31 Tasty Mac and Cheese Side Dishes

Mac and cheese can never be a complete meal without serving it with a side dish. However, picking on the right-side dish for it can be challenging since you’ll need to bring in a different taste and texture. 

At times you’ll also have to pick on the right color that blends well with it to avoid having a boring combination. But don’t worry since you’re in the right place. Read on to learn what you serve with mac and cheese to have a colorful, delicious meal.

1. Superfast Steamed Broccoli

Once you have your mac and cheese ready, don’t put yourself into too much waiting. Steam broccoli within ten minutes and enjoy your meal.

The green color of broccoli will blend well with the orange-yellow mac and cheese.  But if you don’t like steamed broccoli, roast them. To make it tastier, add olive, garlic, and lemon juice. 

2. Mouth-Watering Barbeque Ribs

Serve your mac and cheese with these ribs and see how delicious it will turn to be.

Given that the ribs are dark red, it will complement the color of mac and cheese. Preparing the BBQ ribs will take you time though it’s easy to prepare.  

However, the attractive smell will leave your family impatient over that time. You can serve the two for your guests during a barbecue party and have everyone wanting more.

3. Meatloaf

Another dish that can turn your mac and cheese into a full meal is the meatloaf. It will not only be tasteful but also have a great texture. You can even stuff meatloaf on mac and cheese. It’s a good choice for a meat-lover or someone craving for it. 

To make your meatloaf tasty, add onions, cheddar bell pepper. Preparing It won’t take much of your time but be keen on the temperature and mix the ingredients to make it soft. 

4. Kid-Friendly Succotash

If you want a side dish that will attract your kids to the table, try this colorful corn and tomatoes combination.

It’s the best way of utilizing the veggies that have been in your freezer for a long. You can use veggies like okra, ripe tomatoes, and baby lima beans. To make it tastier, add some apple cider vinegar. 

5. Crunchy Coleslaw 

Serve mac and cheese with a side dish that will make it a crunchy meal. Coleslaw is easy to prepare and takes only five minutes to be ready. Chop cabbage, onions, and carrots, then mix salt, white vinegar, and poppy seeds. 

6. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad for Veggie Lovers

Make this salad and enjoy it with mac and cheese as it’s crunchy and blends well with it. Brussels sprouts will add some health benefits to this meal, and they should be at the base of this salad.

The creamy parmesan dressing catches well, unlike when you use lettuce leaves. You can make this within 20 minutes.

7. Pigs in A Blanket

Serve your mac and cheese with pigs in a blanket. It’s sausages or hotdog in bacon cover. You can further cover it using some pastry like pancake or biscuit dough.

You’ll find yourself finishing them just in two bites meaning you won’t get enough of them. You can season it with your favorite topping choice.

8. Chili for A Fiery Combination

Let your mac and cheese give you a hot feeling in your mouth by serving it with chili. It’s easy to prepare and good for dinner after a long day.

If you want a thick chili, simmer it uncovered but don’t add flour or cornstarch. Suppose you have leftovers; freeze and reheat when you want to serve again. 

9. Apple Pie

You can also make apple pie, serve it with your mac and cheese, and enjoy a delicious warm meal. 

The apple will make this combo crunchy, while the ice cream topping gives your taste buds their treat.

It’s the best way to enjoy a warm and cold tasty meal after a long tiring day, especially during lunch. 

10. Brownie with Ice Cream for Chocolate Lovers

If it’s long since you had some chocolates or can’t survive without them for just a day, make this dessert.

It will make you enjoy your mac and cheese and as well re-energize.  You can serve it anytime you wish, and it’s easy to prepare since you don’t have to bake it.  

11. Cobb Salad for A Hearty Meal

Enjoy this combination containing bacon, eggs, chicken, avocado, and blue cheese. You can prepare it in no time by just microwaving.

The unique, attractive presentation will make everyone in your family coming for it. dress this salad using red wine vinegar and get great flavor.

12. Healthy Scrambled Egg Toast with Roasted Asparagus

Making this dish is easy and quick. The result is a delicious meal if you serve it with mac and cheese.

It’s good for both egg and asparagus lovers. You can serve it for dinner alongside toasted bread. 

13. Superfast Tomato Soup

Save time preparing your meals by serving mac and cheese with tomato soup. Given that the tomatoes are canned, you’ll not waste time slicing them. It has great flavor, delicious, and a good choice for rainy days. 

14. Superfast Cucumber Salad

If you love Chinese food, make this salad and enjoy it at the comfort of your dining table. Crush the cucumbers to get out all its great flavors.

Then mix it with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Garlic will not only make it tasty but also enhance its aroma.

15. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potatoes

Prepare sweet potatoes and serve them with mac and cheese. Roasting the sweet potatoes will make it crispy but with a soft center and charred inside.

Season the sweet potatoes using olive oil, garlic butter, and parmesan. You can also add cheese, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning.

Related: 27 Popular Types of Potatoes: Varieties, Uses

16. Easy Creamy Pea Bacon Pecan Salad

Prepare this salad in no time and serve it with mac and cheese. It’s crunchy with some cream and great texture. You’ll love its flavor, and it will make you enjoy your meal.

17. Crispy Oven Fried Garlic Mushrooms

Balance your mac and cheese using these rich mushrooms.  Fry the mushrooms in an oven to save time. It’s a healthy dish since the coating comprises ground sunflower seeds and flour. 

18. Quick Coconut Milk Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach will make you eat your mac and cheese within no time. It’s tasty with enough cream that will blend well with mac.

The coconut milk will help you lighten the combination. Spinach is good for your health so prepare it to re-energize.

19. Tasty Baked Eggs in Tomato Cups

If you love eggs, bake them inside tomatoes and have a wonderful dish. It’s attractive and will make everyone in your house eat mac and cheese with no second thought.

Since cooking tomatoes will increase lycopene levels, you’ll benefit health-wise. You can serve this combination at lunch or dinner. 

20. Delicious Chicken Caesar Salad

Make this after a long day at work within no time and serve it with mac and cheese. Don’t use bottled dressing with this salad. Preparing it is easy, but the outcome is a sweet dish that you’ll keep adding more.

21. Tunisian Vegetable Ragout with Quinoa for Veggie Lovers

If you want some healthy vegetables to serve with mac and cheese, prepare this dish. It’s quick and easy to prepare with different combinations.

To make your Tunisia tasty, add smoked paprika, turmeric, harissa cumin, and veggies of your choice.

22. 5 Ingredient Corn Casserole for A Party

Suppose you’re expecting to host a large number of guests and wondering what to make them relax. Prepare this dish and serve it with mac and cheese and let everyone eat to their full. It can do well when having active, hungry kids. 

23. Superfast Ham and Bean Soup

Prepare this dish and enjoy your meal within 15 minutes. It’s perfect for dinner during a busy week. If you have leftover ham in your fridge, use it to make this dish.

If you wish, add your favorite veggies to this combo. It’s a good source of sodium and vitamins.

24. Tangy Carrot Slaw

Making this dish is so simple that even your kids can help you out. But if you want to save time, buy pre-shredded carrots. 

To make it attractive, use sliced scallions, but Dijon mustard dressing will make the combination healthier. Serve it with mac and cheese and have a delicious full meal. 

25. Simple Arugula Salad

Adding more cheese to your mac and cheese isn’t a bad idea. Prepare this quick and easy salad and benefit from a healthy combination.

It contains parmesan which helps to balance the peppery flavor of arugula. Serving it with mac and cheese will help you reduce your cheese craving. 

26. Green Beans with Pickled Shallots And Bread Crumbs

Prepare this attractive dish within no time for either dinner or lunch. Use fresh green beans, shallots, and breadcrumbs.

But ensure you dress the green beans while still hot. Using the breadcrumbs helps make it crunchy. To make it a full meal serve with mac and cheese.

27. Sheet Pan Roasted Tomatoes and Mushrooms 

Serving mac and cheese can never be easier without some sheet pan and tomatoes. It’s good for the kids as they’ll enjoy the tasty and juicy tomatoes.

However, if you want a delicious combo, fold both the mushrooms and tomatoes in the creamy pasta. 

28. No-Cook CowBoy Caviar

You don’t need to cook this dish to serve it with mac and cheese. All you should do is prepare it before time.

When you’re ready to serve it, ensure it’s at room temperature and with no congealed cheese. In case you have leftovers, you can refrigerate for up to one week.

29. Light and Easy Broccoli Slaw

Apart from this slaw being creamy, it’s also crunchy as it has onions and toasted nuts. Preparing is also easy and quick.

Sprinkling some lemon juice will make it a bit sour, giving you a tasty slaw. Serve it with mac and cheese anytime for a great healthy and flavors meal.

30. Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing For Bittersweet Taste

Make your meal extraordinary by serving it with this fruit-veggie slaw. It’s not only attractive but with a sweet-bitter taste.

Chop your cabbage into extra thin shreds, and you’ll love it. You’ll not spend much time preparing this as you don’t cook it. 

31. Easy Lemon-Ginger Spinach for Your Taste Buds

Cooking spinach is so easy and fast, so it’s a time saver. It’s a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner.

You can serve it with mac and cheese and give it a great flavor that you’ll not resist adding more.

Conclusion

Even though you can eat your mac and cheese without accompaniment, it’s good to try something new. Look for a side dish that will make it more attractive and delicious.

I hope the above recipes will make you yearn for more if you serve them with mac and cheese. Share the recipe ideas so others can also give them a try.