What Goes Well With Mac And Cheese: 10 Side Dishes

Mac and Cheese is one of the best comfort foods out there. It’s easy to make, it’s delicious, and everyone loves it. But what do you serve as a side dish? There are so many options out there, but what are the best ones?

I’m willing to wager that most people just go with the standard green beans or a salad. But there are so many other delicious options out there! This blog post will explore some of the best side dish options to complement your favorite pasta dish.

Some are a bit more common, like Brussels sprouts. Others are a bit more unique, like a fruit salad. But no matter what your preference, there’s bound to be a side dish here that you’ll love.

What Goes Well With Mac And Cheese

Hotdogs
Oven-Fried Fish
Green Salad
Broccoli
Chili
Chicken Thighs
Pork Tenderloin
Sauteed Apples
Brisket

Hotdogs

While it is often served as a side dish, many recipes call for hot dogs as a side dish for mac and cheese. This pairing can be a great way to add some protein to your meal without overcomplicating the dish.

Hot dogs are also a budget-friendly option that can be easily found at most grocery stores.

When paired with mac and cheese, hot dogs can help to round out the meal and make it more satisfying.

There are many ways to incorporate hot dogs into your mac and cheese, so feel free to experiment until you find a combination that you love.

Just remember that hot dogs can be a bit greasy, so you may want to cook them separately from the mac and cheese to avoid making the dish too oily.

Oven-Fried Fish

Oven-Fried Fish is an excellent side dish for Mac and Cheese. It is full of flavor and has a crispy texture that compliments the creaminess of the cheese sauce. Additionally, it is a healthy option that provides essential nutrients such as protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Oven-Fried Fish can be used as a side dish for many other recipes as well, such as roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables. It is also a great option for those who are looking for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish.

Green Salad

Greens salads are a perfect side dish for mac and cheese. They add a fresh, crisp flavor to the creamy dish, and they’re packed with nutrients. There are many different ways to make a greens salad, so you can easily find one to suit your taste.

You can use any type of green in your salad, from iceberg lettuce to spinach. Or, you could mix things up and use a mix of greens. To make your salad even more nutrient-dense, add some chopped vegetables or fruit. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots are all great choices.

For a bit of sweetness, add in some raisins or dried cranberries. And don’t forget the dress! A light vinaigrette or balsamic vinegar will compliment the flavors of the mac and cheese perfectly.

Broccoli

When it comes to pairing side dishes with mac and cheese, broccoli is a classic choice. Its nutty flavor and crunchy texture complement the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. Plus, broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a healthier option than many other side dishes.

Try roasting the broccoli first if you’re looking for a new twist on this classic combo. This simple step adds tons of flavor and helps to prevent the broccoli from getting mushy. Simply toss the broccoli with olive oil and salt before roasting at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Then add it to your mac and cheese just before serving.

Chili

Chili is a great side dish for mac and cheese because it adds a little bit of spice and flavor to an otherwise bland dish. It also helps to add some texture and body to the cheese sauce, making it more filling and satisfying.

Chili is also a good choice if you’re looking for a heartier side dish option, as it pairs well with the rich flavor of the cheese. And, if you’re looking for something a little different, you can always top your mac and cheese with chili instead of plain bread crumbs. Just be sure to use a mild chili so it doesn’t overwhelming the flavor of the cheese.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a great side dish for mac and cheese. They add protein and flavor to the dish, and they’re also a good source of iron. Chicken thighs are a good choice for a side dish because they’re relatively low in calories and fat, and they’re packed with nutrients. Plus, they’re easy to cook and can be cooked in a variety of ways.

When pairing chicken thighs with mac and cheese, it’s important to consider the overall flavors of the dish. For example, if you’re using a creamy cheese sauce, you may want to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs so that the sauce doesn’t overwhelm the dish.

On the other hand, if you’re using sharp cheddar cheese, you may want to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs so that the cheese doesn’t overpower the dish. Whichever type of chicken thigh you choose, make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the mac and cheese. Chicken thighs are a versatile side dish that can be used in many different recipes.

Pork Tenderloin

Mac and cheese is classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of other dishes. One delicious option is to serve pork tenderloin as a side dish. Pork tenderloin is lean and versatile meat that pairs well with the creamy cheesiness of mac and cheese. It also adds a touch of protein and heartiness to the meal.

Furthermore, pork tenderloin is relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknight dinners. There are many different ways to cook pork tenderloin, so feel free to experiment until you find a method that you prefer.

For example, you could pan-fry the pork in some olive oil or bake it in the oven. Whichever way you choose to prepare it, pork tenderloin makes a delicious and satisfying addition to mac and cheese.

Sauteed Apples

Fried apples with cinnamon in a cast iron skillet, fall side dish

Sauteed apples are a great side dish for mac and cheese. There are several benefits to using them as a side dish.

First, they add a nice sweetness to the dish.
Second, they help to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Third, they add a bit of crunch to the dish.
Lastly, they add a lovely pop of color.

Several recipes sauteed apples would be suitable for. For example, they would be great in a grilled cheese sandwich or on top of pancakes or waffles. They would also pair well with roasted chicken or pork chops. In terms of flavor, sauteed apples compare favorably to other side dishes such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

The biggest advantage that they have is that they can be prepared quickly and easily. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any apples that you might have lying around that are starting to go bad.

Brisket

While many traditional side dishes pair well with mac and cheese, such as green beans or broccoli, brisket is a unique option that can add both flavor and texture to the dish.

Brisket is a cut of beef that is slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy, making it a delicious addition to mac and cheese. The rich flavor of the brisket pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce, and the meat adds a heartiness to the dish.

Barbecue

There are many reasons why barbecue is a great side dish for mac and cheese. One reason is that it can add a lot of flavor to the dish. Another reason is that it can help to balance out the rich flavor of the cheese.

Additionally, barbecue can help to add some texture to the dish. Finally, a barbecue is a great way to add some color to the dish.

When choosing a recipe for mac and cheese, be sure to choose one that pairs well with the flavors of barbecue. For example, if you are using a sweeter barbecue sauce, you may want to consider using sharper cheese in your mac and cheese recipe.

If you are using a smokey barbecue sauce, you may want to consider using milder cheese in your recipe.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese is up to you and should be based on your personal preferences.

When it comes to choosing a side dish for mac and cheese, there are many options available. Some other popular side dishes include green beans, corn, and salad.

However, barbecue is an excellent option because it is versatile and can be used with many different recipes. Additionally, it is a healthy option that can help to add some nutrition to your meal. If you are looking for a delicious and

Brussels Sprouts

One unique and delicious option is to pair mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts. While this may sound like an unusual combination, the two dishes complement each other quite well.

The rich, creamy flavor of mac and cheese is offset by the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, and the crispy texture of the sprouts provides a nice contrast to the soft noodles.

Moreover, both dishes are typically served warm, making them perfect for cold winter nights.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a timeless classic side dish that can be paired with a variety of different foods. One of its most popular pairings is mac and cheese. The subtle sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesiness of the mac and cheese.

Cornbread also has a nice crunch that contrasts well with the smoothness of the mac and cheese. In addition, cornbread is relatively quick and easy to make, which makes it a great option for busy weeknight dinners.

However, if you’re looking for something a bit heartier, you could also pair cornbread with a hearty soup or chili. Regardless of what you pair it with, cornbread is sure to please.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes as a Side Dish For Mac And Cheese There are many reasons to choose Sloppy Joes as a side dish for your mac and cheese.

First, they provide a variety of textures that can complement the creamy noodles. The sweetness of the sauce can also offset the sharpness of the cheese, while the ground beef adds a richness that rounds out the dish.

In addition, Sloppy Joes are highly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of other ingredients. For example, they work well with sauteed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or even a simple green salad.

Grilled Meats

Grilled chicken, steak, or even hamburgers can make a great addition to mac and cheese. Not only do they add a bit of protein to the dish, but they also provide a pleasing contrast in texture and flavor.

Plus, grilled meats are quick and easy to prepare, making them the perfect last-minute addition to any meal. Moreover, they can be served with a variety of different sides, such as roasted vegetables, salad, or even pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What protein goes best with mac and cheese?

The best protein to serve with mac and cheese is grilled chicken. The chicken will provide a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs well with the creamy mac and cheese. Plus, the grilled flavor will add a nice touch to your meal.

What vegetables go well with mac and cheese?

Vegetables that go well with mac and cheese include grilled asparagus, roasted pumpkin, and cauliflower casserole. All of these vegetables provide a great texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, and they also pair well with the flavors of the dish.

What drinks should you serve with mac and cheese?

There are a variety of drinks that you can serve with mac and cheese. Some good options include iced tea, hot tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. These drinks will help to balance the flavors of the mac and cheese and create a perfect meal.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different options when it comes to choosing what goes well with mac and cheese. The best way to figure out what will work best for your dish is to experiment and find what you like the best.

There is no wrong answer when it comes to what goes well with mac and cheese. So, go ahead and try out different combinations until you find your perfect match. Who knows, you may even come up with a new favorite recipe in the process!