Top 25 Tasty Foods That Go With Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food beloved by many, but have you ever wondered what to pair with this cheesy delight to round out your meal? Finding the right foods that go with mac and cheese can transform it from a simple dish to an extraordinary feast.
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a cozy gathering, adding the perfect side can elevate your mac and cheese experience. Let’s dive into some delicious options that complement its creamy, comforting goodness.
25 Foods That Go With Mac and Cheese
1. Barbecued Ribs
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The rich, smoky flavors of barbecued ribs make them a perfect complement to creamy mac and cheese. The tanginess of the barbecue sauce and the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat offer a hearty contrast to the soft, mild pasta and cheese. Serving these together can turn a simple meal into a satisfying feast, ideal for backyard gatherings or family dinners.
2. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork, with its juicy and slightly spicy profile, pairs beautifully with the smooth and creamy texture of mac and cheese. The pulled pork can either be mixed into the mac and cheese for a flavorful casserole or served alongside to maintain distinct tastes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors enhances the overall dining experience, making it a popular choice at American barbecues.
3. Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken offers a delightful crunch that contrasts well with the gooey, cheesy mac and cheese. The saltiness and spices from the chicken’s crust bring out the rich, creamy elements of the cheese, creating a balance of textures and flavors that is universally appealing. This pairing is comfort food at its best, perfect for a cozy night in.
4. Meatloaf
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The classic flavors of meatloaf, with its mix of ground meat, onions, and bell peppers, complement the simplicity of mac and cheese. The robust, savory taste of the meatloaf alongside the creamy pasta creates a fulfilling and comforting meal, ideal for colder days or family dinners where a hearty dish is appreciated.
5. Roasted Broccoli
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Adding roasted broccoli to a serving of mac and cheese introduces a crunchy, earthy component that not only enhances the dish’s texture but also adds a nutritional boost. The slight bitterness of the broccoli offsets the richness of the cheese, making for a more balanced and digestible meal. This combination is great for those looking to include more vegetables in their diet without compromising on taste.
6. Sauteed Spinach
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Sauteed spinach, with its mild and slightly sweet flavor profile, is a healthful addition to a plate of mac and cheese. The garlic and olive oil used in sautéing the spinach add depth to its flavor, complementing the creamy cheese sauce. This pairing not only increases the meal’s nutritional value but also adds a pop of color and a layer of sophisticated flavors.
7. Crisp Green Salad
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A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and heavy mac and cheese. Ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing can cleanse the palate and lighten the overall meal. This pairing is perfect for those seeking balance and a touch of freshness alongside their indulgent pasta.
8. Garlic Bread
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The aromatic, buttery richness of garlic bread is a match made in heaven for mac and cheese. The crisp exterior and soft, garlicky interior of the bread make it perfect for dipping into creamy cheese sauce or simply enjoying on the side. This pairing enhances the comfort food experience, adding a delightful crunch and robust flavor to the meal.
9. Cornbread
Cornbread brings a slightly sweet, crumbly texture that complements the creamy consistency of mac and cheese. Its mild sweetness and moist texture provide a pleasant contrast, making it a staple side in Southern cuisine. Whether you prefer it baked traditionally or with added ingredients like jalapeños or cheese, cornbread rounds out a mac and cheese meal perfectly.
10. Apple Slices
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Fresh apple slices offer a crisp, juicy contrast to the rich, dense mac and cheese. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the apples help cut through the heaviness of the cheese, refreshing the palate. This pairing is not only tasty but also brings a healthful twist to the meal, balancing out the indulgence of mac and cheese.
11. Bacon Bits
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Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, crunchy texture to mac and cheese, enhancing its flavor with a touch of saltiness. Sprinkling bacon over the top or stirring it into the dish infuses every bite with a savory depth that bacon lovers will find irresistible. This addition turns a simple mac and cheese into a more complex, flavorful dish.
12. Grilled Sausages
Grilled sausages provide a hearty, savory complement to mac and cheese. The spices and smokiness of the sausage pair excellently with the creamy cheese sauce, offering a satisfying textural contrast. This combination can be served as a complete meal that’s especially popular in more informal, family-friendly settings.
13. Buffalo Chicken
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Adding buffalo chicken to mac and cheese introduces a spicy, tangy element that livens up the dish. The heat from the buffalo sauce and the protein from the chicken make the mac and cheese more filling and exciting. This fusion is a favorite among those who enjoy a little heat with their creamy pasta.
14. Pesto Sauce
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Stirring in some pesto sauce into mac and cheese transforms the dish with fresh, herbal notes and a hint of garlic. Pesto not only adds a vibrant green color but also a rich, nutty flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. This variation is great for those looking to add a gourmet twist to traditional mac and cheese.
15. Jalapeños
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Adding sliced or diced jalapeños to mac and cheese introduces a fiery kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese. The spicy heat of jalapeños is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors, and it can invigorate every bite of the creamy pasta. This addition is not only about the spice; it also brings a slight crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
16. Truffle Oil
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A drizzle of truffle oil on mac and cheese adds an instant upgrade with its earthy, luxurious aroma. The intense flavor of truffle oil goes a long way, infusing the dish with a gourmet flair that makes it feel more upscale. This pairing is ideal for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food.
17. Caramelized Onions
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Mixing in caramelized onions gives mac and cheese a sweet, rich depth. The slow-cooked onions meld beautifully with the creamy cheese, adding a layer of umami that complements the simple flavors of mac and cheese wonderfully. This combination enhances the comfort food aspect while introducing a refined taste profile.
18. Sundried Tomatoes
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Sundried tomatoes provide a tangy, chewy contrast to the smooth texture of mac and cheese. Their rich, concentrated flavor punctuates the creaminess of the cheese and brings a welcome acidity that can lighten the overall richness of the dish. This Mediterranean-inspired addition is perfect for those looking to add a bit of zest and color to their meal.
19. Feta Cheese and Olives
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Incorporating feta cheese and olives into mac and cheese introduces a Mediterranean twist that’s both salty and tangy. The briny flavors of olives and the crumbly texture of feta cheese create a delightful contrast with the traditional American creamy dish, offering a fusion of tastes that can refresh the palate and elevate the entire meal.
20. Crumbled Blue Cheese
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Adding crumbled blue cheese to mac and cheese can intensify the dish with bold, tangy notes. The sharpness of the blue cheese cuts through the creaminess and adds a complex flavor profile. This pairing is ideal for cheese aficionados looking to explore different cheese combinations in their mac and cheese.
21. Fruit Salad
Serving a fresh fruit salad alongside mac and cheese helps to cleanse the palate with its refreshing and light flavors. The sweetness and acidity from a variety of fruits such as berries, melons, and citrus can counterbalance the heaviness of the mac and cheese, making the meal feel more balanced and digestible.
22. Chili
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Adding a hearty scoop of chili to mac and cheese can transform it into a robust, one-dish meal. The meaty texture and spiced flavor profile of chili complement the creamy, mild pasta, providing a satisfying contrast. This combination is especially popular during colder months, offering a comforting warmth that is both filling and flavorful.
23. Coleslaw
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Coleslaw, with its crisp texture and tangy flavor, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy richness of mac and cheese. The acidity from the coleslaw dressing (whether mayonnaise-based or vinegar-based) helps cut through the cheese’s fattiness, which can refresh the palate between bites.
24. Chocolate Brownies
After a hearty meal of mac and cheese, chocolate brownies serve as a perfect dessert. Their rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor provide a luxurious and satisfying end to the meal. Brownies can be enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, creating a delightful contrast of hot and cold with creamy and chewy textures.
25. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
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Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful caramelized flavor to the table, which complements the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Roasting these sprouts enhances their natural sweetness and tones down their inherent bitterness, making them a crowd-pleaser even among those who might not typically enjoy Brussels sprouts.
