Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but sometimes you want to jazz up your meal with tasty side dishes. Adding sides can turn a simple mac and cheese into a complete and satisfying dinner. You’ll find plenty of options to suit different tastes and occasions.
The best sides for mac and cheese add contrast in flavor, texture, or nutrition to balance out the rich, creamy pasta. From crisp veggies to savory meats, there are many great choices. This article will explore 12 delicious sides that pair well with mac and cheese to help you create the perfect meal.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a great side dish for mac and cheese. They add a nice crunch and earthy flavor that balances out the creamy pasta.
To prepare them, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts cuts through the richness of mac and cheese. Their crispy texture also provides a nice contrast to the soft pasta. For extra flavor, try adding garlic or balsamic vinegar before roasting.
2. Crispy Bacon
Crispy bacon is a perfect side for mac and cheese. Its salty, smoky flavor complements the creamy pasta dish.
To make crispy bacon, lay strips on a baking sheet. Cook in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until crisp.
Pat the bacon dry with paper towels to remove excess grease. Crumble it into bits and sprinkle over your mac and cheese.
You can also mix bacon pieces into the dish for added flavor throughout. The crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the soft noodles and cheese sauce.
3. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad makes a great side for mac and cheese. The crisp lettuce and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
The tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce. You can easily make your own Caesar dressing at home with lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies.
For extra protein, add some grilled chicken to your salad. This turns it into a more substantial side dish. Sprinkle some fresh grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
4. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a tasty side dish that goes well with mac and cheese. The buttery, garlicky flavor adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
You can make garlic bread easily at home. Just spread garlic butter on sliced bread and toast it in the oven. The crispy texture pairs nicely with the soft mac and cheese.
For extra flavor, try adding herbs like parsley or oregano to your garlic bread. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
Serve the garlic bread warm alongside your mac and cheese for a satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures will make your dinner more exciting.
5. Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli makes a great side dish for mac and cheese. It adds color and nutrition to your plate. The green vegetable balances out the creamy pasta perfectly.
To make steamed broccoli, cut a head into small florets. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Season your broccoli with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. The mild taste of broccoli won’t overpower your mac and cheese.
This healthy side gives you vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s an easy way to make your meal more nutritious.
6. BBQ Pulled Pork
BBQ pulled pork pairs perfectly with mac and cheese. The smoky, tender meat adds a savory contrast to the creamy pasta.
You can make pulled pork in a slow cooker or smoker. Shred the cooked pork and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
For an easy meal, layer the pulled pork on top of your mac and cheese. Or stir it right into the pasta for BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese.
The combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds. It’s comfort food at its finest.
7. Baked Beans
Baked beans make a tasty side dish for mac and cheese. Their sweet and savory flavor pairs well with the creamy pasta.
You can use canned baked beans for convenience or make your own from scratch. Heat them up before serving alongside your mac and cheese.
For extra flavor, try mixing some BBQ sauce or bacon bits into your baked beans. The smoky notes will complement the cheese nicely.
Baked beans also add fiber and protein to your meal. This helps balance out the carbs in the mac and cheese for a more nutritious plate.
8. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob makes a great side dish with mac and cheese. The sweet, juicy kernels offer a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
You can grill, boil, or roast the corn for different flavors. Grilling adds a smoky taste, while boiling keeps it simple and sweet.
Try adding butter, salt, and pepper to your corn. Or get creative with toppings like chili powder, lime juice, or grated cheese.
The corn’s natural sweetness balances out the rich, savory mac and cheese. It also adds a fun, hands-on element to your meal.
9. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a tasty side dish that goes great with mac and cheese. You can cook it quickly on the grill or in a pan. The smoky flavor from grilling adds a nice touch to the asparagus.
To make it, brush the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for about 5 minutes, turning once. The asparagus should be tender but still a bit crisp.
The green color and crisp texture of grilled asparagus balance out the creamy mac and cheese. It’s a simple way to add some veggies to your meal.
10. Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup makes a great side for mac and cheese. The tangy tomato flavor balances the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
This soup adds a fresh, herbaceous note to your meal with its aromatic basil. Its smooth texture complements the pasta perfectly.
You can dip your mac and cheese into the soup for a tasty combination. Or alternate bites to enjoy both flavors separately.
For extra indulgence, top your soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a delicious bridge between the two dishes.
11. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken makes a tasty partner for mac and cheese. The crispy, savory coating contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
You can try different seasonings on your chicken to complement the cheese flavors. Paprika, garlic powder, and herbs work well.
For a twist, consider using chicken tenders or boneless pieces. These are easier to eat alongside the mac and cheese.
Serve the fried chicken hot to keep its crunchy texture. The warmth of both dishes creates a comforting meal.
12. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. It adds a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
To make it, heat some olive oil in a pan. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
This green veggie balances out the richness of mac and cheese. It’s light and fresh, offering a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
You can also add minced garlic or red pepper flakes for extra taste. Sauteed spinach is a simple way to include more vegetables in your meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Macronutrients
Mac and cheese provides carbs and protein, but adding side dishes boosts its nutritional value. The right sides can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to create a more balanced meal.
Protein Content in Side Dishes
Protein is key for muscle growth and repair. Many side dishes can boost the protein in your mac and cheese meal. Grilled chicken breast adds about 31 grams of protein per 3.5 oz serving. For a plant-based option, try a cup of steamed edamame with 18 grams of protein.
Lentils pack 18 grams of protein per cup. They’re also rich in fiber and iron. Greek yogurt makes a creamy side and adds 17 grams of protein per 6 oz serving.
A hard-boiled egg provides 6 grams of protein. It’s an easy addition to your plate. Mix some tuna into your mac for an extra 20 grams of protein per 3 oz serving.
Vitamins and Minerals
Side dishes can add important vitamins and minerals to your meal. Steamed broccoli is high in vitamins C and K. It also provides fiber and antioxidants. A cup of carrots gives you over 400% of your daily vitamin A needs.
Spinach is packed with iron and calcium. It also offers vitamins A and C. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and provide fiber.
Tomatoes add vitamin C and lycopene to your plate. Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A and potassium.
Try adding a fruit salad for dessert. It will give you a mix of vitamins and antioxidants. This can help balance out the heavier mac and cheese.
Complementary Flavors and Textures
Mac and cheese is rich and creamy. To make it even better, add sides with different tastes and textures. This makes your meal more exciting and balanced.
Balancing Creaminess and Crunch
Crispy sides go great with creamy mac and cheese. Try adding a crunchy green salad with fresh veggies. The cool, crisp lettuce contrasts nicely with the warm pasta.
Roasted vegetables are another good choice. Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts get crispy edges when roasted. Their slight char adds depth to the cheese flavor.
For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of your mac and cheese before baking. This creates a golden, crispy crust that’s hard to resist.
Spice and Herb Pairings
Herbs and spices can take your mac and cheese to new heights. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add bright flavors. They cut through the richness of the cheese.
Spicy foods pair well too. Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your mac. This gives a nice kick that balances the creamy cheese.
For a smoky flavor, try adding bacon bits or smoked paprika. These complement the cheese without overpowering it.
Garlic bread is a classic side. Its savory taste enhances the cheesy goodness of the main dish.