What To Serve With Macaroni And Cheese (30 Best Sides)

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re indulging in a classic baked mac and cheese or trying a new twist like gluten-free or slow cooker mac and cheese, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

But why stop at just mac and cheese? The perfect side dishes can take this comfort food to a whole new level. From crispy bacon-wrapped smokies and tangy BBQ ribs to refreshing tomato and cucumber salad with cheesy garlic bread, these side dishes add a tasty and well-rounded touch to your mac and cheese dinner.

So, let’s explore the best side dishes to serve with macaroni and cheese and take this classic dish to the next level!

1. Sloppy Joes

Mac and cheese may be able to stand on its own as a popular main dish, but it goes well with a variety of tasty side dishes. One of my favorites is sloppy joes – the sweet and tangy flavor of the ground beef sloppy joe sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness of the macaroni and cheese.

The combination of cheesy mac and cheese and savory beef sauce is a match made in flavor heaven.

We love: Homemade Sloppy Joes (by Damn Delicious)

2. Honey garlic pork chops

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be paired with a variety of main dishes. But, if you want to add a little extra flavor and protein to your meal, consider adding honey garlic pork chops as a side dish.

With its sweet and savory flavors, honey garlic pork chops perfectly complement the creamy and rich mac and cheese. Plus, this dish is easy to make and requires simple ingredients, making it a great addition to any mac and cheese recipe.

We love: Baked Honey Garlic Pork Chops (by Diethood®)

3. Roasted cherry tomatoes

Roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color to your mac and cheese dish. The slight tanginess of the tomatoes enhances the rich and creamy cheese sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.

To make this delicious side dish, simply toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt, and roast them in the oven until they are caramelized and bursting with flavor.

This warm tomato salad goes well with homemade mac and cheese, and it’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with other classic sides.

We love: Balsamic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe (by A Spicy Perspective)

4. Cracker barrel meatloaf

Oven-baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. But what could make it even better? Serving it with a delicious side of meatloaf!

This savory and hearty meatloaf pairs perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese. The rich flavors and textures of the two dishes complement each other, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. Plus, you can cook them side-by-side in the oven.

Plus, the meatloaf adds some protein to the meal, making it a well-rounded meal your taste buds will love. Serve it alongside a refreshing tomato salad.

We love: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (by The Midnight Baker)

5. Grilled chicken tenders

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. One of my favorite options for a hearty and satisfying meal is grilled chicken tenders.

The tender and juicy chicken, when grilled to perfection, adds a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. Plus, the flavors of the grilled chicken pair well with the cheesy pasta, making it a delicious and filling combination.

For a twist on a traditional mac and cheese meal, drizzle some BBQ sauce over the grilled chicken tenders for a touch of smoky flavor, or try a classic honey mustard sauce for an easy chicken side.

We love: Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders (by Damn Delicious®)

6. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for mac and cheese, adding an extra layer of creaminess and flavor to this classic comfort food dish.

The combination of mac and cheese and creamy garlic mashed potatoes is truly a match made in heaven. The creamy texture and savory flavors of the mashed potatoes perfectly complement the rich and cheesy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Serve alongside some roasted veggies or a crisp green salad.

We love: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (by Fox and Briar)

7. Sautéed green beans

The crisp and fresh green beans add a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. They also provide a nice balance of texture and flavor to the dish. Sautéed in butter and garlic, they bring a burst of savory and aromatic flavors to the mac and cheese.

Not only is this a delicious pairing, but it also adds some extra nutrients to the meal. So next time you’re making mac and cheese, consider adding sautéed green beans as a tasty and nutritious side dish.

We love: Sautéed Garlic Green Beans (by Ahead of Thyme)

8. Cheesy garlic bread

Cheesy garlic bread is the perfect side dish for macaroni and cheese. The warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy pasta dish.

Use the crispy garlic bread to wipe up any remaining creamy cheese sauce from your plate for the ultimate indulgence!

To make it even more delicious, try using different types of cheese like sharp cheddar or white cheddar. You can also add some herbs like rosemary or thyme to give it an extra burst of flavor.

We love: Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread (by The Recipe Critic)

9. Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is a tasty and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with Southern baked macaroni cheese. The crispy and golden brown Brussels sprouts add a nice texture and flavor contrast to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese.

Plus, the addition of bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, making this side dish a hit with meat lovers. It’s a perfect combination of healthy greens and indulgent flavors, making it a great option to serve with your favorite mac and cheese recipe.

We love: Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon (by Joy Food Sunshine)

10. Tomato and cucumber salad

Tomato and cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side salad that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy mac and cheese.

The juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers provide a nice contrast to the heavy and cheesy macaroni dish.

Plus, this salad recipe is quick and easy to make, making this simple cucumber and tomato salad a great option for a quick weeknight meal.

We love: Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad (by Eatwell101)

11. Hot dogs

While hot dogs may not be the first classic side dish that jumps to mind, they’re delicious served with macaroni and cheese. In fact, I love to scoop some creamy, cheesy macaroni over the my hot dog.

Plus, it’s a quick and easy dish to put together, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Elevate this classic combo with some chopped red onions, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, or more shredded cheddar cheese on top.

We love: 17 Best Gourmet Hot Dogs You Need To Try (by This Tiny Blue House)

12. Pulled pork

Pulled pork is the perfect accompaniment to mac and cheese, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

The combination of tender and juicy pulled pork with creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is a match made in heaven. The smoky and savory flavors of the pulled pork perfectly complement the rich and indulgent mac and cheese.

Whether you’re making mac and cheese for a weeknight dinner or a potluck party, pulled pork is a must-have side dish. Serve with garlic bread and a light salad or grilled vegetables.

We love: Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork (by Erin Lives Whole)

13. Bacon-wrapped smokies

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. It’s the perfect main dish, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides, of which bacon-wrapped smokies are an irresistible choice.

It’s also a great appetizer served with a cheesy dipping sauce.

The salty and smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. Serve it with red potato salad and your favorite coleslaw recipe for a Southern feast!

We love: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe (by Eating on a Dime)

14. BBQ ribs

The smoky and tangy flavors of BBQ ribs perfectly complement the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. It’s a match made in heaven for any barbecue or comfort food lover.

I love to use a dry rubbed back ribs recipe, but you can also do oven-baked ribs with a BBQ sauce glaze, or pop out the sous vide for a treat. To be honest, any pork dish goes well with mac and cheese!

We love: Dry Rub Baby Back Ribs (by Girl With The Iron Cast)

15. Green salad

One of my favorite side dishes to serve with old-fashioned mac and cheese, is a fresh green salad.

A green salad adds a refreshing and healthy element to the meal, balancing out the rich and creamy mac and cheese. You can customize your salad with your favorite toppings and serve it with a zesty salad dressing.

We love: Best Simple Tossed Green Salad (by Creme De La Crumb)

16. Easy slow-cooker pork roast

One of the best options to serve alongside mac and cheese is an easy slow cooker pork roast.

The tender and juicy pork roast, cooked to perfection in a crockpot, is a delicious addition to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and complement each other perfectly.

This easy slow cooker pork roast is a great option when you’re looking for an easy pork recipe to serve with mac and cheese. Simply set and forget the slow-cooker. It’s also great for leftover sandwiches the next day!

We love: Easy Slow Cooker Pork Roast (by My Diary of Us)

17. Tomato soup

Tomato soup is a perfect pairing for mac and cheese. The tangy and slightly acidic taste of the soup cuts through the richness of the mac and cheese, creating a balanced and delicious combination.

Not only does the tomato soup add a different flavor profile to the meal, but it also adds some vegetables to the plate.

We love: Easy Roasted Tomato Soup (by Lena’s Kitchen)

18. Sautéed spinach

Sautéed spinach is a versatile side dish that goes well with a variety of main dishes, including everyone’s favorite comfort food, mac and cheese.

The tender spinach leaves provide a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens and add some nutritional value to the meal.

Whether you’re serving up classic mac and cheese, a fancy gourmet version, or even a mac and cheese casserole, sautéed spinach is the perfect accompaniment.

We love: How To Make Simple Italian Sautéed Baby Spinach (by The Fed Up Foodie)

19. Roasted sweet potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are another delicious side for a classic mac and cheese dish. The sweetness of the potatoes balances out the rich and creamy cheese sauce, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.

This side dish is also super simple to make – just toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil and your favorite herbs and roast in the oven until tender.

We love: Roasted Sweet Potatoes (by Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

20. Instant Pot BBQ chicken

For a delicious and filling meal, macaroni and cheese is always a great option. But to take it to the next level, why not pair it with some BBQ chicken? This easy recipe is a perfect match for the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese.

Using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can cook a whole BBQ chicken quickly and easily, making it a convenient and tasty side dish for mac and cheese.

So next time you’re looking for a unique and delicious mac and cheese side dish, try adding some instant pot BBQ chicken to the menu. Carve the chicken tableside or shred it into pulled chicken, and serve alongside some greens like roasted broccoli,

We love: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken (by Amy + Jacky)

21. Air fryer zucchini

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But sometimes, it’s fun to mix things up and add a tasty side dish to the mix. That’s where air fryer zucchini comes in!

The crispy and flavorful zucchini slices is a perfect complement to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. Plus, using the air fryer means you’ll have a healthier version of this beloved dish. It’s a win-win for everyone at the table.

We love: 10 Minute Air Fryer Zucchini (by Midwest Foodie)

22. Cabbage slaw

When it comes to classic comfort food, mac and cheese is at the top of the list. And what better way to enjoy this beloved dish than with a side of cabbage slaw?

The tangy and crunchy slaw perfectly balances out the rich and creamy flavors of the mac and cheese. You can opt for a classic Southern coleslaw recipe, but I love light cabbage slaw with a bit of bite in the dressing!

We love: Cucumber Jalapeño Cabbage Slaw (by Ambitious Kitchen)

23. Baked buffalo chicken wings

There’s no denying that mac and cheese is a classic comfort food favorite. But if you’re looking to add a little extra kick to your mac and cheese meal, baked buffalo chicken wings are the perfect side dish.

The spicy and tangy flavors of the wings complement the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese, creating a delicious flavor explosion in every bite.

This side dish is also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for serving at parties or gatherings. And you can easily whip up a large batch of these delicious wings to feed a crowd.

We love: Best Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe (by FoodieCrush)

24. Air fryer fried chicken

Crispy and flavorful fried chicken adds a satisfying element to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese.

You can go the traditional route with Southern buttermilk fried chicken, but if you’re looking for something a bit more wholesome, yet equally indulgent, why not try air fryer fried chicken?

Serve with more healthy sides like creamed spinach, roasted broccoli or a Caesar salad.

We love: Air Fryer Fried Chicken (by Gimme Delicious)

25. Pork tenderloin

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be served as a main dish or a side. And what better way to turn it into a satisfying side dish than by pairing it with tender and juicy pork tenderloin?

The creamy and cheesy flavors of mac and cheese are perfectly complemented by the savory flavors of pork tenderloin. Plus, the added protein from the pork makes this meal more balanced and satisfying.

Or, for a flavorful twist, top your mac and cheese with diced, cooked pork tenderloin and breadcrumbs before baking it in the oven instead of serving them side-by-side!

We love: Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin (by Downshiftology)

26. Broccoli salad

Broccoli salad is a classic side that goes perfectly with macaroni and cheese. The crisp and refreshing salad is a great contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese. The tangy dressing and crunchy textures of the broccoli and other ingredients add depth to every bite.

Not to mention, broccoli salad is a breeze to make and can be whipped up in no time. It’s the perfect way to add some nutrition to your meal without sacrificing any flavor. Whether you’re making homemade mac and cheese or using a boxed mix, adding a side of broccoli salad takes your meal to the next level.

We love: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (by My Incredible Recipes)

27. Pesto pasta salad

Why not double down on pasta and serve your mac and cheese with a delicious pasta salad! It’s a great way to feed a crowd.

The fresh and vibrant flavors of the pesto add a burst of flavor to the creamy mac and cheese. Plus, the addition of pasta in the salad complements the macaroni and cheese, making each bite even more satisfying.

This simple and delicious side dish is the perfect pairing for any mac and cheese dish. Plus, it’s an easy recipe you can customize with what you have add home. I love adding cherry tomato, diced olive and shredded cheese.

We love: Pesto Pasta Salad (by Real + Vibrant)

28. Arugula salad

I always serve mac and cheese with some form of a fresh and light salad. And, arugula salad is one of my favorites!

The peppery and slightly bitter flavors of arugula cut through the richness of the mac and cheese, making it a well-balanced meal. Plus, you can add in some additional toppings like cherry tomatoes or a simple vinaigrette dressing to add even more depth of flavor.

We love: Shaved Fennel Arugula Salad (by A Beautiful Plate)

29. Caesar salad

When it comes to classic comfort food like mac and cheese, a Caesar salad will always complete the meal. Whether you’re using traditional elbow macaroni or something more exciting like ravioli lasagna, Caesar salad is the way to go!

The crisp and fresh romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and tangy parmesan cheese provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese. Plus, the combination of a hearty main dish and a light and fresh side dish is sure to leave everyone satisfied and full.

We love: Caesar Salad Recipe (by Spend With Pennies)

30. Fruit salad

Adding a fruit salad to your mac and cheese meal is a delicious way to balance out the richness and creaminess of the dish. The fresh and juicy fruits provide a burst of flavor and add a refreshing element to the meal.

This side dish is also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients and vitamins for the entire family. Choose a variety of colorful fruits like berries, pineapple, and mango for a vibrant and nutritious fruit salad.

It also makes a great dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

We love: Fruit Salad Recipe {with Honey Lime Dressing} (by Cooking Classy)

Frequently asked questions

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings back childhood memories for many of us. But to take this classic dish to the next level, it’s all about the perfect side dish.

Whether you serve your delicious Southern-style mac and cheese with nostalgic dishes like bacon-wrapped little smokies or pork tenderloin, or healthy green salads and roasted veggies, this classic comfort food dish is a crowd-pleaser!

So why not try one of these delicious mac and cheese side dish recipes for your next meal?

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our related posts for more mouth-watering ideas!