What to Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese: 15 Delicious Side Dishes

Baked Mac and Cheese: The Perfect Comfort Food

Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. But what do you serve with baked mac and cheese to make it even more delicious?

In this article, we will discuss some of the best side dishes to serve with baked mac and cheese. We will also provide tips on how to make your mac and cheese extra special. So whether you are planning a family dinner or a special occasion, read on for some great ideas!

| What to Serve With Baked Mac and Cheese? | Ingredients | Instructions |
|—|—|—|
| 1. Garlic Bread | – 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices | – 1/4 cup butter, melted | – 1 teaspoon garlic powder | – 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes | – 1/4 teaspoon salt | – 1/8 teaspoon black pepper | 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). | 2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic powder, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. | 3. Brush the bread slices with the butter mixture. | 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. |
| 2. Salad | – Mixed greens | – Cucumber, thinly sliced | – Tomato, diced | – Red onion, thinly sliced | – Carrot, shredded | – Avocado, diced | – Vinaigrette dressing | 1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, red onion, carrot, and avocado. | 2. Drizzle with the vinaigrette dressing and toss to coat. |
| 3. Dessert | – Chocolate chip cookies | – Ice cream | – Whipped cream | 1. Serve the baked mac and cheese with chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and whipped cream. |

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. However, if you are looking to take your baked mac and cheese to the next level, you may want to consider serving it with some delicious side dishes.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best side dishes to serve with baked mac and cheese. We will include both main dishes and side dishes, so you can find the perfect combination to complement your meal.

Main Dishes

Chicken

Chicken is a great choice for a main dish to serve with baked mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with the grilled or roasted chicken. Some of our favorite chicken recipes to serve with baked mac and cheese include:

  • Grilled Chicken Breasts. This is a simple and easy recipe that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Simply marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade, then grill them to perfection.
  • Roasted Chicken Thighs. Chicken thighs are a more flavorful option than chicken breasts. They are also more forgiving when it comes to cooking time, so you don’t have to worry about them drying out.
  • Chicken Parmesan. This classic Italian dish is always a crowd-pleaser. The crispy fried chicken is smothered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
  • Chicken Nuggets. For a kid-friendly option, try serving baked mac and cheese with chicken nuggets. The nuggets are a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.

Beef

Beef is another great option for a main dish to serve with baked mac and cheese. The hearty beef pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta. Some of our favorite beef recipes to serve with baked mac and cheese include:

  • Steak. A grilled steak is a classic choice for a main dish. The steak can be grilled to your desired doneness, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
  • Beef Stew. Beef stew is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. The stew is made with tender pieces of beef, vegetables, and a rich broth.
  • Beef Fajitas. Beef fajitas are a fun and easy way to serve beef. The fajitas are made with grilled steak strips, vegetables, and tortillas.
  • Beef Stroganoff. Beef stroganoff is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The stroganoff is made with tender pieces of beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.

Pork

Pork is another great option for a main dish to serve with baked mac and cheese. The pork pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta. Some of our favorite pork recipes to serve with baked mac and cheese include:

  • Pork Chops. Pork chops are a simple and delicious way to enjoy pork. The pork chops can be grilled, roasted, or pan-fried.
  • Pulled Pork. Pulled pork is a popular dish that is made with slow-cooked pork shoulder. The pork is shredded and served with a variety of sauces.
  • Pork Tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is a lean and flavorful cut of pork. The tenderloin is perfect for grilling or roasting.
  • Pork Sausage. Pork sausage is a great way to add some flavor to your baked mac and cheese. The sausage can be grilled, roasted, or fried.

Fish

Fish is a healthy and delicious option for a main dish to serve with baked mac and cheese. The fish pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta. Some of our favorite fish recipes to serve with baked mac and cheese include:

  • Salmon. Salmon is a popular choice for a fish dish. Salmon is a fatty fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Shrimp. Shrimp is a great way to add some protein to your baked mac and cheese. Shrimp is a versatile seafood that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
  • Tilapia. Tilapia is a mild-flavored fish that is perfect for a simple weeknight meal. Tilapia can be grilled, baked, or fried.
  • Fillet of Sole. Fillet of sole is a delicate fish that is perfect for a special occasion. The fillet is usually lightly breaded and fried.

Vegetarian

If you are looking for a vegetarian main dish to serve with baked mac and cheese, there are a few great options. Some of our favorite vegetarian recipes to serve with baked mac and cheese include:

  • Tofu Nuggets. Tofu nuggets are a great way to get your kids to eat tofu. The nuggets are made with tofu that is coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

Desserts

Baked 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, or if you just want to indulge in a sweet treat, there are plenty of delicious desserts that pair perfectly with baked mac and cheese.

Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Pies

Pies are a classic choice for dessert, and they go great with baked mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy pasta is the perfect complement to the flaky crust and sweet filling. Some of our favorite pie combinations include:

  • Apple pie with cheddar cheese
  • Pumpkin pie with gouda cheese
  • Cherry pie with brie cheese
  • Pecan pie with blue cheese
  • Cakes

Cakes are another great option for dessert with baked mac and cheese. The rich, fluffy cake is the perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta. Some of our favorite cake combinations include:

  • Chocolate cake with cheddar cheese
  • Vanilla cake with brie cheese
  • Lemon cake with goat cheese
  • Red velvet cake with blue cheese
  • Cookies

Cookies are a delicious and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re also a great way to add a little bit of crunch to your dessert. Some of our favorite cookie combinations include:

  • Chocolate chip cookies with cheddar cheese
  • Oatmeal cookies with gouda cheese
  • Snickerdoodles with brie cheese
  • Chewy chocolate chip cookies with blue cheese
  • Ice cream

Ice cream is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day, and it’s also a great way to end a meal. The creamy, cold ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta. Some of our favorite ice cream combinations include:

  • Vanilla ice cream with cheddar cheese
  • Chocolate ice cream with gouda cheese
  • Strawberry ice cream with brie cheese
  • Pistachio ice cream with blue cheese
  • Candy

Candy is a delicious and easy way to add a little bit of sweetness to your dessert. It’s also a great way to add a little bit of color and excitement to your meal. Some of our favorite candy combinations include:

  • Chocolate candy with cheddar cheese
  • Gummy candy with gouda cheese
  • Hard candy with brie cheese
  • Chewy candy with blue cheese

Drinks

The perfect drink to pair with baked mac and cheese depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer a light and refreshing drink, while others prefer something more decadent. Here are a few of our favorite drink pairings for baked mac and cheese:

  • Wine

Wine is a classic choice for pairing with food, and it’s no exception when it comes to baked mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy pasta pairs well with the acidity of white wine, and the richness of red wine. Some of our favorite wine pairings for baked mac and cheese include:

  • Chardonnay with a creamy, white cheddar mac and cheese
  • Pinot noir with a smoky, gouda mac and cheese
  • Merlot with a hearty, brie mac and cheese
  • Zinfandel with a spicy, blue cheese mac and cheese
  • Beer

Beer is another great option for pairing with baked mac and cheese. The malty sweetness of beer complements the creamy, cheesy pasta. Some of our favorite beer pairings for baked mac and cheese include:

  • Lager with a simple, cheddar mac and cheese
  • Pale ale with a smoky, gouda mac and cheese
  • IPA with a hearty, brie mac and cheese
  • Stout with a spicy, blue cheese mac and cheese
  • Cocktails

Cocktails are a great way to add a little bit of excitement to your meal. The complex flavors of cocktails can complement the creamy, cheesy pasta. Some of our favorite cocktail pairings for baked mac and cheese include:

  • Mimosa with a simple, cheddar mac and cheese
  • Bloody Mary with a smoky, gouda mac and cheese
  • Manhattan with a hearty, brie mac and cheese
  • Cosmopolitan with a spicy, blue cheese mac and cheese
  • Soda

Soda is a light and refreshing option for pairing with

What To Serve With Baked Mac And Cheese?

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with baked mac and cheese?

A: There are many great side dishes that can be served with baked mac and cheese. Some popular options include:

  • Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots can help to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
  • Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, can add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
  • Bread: A loaf of crusty bread, such as French bread or sourdough, is a great way to soak up the sauce from the mac and cheese.
  • Fruit: A fresh fruit salad or a bowl of berries can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

Q: What kind of cheese should I use for baked mac and cheese?

A: The best cheese for baked mac and cheese is a sharp cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese has a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the creamy noodles and breadcrumbs. Other good options for baked mac and cheese include Gruyre, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack.

Q: How do I make sure my baked mac and cheese doesn’t get soggy?

A: There are a few things you can do to prevent your baked mac and cheese from getting soggy. First, make sure to drain the noodles well before adding them to the cheese sauce. Second, do not overcook the noodles. Third, bake the mac and cheese in a hot oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, but not browned.

Q: What are some tips for making a great baked mac and cheese?

A: Here are a few tips for making a great baked mac and cheese:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh pasta, sharp cheese, and whole milk.
  • Make sure to season the cheese sauce well with salt and pepper.
  • Do not overcook the noodles.
  • Bake the mac and cheese in a hot oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, but not browned.
  • Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving so that the flavors can meld together.

Q: What are some variations on the classic baked mac and cheese recipe?

There are many different ways to vary the classic baked mac and cheese recipe. Some popular variations include:

  • Adding vegetables: You can add vegetables to your mac and cheese, such as broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower.
  • Using different cheeses: You can use different types of cheese in your mac and cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyre, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.
  • Adding meat: You can add meat to your mac and cheese, such as bacon, ham, or chicken.
  • Adding spices: You can add spices to your mac and cheese, such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.

Q: What are some tips for storing and reheating leftover baked mac and cheese?

Here are a few tips for storing and reheating leftover baked mac and cheese:

  • Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat leftover mac and cheese, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
  • You can also reheat leftover mac and cheese in the oven by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and baking the mac and cheese for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

    Baked 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 elevated with the addition of flavorful ingredients. In this blog post, we discussed some of the best things to serve with baked mac and cheese. We hope that you found this information helpful and that you enjoy trying out some of these delicious combinations.

Here is a quick recap of the key takeaways from this blog post:

  • The best sides for baked mac and cheese include:
  • Salads
  • Vegetables
  • Breads
  • Fruits
  • Proteins
  • When choosing sides for baked mac and cheese, it is important to consider the flavors and textures of the dish.
  • The goal is to create a balanced meal that is both flavorful and satisfying.
  • With a little creativity, you can easily create the perfect side dishes to complement your next baked mac and cheese dish.

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.

Similar Posts