What Goes Well With Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s loved by people of all ages. But what do you serve with mac and cheese to make it even more delicious?

There are endless possibilities, but some of the best pairings include:

  • Breadsticks or croutons for dipping in the cheesy sauce
  • Salad or vegetables for a healthy side dish
  • Grilled meats or fish for a more substantial meal
  • Dessert like pie or brownies for a sweet finish

No matter what you choose to serve with your mac and cheese, you’re sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal. So next time you’re in the mood for a comfort food classic, don’t forget to add some of these side dishes to the menu!

What Goes With Mac and Cheese?

| Food | Description | Pairing Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Broccoli | A classic side dish for mac and cheese, broccoli provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. It also adds a bit of crunch to the dish. | Cook the broccoli until it is bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| Green beans | Another great option for a side dish, green beans are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. They are also a bit more mild in flavor than broccoli, so they can help to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. | Cook the green beans until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| Carrots | Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. They also add a bit of sweetness to the dish. | Cook the carrots until they are tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| Corn | Corn is a good source of fiber and vitamin C. It also adds a bit of sweetness and crunch to the dish. | Cook the corn until it is tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| Peas | Peas are a good source of protein and fiber. They also add a bit of sweetness and color to the dish. | Cook the peas until they are tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| Salad | A salad is a great way to add some fresh vegetables and nutrients to your mac and cheese meal. Choose a salad that includes a variety of greens, vegetables, and fruits. | Dress the salad with a light vinaigrette or oil and vinegar dressing. |
| Bread | A slice of bread is a classic side dish for mac and cheese. It provides a contrast in texture and flavor to the creamy pasta. | Toast the bread until it is golden brown and crispy. Spread with butter or margarine, if desired. |
| Applesauce | Applesauce is a great way to add a bit of sweetness and tartness to your mac and cheese meal. It also helps to cut through the richness of the pasta. | Serve the applesauce on the side, or mix it into the mac and cheese. |
| Gravy | A flavorful gravy is a great way to add some richness and depth to your mac and cheese meal. It also helps to make the dish more filling. | Make a gravy using your favorite recipe. Serve the gravy on the side, or mix it into the mac and cheese. |

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but it can be easily customized to suit your taste. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing what to serve with mac and cheese. In this article, we will explore some of the best main dishes, side dishes, and desserts that pair well with mac and cheese.

Main Dishes

When it comes to main dishes, you can’t go wrong with a classic like chicken, beef, or pork. These hearty meats pair perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce of mac and cheese. For a healthier option, you could also try serving grilled fish or tofu with your mac and cheese.

Meat

  • Chicken. Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. For a simple and easy meal, you could bake or grill some chicken breasts and serve them with your mac and cheese. If you’re looking for something more flavorful, try making a chicken Parmesan or a chicken curry.
  • Beef. Beef is another great option for a main dish to serve with mac and cheese. You could make a simple steak, a burger, or a roast beef. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try making a beef stew or a chili.
  • Pork. Pork is a delicious and hearty meat that pairs well with mac and cheese. You could make pork chops, pulled pork, or a pork roast. If you’re looking for something a little different, try making a pork teriyaki or a pork carnitas.
  • Seafood. Seafood is a great option for a light and healthy main dish to serve with mac and cheese. You could make grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or a seafood pasta. If you’re looking for something more substantial, try making a seafood stew or a seafood paella.

Vegetables

In addition to meat, you can also serve a variety of vegetables with mac and cheese. Broccoli, carrots, peas, and green beans are all classic side dishes that go well with mac and cheese. You could also try making roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, or sauteed vegetables.

  • Broccoli. Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of fiber. Broccoli can be roasted, steamed, or sauteed.
  • Carrots. Carrots are a sweet and crunchy vegetable that are also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Carrots can be roasted, steamed, or sauteed.
  • Peas. Peas are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a good source of protein and fiber. Peas can be roasted, steamed, or sauteed.
  • Green beans. Green beans are a healthy and delicious vegetable that is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Green beans can be roasted, steamed, or sauteed.

Grains

In addition to meat and vegetables, you can also serve a variety of grains with mac and cheese. Rice, pasta, and potatoes are all classic side dishes that go well with mac and cheese. You could also try making a grain salad or a grain bowl.

  • Rice. Rice is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Rice can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiled, steamed, or fried.
  • Pasta. Pasta is a delicious and versatile grain that is also a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Pasta can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiled, baked, or fried.
  • Potatoes. Potatoes are a hearty and filling grain that is also a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Potatoes can be boiled, baked, fried, or mashed.

Other

In addition to meat, vegetables, and grains, you can also serve a variety of other dishes with mac and cheese. Salads, soups, and sandwiches are all great options for a light and healthy meal.

  • Salads. Salads are a great way to add some fresh vegetables to your meal. You could make a green salad, a fruit salad, or a pasta salad.
  • Soups. Soups are a great way to warm up on a cold day. You could make a soup with vegetables, chicken, or beef.
  • Sandwiches. Sandwiches are a quick and easy way to get a meal on the table. You could make a grilled cheese sandwich, a ham and cheese sandwich, or a turkey and avocado sandwich.

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. By choosing the right main dishes, side

Desserts

Mac and cheese is a hearty and satisfying dish, but it can also be a bit heavy. If you’re looking for something to lighten up your meal, a dessert is a great option. Here are a few ideas for desserts that pair well with mac and cheese:

  • Cakes

Chocolate cake is a classic choice for pairing with mac and cheese. The rich chocolate flavor complements the creamy cheese sauce, and the sweetness of the cake helps to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.

  • Pies

Apple pie is another great option for pairing with mac and cheese. The tart apples and cinnamon filling provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.

  • Pecan pie is a delicious and decadent dessert that pairs well with mac and cheese. The crunchy pecans and sweet caramel filling add a touch of richness to the dish.
  • Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic choice for dessert, and they pair well with mac and cheese. The chewy texture and chocolate flavor of the cookies complement the creamy cheese sauce.

  • Other

Other desserts that pair well with mac and cheese include ice cream, sorbet, and fruit salad. The cool and refreshing flavors of these desserts help to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.

Drinks

Mac and cheese is a hearty and filling dish, so it’s important to pair it with a drink that can stand up to its flavor. Here are a few ideas for drinks that pair well with mac and cheese:

  • Wines

Red wine is a good choice for pairing with mac and cheese. The tannins in red wine help to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce, and the fruit flavors complement the dish.

  • White wine is also a good option for pairing with mac and cheese. The acidity in white wine helps to balance out the richness of the cheese sauce, and the fruit flavors complement the dish.
  • Ros wine is a good option for pairing with mac and cheese. The light body and fruity flavors of ros wine complement the dish without overpowering it.
  • Beers

Light beers are a good choice for pairing with mac and cheese. The light body and refreshing flavors of light beers help to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce.

  • Dark beers are also a good option for pairing with mac and cheese. The malty flavors of dark beers complement the dish, and the alcohol content helps to warm the body.
  • Ale is a good option for pairing with mac and cheese. The hoppy flavors of ale complement the dish, and the alcohol content helps to warm the body.
  • Cocktails

Margarita is a good option for pairing with mac and cheese. The tart lime juice and tequila help to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce, and the salt on the rim of the glass helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.

  • Cosmopolitan is also a good option for pairing with mac and cheese. The cranberry juice and vodka help to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce, and the lime juice helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.
  • Sidecar is a good option for pairing with mac and cheese. The orange liqueur and brandy help to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce, and the lemon juice helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.
  • Other

Other drinks that pair well with mac and cheese include soda, water, and juice. The light and refreshing flavors of these drinks help to balance out the richness of the cheese sauce.

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of desserts and drinks. By choosing the right accompaniments, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Here are a few tips for pairing mac and cheese with desserts and drinks:

  • Consider the flavors of the dish. When choosing a dessert or drink to pair with mac and cheese, it’s important to consider the flavors of the dish. For example, if you’re making a mac and cheese with a creamy and cheesy sauce, you might want to pair it with a dessert that has a tart or fruity flavor.
  • Consider the texture of the dish. The texture of the dish is also important to consider when choosing a dessert or drink to pair with it. For example, if you’re making a mac and cheese that is on the creamy side, you might want to pair it with a dessert that has a crunchy or chewy texture.
  • Consider the alcohol content of the drink. If you’re planning on serving alcoholic drinks with your mac and

    What Goes With Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. But what do you serve with it to make it a truly memorable meal? Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement the creamy, cheesy pasta:

  • Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots is a great way to add some freshness and nutrients to your meal. For a more flavorful option, try a salad with grilled chicken, avocado, and blue cheese dressing.
  • Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, are a healthy and delicious way to round out your meal. You can also serve steamed or grilled vegetables.
  • Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is the perfect way to soak up the extra sauce from your mac and cheese. For a more substantial side dish, try serving a grilled cheese sandwich or a panini.
  • Dips: A bowl of your favorite dip, such as ranch dressing, guacamole, or marinara sauce, is a great way to add some flavor and variety to your mac and cheese. You can also serve a cheese platter with crackers or breadsticks.
  • Dessert: A slice of pie or cake is the perfect way to end a meal of mac and cheese. For a more decadent option, try a chocolate brownie or a slice of cheesecake.

Here are some additional tips for serving mac and cheese:

  • Use a high-quality cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyre, or Parmesan.
  • Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente.
  • Don’t over-sauce the pasta.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately after it’s made.

With a little planning and creativity, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying meal of mac and cheese. So next time you’re craving this comfort food, don’t forget to add some of these side dishes to your table!

there are many different ways to enjoy mac and cheese. You can serve it as a main dish, a side dish, or even as a dessert. You can also add a variety of different ingredients to make it your own. Some popular additions include bacon, broccoli, chicken, and tomatoes. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

  • Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
  • You can serve it as a main dish, a side dish, or even as a dessert.
  • You can add a variety of different ingredients to make it your own.
  • Some popular additions include bacon, broccoli, chicken, and tomatoes.
  • Mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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