What Goes Well With Mac And Cheese: 10 Side Dishes

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

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

  1. Hotdogs
  2. Oven-Fried Fish
  3. Green Salad
  4. Broccoli
  5. Chili
  6. Chicken Thighs
  7. Pork Tenderloin
  8. Sauteed Apples
  9. 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