What to serve with Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking for what to eat with mac and cheese, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for main or side dishes, we have 25 recipes you’ll surely enjoy!

What goes with Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese recipes have a cheesy and creamy flavor that makes it so popular. That’s why the main dishes that you pick should complement these tastes. Let’s learn what to eat with mac and cheese.

1. Crockpot BBQ Ribs

Everyone loves BBQ ribs with mac and cheese. The tenderness of the ribs will complement the rich flavor of classic comfort food such as mac and cheese. Plus, this recipe uses a crockpot which makes it safe and convenient to make.

2. Grilled Meatloaf

This recipe mixes simple ingredients and grills them into one big meatloaf. The smokiness that results from grilling makes the combination even better. The breadcrumb topping of the meatloaf combined with the creaminess of the homemade mac and cheese makes this pair a delight.

3. Smash Burger

This recipe is an excellent meal to serve with mac and cheese and incredibly fun to make. This smash burger recipe results in a brown exterior but retains the juices and flavors inside.

4. Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crunchy fried chicken is delicious especially when paired with macaroni and cheese. Plus, being air-fried helps reduce fats and oil, making your fried chickens healthier than oil-fried ones.

5. Grilled Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Regular hot dogs are already great with mac and cheese, but bacon-wrapped ones are better! The bacon adds more flavor and crispiness to the hotdog.

6. Meatballs

Creamy mac and cheese just go perfectly with the savory taste of meatballs. This recipe uses beef meatballs that only require minimal ingredients and cook time is about 15 minutes.

7. Instant Pot Pork Roast

This recipe cooks quickly and results in a tender, juicy, and flavorful pork roast. The pressure cooker makes this in minutes so you can enjoy it with mac and cheese quickly.

8. Oven Baked Pork Chops

These pork chops’ savory flavor and juicy meat make them a top choice for mac and cheese. This recipe is baked in less than 30 minutes.

9. Keto & Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole

This keto cheeseburger casserole is perfect for those who want to reduce their calorie intake. Adding the cheesiness and savory burger tastes to the already cheesy and creamy mac and cheese just spells a great time.

10. Bourbon Glazed Ham

This dish will give your mac and cheese a more sophisticated flavor. The sweet and tangy taste that comes from the Bourbon glaze is what makes this recipe special.

Side Dishes to Serve With Mac and Cheese

Many people enjoy mac and cheese as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main dish too. Let’s explore what kinds of meals you can use as mac and cheese sides which will elevate your dining experience! Learn what to eat with mac and cheese.

11. Broccoli Cranberry Salad

This is a savory side dish for mac and cheese that is healthy and straightforward to make. This recipe combines the bright cranberry flavor and the crunchy texture of broccoli with a hint of sweetness from the dressing.

12. Coleslaw

Making your own coleslaw is a hundred times better than store-bought ones. Especially since this recipe only uses minimal ingredients which makes it easier and cheaper to make. 

13. Crockpot Applesauce

This recipe slow-cooks applesauce which captures the sweet and tart flavors. The applesauce’s sweet and tart taste contrasts the creamy and cheesy flavor of the mac and cheese. An excellent combination indeed!

14. Jiffy Cornbread

The moistness of cornbread makes this recipe a great mac and cheese side dish. Requiring only 6 ingredients, it’s an easy recipe that results in a crunchy and sweet cornbread.

15. Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is a good side dish for almost anything including mac and cheese with gooey cheddar cheese. It’s easy and quick to make and only needs a few ingredients. Adding bacon adds more flavor and texture which makes it more interesting than regular Brussels sprouts.

16. Arugula Salad

This classic Italian salad uses lemon and Parmigiano-Reggiano which harmonizes perfectly with mac and cheese. The zesty flavor of the lemon livens up your mac and cheese.

17. Sautéed Green Beans

An easy-to-make side dish that only requires a few minutes to prepare. This sautéed green beans recipe pairs perfectly with mac and cheese.

18. Succotash

This healthy snack uses a variety of vegetables that tastes great with mac and cheese.

19. Instant Pot BBQ Brisket

BBQ briskets can be used as a topping for your mac and cheese or served separately. Mixing the two dishes together will result in a combination of flavors and textures from both. Additionally, this recipe uses a pressure cooker that will lessen the preparation time—helping you enjoy this meal faster.

20. Roasted Zucchini and Squash

A healthy side dish that you can easily make, but will produce delicious flavors. In this recipe, the roasted zucchini and squash are made tender on the inside, while perfectly seasoned on the outside. 

21. Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket

These small-sized snacks are great if you want to bite on something while enjoying your mac and cheese. You can easily make this recipe in your home because it only needs two ingredients — crescent rolls and hotdogs.

22. Corn Casserole

This delicious recipe only needs a couple of ingredients that you can easily get. You will love the ease of preparing this in the slow cooker.

23. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

This dish has a crispy and golden exterior but a soft interior. The flavor is delicious with mac and cheese.

24. Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

With only 3 ingredients, you can make this yummy finger food that’s perfect as a mac and cheese side dish. The slight sweetness coming from the brown sugar mixes together with the bacon and little smokies, resulting in a perfect snack.

25. Double Chocolate Chili

An unusual dish that probably didn’t come to your mind when talking about mac and cheese sides. Everyone will enjoy Double Chocolate Chili.

Now you know what to eat with mac and cheese for lots of yummy ideas.