Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but it can be even better with the right sides. Adding tasty accompaniments turns this classic dish into a complete meal.
You’ll find options to suit different tastes and occasions.
The best sides for mac and cheese include vegetables, meats, and breads that complement its creamy texture and rich flavor. Some popular choices are roasted broccoli, BBQ ribs, garlic bread, and fresh salads.
With so many possibilities, you can create exciting mac and cheese dinners your family will love.
1. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a top choice to serve with mac and cheese. The crispy, buttery bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
Its garlicky flavor adds a nice contrast to the cheese.
You can make garlic bread easily at home. Just spread garlic butter on sliced bread and toast it in the oven. The result is a golden, crunchy outside with a soft middle.
Dipping garlic bread into mac and cheese creates a delicious combination of textures. The bread soaks up extra cheese sauce, making sure you enjoy every last bit.
2. Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a great side dish for mac and cheese. It adds color and nutrition to your meal. The bright green florets look nice next to the creamy pasta.
Broccoli gives you vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It balances out the richness of mac and cheese.
To make it, steam the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp. This keeps its nutrients and flavor.
You can chop the broccoli and mix it into your mac and cheese. Or serve it on the side. Either way, it’s a tasty and healthy addition to your plate.
3. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a great side dish for mac and cheese. The crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons add texture to your meal.
The tangy Caesar dressing provides a nice contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. This salad also brings a fresh element to balance out the richness.
You can easily prepare Caesar salad at home or buy a pre-made kit from the store. Add some grilled chicken to make it more filling if you like.
This classic salad is a popular choice that pairs well with many main dishes, including your favorite mac and cheese recipe.
4. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a tasty side dish that goes well with mac and cheese. You can cook it quickly on the grill for a nice smoky flavor.
The crisp texture of asparagus contrasts nicely with creamy mac and cheese. It adds a fresh, green element to your plate.
To grill asparagus, brush it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning once. The spears should be tender but still have some bite.
You can add extras like lemon zest or Parmesan cheese for more flavor. Grilled asparagus is a simple way to balance out your mac and cheese meal.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw makes a great side dish for mac and cheese. The cool, crisp texture of shredded cabbage contrasts nicely with the warm, creamy pasta.
Coleslaw’s tangy flavor also helps cut through the richness of the cheese sauce. You can make a classic mayo-based slaw or try a vinegar dressing for a lighter option.
Add shredded carrots, sliced onions, or diced apples to your coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor. The fresh, crunchy vegetables provide a healthy balance to the hearty mac and cheese.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread makes a great side dish for mac and cheese. Its sweet and savory flavors complement the creamy pasta perfectly.
You can serve warm, buttery cornbread squares alongside your mac and cheese. The contrasting textures work well together – soft, gooey cheese with crumbly cornbread.
For extra flavor, try adding ingredients like jalapenos, corn kernels, or cheddar cheese to your cornbread recipe. This adds some variety to the meal.
Cornbread also helps soak up any extra cheese sauce from the mac and cheese. It’s a tasty way to enjoy every last bite of your meal.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a great side dish for mac and cheese. Their crispy exterior and tender interior provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
To prepare them, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese before roasting. The slight bitterness of the sprouts balances out the richness of the mac and cheese.
This veggie side adds nutrients and fiber to your meal. It’s a simple way to make your mac and cheese dinner feel more complete and well-rounded.
8. Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup makes a great companion to mac and cheese. The soup’s tangy and herb-infused flavors balance out the rich, creamy pasta dish.
You can serve the soup in small cups or bowls alongside your mac and cheese. This pairing offers a nice contrast in textures and temperatures.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of the soup. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
This combination works well for lunch or dinner. It’s especially comforting on cold days when you want something warm and satisfying.
9. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a quick and tasty side dish for mac and cheese. It adds color and nutrients to your plate.
To make it, heat some olive oil in a pan. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt. Toss in minced garlic for extra flavor.
The mild bitterness of spinach balances the rich, creamy mac and cheese. It’s a light option that won’t weigh you down.
You can season your spinach with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice. This simple side takes just minutes to prepare and pairs perfectly with your main dish.
10. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce adds a tangy twist to mac and cheese. The bright, fruity flavor cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Try spooning some cranberry sauce over your mac and cheese. The sweetness balances out the savory pasta dish nicely.
You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Whole berry sauce works best for texture contrast.
This pairing works well for fall and winter meals. It’s especially good around the holidays when cranberry sauce is plentiful.
11. Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions add a tangy kick to your mac and cheese. Their bright, acidic flavor cuts through the rich creaminess of the dish.
You can make pickled onions easily at home. Slice red onions thinly and soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt.
The pickling process softens the onions and gives them a vibrant pink color. This makes them visually appealing on your plate.
Sprinkle pickled red onions on top of your mac and cheese just before serving. They’ll add a crunchy texture and zesty taste that complements the cheesy pasta perfectly.
12. Baked Beans
Baked beans make a great side dish for mac and cheese. The sweet and savory flavors of the beans complement the creamy, cheesy pasta perfectly.
You can serve store-bought baked beans or make your own from scratch. Try adding bacon, onions, or barbecue sauce to your beans for extra flavor.
The combination of mac and cheese with baked beans creates a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s comfort food at its finest.
This pairing works well for casual dinners, potlucks, or barbecues. Both dishes are easy to make in large quantities, making them ideal for feeding a crowd.
13. Fried Jalapeño Poppers
Fried jalapeño poppers offer a spicy kick to complement your mac and cheese. These crispy bites feature jalapeño peppers stuffed with cheese and coated in breadcrumbs.
The contrast between the creamy mac and cheese and the crunchy poppers creates an exciting texture mix. The heat from the jalapeños also cuts through the richness of the pasta dish.
You can make poppers at home or buy them frozen. Serve them on the side or crumble them over your mac and cheese for added flavor and crunch. This combo is perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
The Importance of Side Dishes
Side dishes play a key role in rounding out mac and cheese. They add variety, nutrition, and complementary flavors to create a more satisfying meal.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
Side dishes can bring new tastes and textures to the table. Roasted vegetables add a savory crunch, while fresh salads offer a crisp contrast.
You might try steamed broccoli for a mild, earthy flavor or a tangy coleslaw for some zing.
These sides help break up the richness of mac and cheese. They cleanse your palate between bites, making each forkful of cheesy pasta taste just as good as the first.
Mix things up by trying different veggie combos. Roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots make a colorful pair. Or toss together a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Balancing Nutritional Value
Mac and cheese is tasty but lacks certain nutrients. Side dishes fill in those gaps. Veggies bring fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your plate.
Dark leafy greens like spinach or kale pack in iron and vitamin C. Carrots offer beta-carotene for eye health. Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant.
Protein-rich sides like grilled chicken or baked beans make the meal more filling. They help balance out the carbs in the pasta.
By adding sides, you turn mac and cheese into a more complete meal. You’ll feel satisfied without overloading on one food group.
Pairing Principles
Choosing the right sides for mac and cheese can elevate your meal. Keep these key principles in mind when picking pairings.
Complementing Textures
Mac and cheese is creamy and soft. Pick sides with contrasting textures to add interest.
Crispy foods work well. Try roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or broccoli. Their crunchy edges balance the smooth pasta.
Crusty bread is another good choice. It adds a satisfying crunch. Use it to scoop up extra cheese sauce.
For more texture variety, add some crunch on top of the mac itself. Sprinkle on toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving.
Color and Presentation
Mac and cheese is typically yellow or orange.
Bright, colorful sides make your plate more eye-catching.
Add green veggies like peas, asparagus, or a leafy salad. Their vibrant color pops against the pasta.
Red foods also look great. Try sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Use different shaped dishes to serve your sides.
Round bowls next to the square pan of mac create visual interest.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They add color and a hint of flavor.