, garlicky bread complements the cheesy pasta, making it a delicious combination.
Cornbread
For a Southern twist, try serving sweet, moist cornbread alongside your mac and cheese. The sweetness of the cornbread contrasts with the savory pasta, adding a unique flavor profile to the meal.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are a classic side that goes well with this dish. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce, and their light, buttery flavor adds a touch of softness to the meal.
Sourdough Bread
If you want something tangier, sourdough bread is an excellent choice. Its crispy crust and chewy texture add a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta, while the tangy flavor balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
Baguette or Crusty Bread
For a simple yet classic option, a crusty baguette or loaf of bread works wonders with this dish. The crunchy exterior and soft interior provide the perfect vehicle for dipping into the cheesy pasta.
Hearty Sides to Make Mac and Cheese a Full Meal
Looking to turn mac and cheese into a complete meal? Here are some hearty sides that will make your meal more filling:
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic Southern pairing that goes wonderfully with this dish. The sweetness and savoriness of the beans complement the creamy pasta, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Mashed Potatoes
For extra indulgence, serve creamy mashed potatoes alongside your dish. The combination of two rich, buttery sides creates a decadent dinner that’s perfect for comfort food lovers.
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
For a crunchy contrast, serve crispy French fries or sweet potato fries with your dish. The crispness of the fries adds texture, while the sweet potatoes offer a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the savory pasta.
Mac and Cheese Toppings
Elevate your mac and cheese by adding toppings like breadcrumbs, crispy onions, or jalapeños. These toppings can add texture, spice, and flavor, turning your simple pasta into a more complex dish.
Chili
For a heartier option, try topping your dish with chili. The bold, spicy flavors of the chili pair beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce, making this combination a comforting and filling meal.
Seafood Pairings with Mac and Cheese
For seafood lovers, adding shrimp, lobster, or crab to your dish can take the dish to the next level. Here are some seafood options that go well with this dish:
Lobster Mac and Cheese
One of the most luxurious variations of this dish is lobster mac and cheese. The sweetness of the lobster contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce, creating a gourmet meal that’s perfect for special occasions.
Grilled Shrimp
For a lighter seafood option, grilled shrimp pairs wonderfully with this dish. The smoky, charred flavor of the shrimp adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta, while keeping the meal from feeling too heavy.
Crab Cakes
Crispy, flavorful crab cakes are another excellent seafood pairing for this dish. The savory crab cakes complement the cheesy pasta, making for a decadent and satisfying meal.
Salmon
If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled or baked salmon pairs well with mac and cheese. The flaky, tender fish adds protein and freshness to the meal, while its mild flavor complements the richness of the cheese sauce.
Kid-Friendly Pairings with Mac and Cheese
Looking for kid-friendly sides to serve with this dish? These options are sure to be a hit with the little ones:
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a classic kid-approved pairing with mac and cheese. They’re easy to prepare, and their savory flavor complements the creamy pasta.
Chicken Nuggets
Crispy chicken nuggets are always a hit with kids and pair perfectly with this dish. The crunchy coating adds texture, making the meal more fun and satisfying.
Fish Sticks
For a simple seafood option, try serving fish sticks with mac and cheese. The crispy breading and mild flavor make them a kid-friendly choice that complements the cheesy pasta.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are a crispy, bite-sized side that kids love. Their crunchy exterior and soft interior add texture to the meal, making them a perfect pairing with this dish.
Carrot and Celery Sticks with Ranch
For a healthier option, serve carrot and celery sticks with ranch dressing. The fresh, crunchy vegetables provide a healthy contrast to the creamy pasta, while the ranch adds a familiar flavor that kids love.
Drinks That Pair Well with Mac and Cheese
Choosing the right beverage can enhance your mac and cheese meal. Here are some drinks that go well with cheesy pasta:
Lemonade or Iced Tea
Refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea provide a nice contrast to the richness of this dish. The acidity in lemonade and the slight bitterness in iced tea help balance the heaviness of the cheese sauce.
Sparkling Water Pair Well With Mac And Cheese
For a light, fizzy option, sparkling water is a great choice. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate, making each bite of mac and cheese feel lighter.
Crisp White Wine
For adults, a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish. The acidity in the wine cuts through the creamy cheese sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Light Beer Pair Well With Mac And Cheese
If you prefer beer, a light, crisp beer is the perfect companion to mac and cheese. Its subtle bitterness and carbonation complement the richness of the pasta, making each bite feel balanced.
Sparkling Cider
For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling cider offers a sweet, refreshing contrast to this dish. Its light bubbles and sweetness add a touch of elegance to the meal.
Desserts to Serve After Mac and Cheese
After enjoying a rich, cheesy meal, a light and refreshing dessert can provide the perfect ending. Here are some desserts that go well with mac and cheese:
Apple Pie
A warm slice of apple pie is the perfect way to finish a comforting meal. The sweetness and slight tartness of the apples contrast nicely with the savory mac and cheese, making for a balanced dessert.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, chocolate chip cookies are always a hit. Their rich, buttery flavor provides a sweet ending to a hearty meal.
Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh fruit salad is a great option. The bright, juicy fruits cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing finish after a rich, cheesy meal.
Cheesecake
For those who want to double down on the creamy textures, cheesecake is a decadent dessert option that pairs well with this dish. The rich, tangy flavor of the cheesecake complements the savory pasta, making for an indulgent meal.
Brownies or Blondies
Chewy brownies or blondies are a great choice for dessert lovers. Their rich, chocolatey or vanilla flavor adds a sweet, satisfying finish to the meal.
FAQs
What do you serve with mac and cheese?
You can serve a variety of sides with mac and cheese, such as roasted vegetables, grilled meats, fresh salads, or bread like garlic bread or cornbread.
What meat goes well with mac and cheese?
Meats like BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken, bacon, or sausages pair wonderfully with mac and cheese, adding savory flavors that complement the cheesy pasta.
What is a good addition to mac and cheese?
Great additions to mac and cheese include crispy bacon, sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, or spicy toppings like jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Can you eat mac and cheese as a meal?
Yes, mac and cheese can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, especially when paired with protein-rich meats or hearty sides to make it more filling.
Conclusion: Creating the Perfect Mac and Cheese Meal
There’s no question that mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a wide variety of sides, meats, vegetables, and more. Whether you prefer lighter salads, hearty meats, or indulgent desserts, there are countless ways to elevate this dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
By choosing the right pairings, you can balance the creamy richness of the pasta, add texture, and create a meal that’s as delicious as it is comforting. So the next time you make this dish, try one of these pairings to take your meal to the next level!