13 Rich, Savory, and Perfect Sides to Pair with Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese reaches new heights when paired with sides that complement its creamy, cheesy goodness. These accompaniments add depth, texture, and even a touch of brightness to your plate.

From crisp vegetables to hearty breads, the possibilities bring balance to this classic comfort food. A variety of flavors can transform your meal into a feast worth savoring.

Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these pairings enhance every bite. Find out our 13 best sides to serve with mac and cheese:

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken stands out as a savory delight with its crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. The process begins by coating tender chicken breasts in a seasoned flour mixture before soaking them in rich buttermilk to enhance flavor and moisture.

Afterward, you’ll dredge the chicken again for that perfect crunch, frying it until beautifully crisped to perfection. Pairing this classic dish with creamy mac and cheese adds comfort to any meal while ketchup brings an extra layer of tangy satisfaction alongside it.

A satisfying combination like this is sure to leave everyone at your table wanting more.

BBQ Ribs

BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs are a hearty dish that perfectly complements mac and cheese, elevating any meal with their robust flavors. The combination of savory and sweet in the BBQ sauce enhances the creamy texture of your mac and cheese, creating an enticing contrast that's hard to resist.

Serving these tender ribs adds an eye-catching element to your table setting that will undoubtedly grab attention from everyone around you. Using an Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, making it easier than ever to enjoy this satisfying duo without spending hours in the kitchen.

After indulging in such rich flavors, a post-meal nap seems like a natural response to this delightful feast.

Apple Pie

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This beloved treat features tender, spiced apples nestled in a flaky crust, making it an ideal finale after a hearty meal like mac and cheese.

With just flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, butter, and fresh apples mixed together and baked until golden brown for around 45 minutes you create something truly special. Pairing this delightful dish with rich vanilla ice cream elevates the experience further by adding creamy contrast to the warm filling.

Serving apple pie at your gathering not only satisfies sweet cravings but also creates lasting memories over shared moments of joy.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf

Meatloaf offers a satisfying and hearty option that pairs wonderfully with mac and cheese. This dish delivers the comforting essence of home cooking, making it an ideal choice for cozy winter evenings when warmth is essential.

The rich flavors meld seamlessly with creamy macaroni, creating a memorable dining experience you’ll appreciate time after time. When considering what to serve alongside your cheesy pasta delight, meatloaf stands out as both classic and fulfilling, a combination sure to please anyone at the table.

Whether you're feeding a family or enjoying leftovers, this duo will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen repertoire.

Brownies with Ice Cream

Brownies with Ice Cream

Brownies with ice cream offer a delightful contrast of warm, fudgy chocolate and cold, creamy sweetness.

This simple dessert requires just sugar, eggs, butter, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, elements that combine seamlessly for a rich treat.

After mixing the ingredients together and allowing them to bake for around 20 minutes in the oven; adding your favorite ice cream on top creates an indulgent finish that's hard to resist.

Ideal for rounding off any meal or satisfying a sudden craving while being incredibly easy to prepare allows you to enjoy this decadent pairing anytime you wish.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli is a simple yet flavorful side dish that elevates any meal, particularly when paired with mac and cheese. This preparation method intensifies the natural taste of broccoli while adding a satisfying crispness.

Tossing fresh florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting ensures each bite is seasoned to perfection. After about 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have tender pieces that contrast beautifully with creamy pasta dishes.

For those seeking an easy way to incorporate healthy greens into their meals without sacrificing flavor, roasted broccoli stands out as an excellent choice.

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are delightful bites of savory goodness that perfectly complement rich dishes like baked macaroni and cheese. This recipe features flaky croissant dough wrapped around juicy sausage and melted cheese, creating an appealing snack or appetizer.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in about 20 minutes. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, these treats bring comfort food to the next level with their satisfying crunch and warm flavors.

Pair them alongside your favorite cheesy pasta dish for an irresistible combination that satisfies every palate.

Salad

Salad

Salad is a refreshing dish that serves as the ideal partner to mac and gruyere cheese, offering both nutrition and balance. Featuring crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a light dressing creates an easy yet flavorful side that complements rich pasta dishes wonderfully.

Leftover vegetables from your fridge can easily find their way into this versatile creation, minimizing waste while maximizing taste. You might appreciate how simple variations allow you to reinvent this meal time after time without losing its charm.

With endless possibilities for customization, every salad can become something new and exciting on your table.

Meatballs

Meatballs

Meatballs are a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with mac and cheese, creating an unexpected yet satisfying combination. This meal not only provides comfort but also allows for endless flavor variations, ensuring you never tire of it.

Whether baked or pan-fried, meatballs can be seasoned to match your taste preferences, from classic Italian herbs to zesty barbecue spices. Serving these savory bites alongside creamy macaroni brings a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making it perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.

Consider this duo as a fresh approach when you're ready to elevate your mealtime experience without the fuss of traditional pasta dishes.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joes are a nostalgic comfort food that brings back memories of carefree childhood dinners. This hearty dish features ground meat simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, served on soft buns, a combination that's simply irresistible alongside creamy mac and cheese.

The savory filling creates a delightful contrast with the rich texture of the macaroni, making each mouthful satisfying and delicious. Ideal for casual gatherings or family nights, this recipe easily scales up to feed a crowd without fussing over fancy presentation.

A timeless favorite like sloppy joes guarantees smiles all around at your next get-together.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing salad that perfectly complements rich dishes like mac and cheese. This crunchy side features shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions tossed in a tangy dressing made with vinegar and sugar.

With minimal ingredients likely already in your pantry, it’s an effortless addition to any meal. Not only does this dish add texture to your plate, but it's also an excellent way to repurpose leftover vegetables from the fridge.

When seeking something light yet satisfying alongside hearty comfort food, coleslaw stands out as a go-to choice for balancing flavors on your table.

Little Smokies

Little Smokies

Little smokies are bite-sized sausages wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, offering a savory snack that’s hard to resist. With minimal ingredients, just a bag of little smokies and a can of dough, you'll create an enticing appetizer in no time.

Baking these treats for around 15 minutes results in golden-brown perfection, making them ideal for gatherings or casual snacking at home. To elevate your culinary game further, consider adding chopped little smokies into mac and cheese for an unexpected twist that will impress anyone you serve it to.

Whether served alone or as part of another dish, they bring excitement to any meal occasion.

Chili

Chili

Chili is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with comfort foods like mac and cheese, enhancing the overall flavor experience. This straightforward recipe can be whipped up in just half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

You’ll find ground beef mingling with onion and garlic, while diced tomatoes add richness to this savory blend of kidney beans seasoned with chili powder and cumin. The simmering process allows all those delicious flavors to meld together perfectly.

With ample servings left over, you'll enjoy satisfying meals throughout the week without any hassle.

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