It’s a fact that mac and cheese is one of the best comfort foods ever. If you are planning to make the ultimate comforting meal but having second thoughts about what to serve mac and cheese with, this post has got you covered!
Who can say no to creamy and indulgent mac and cheese? This all time favorite comfort food is fun and satisfying to devour on its own, but of course, serving it with dishes that complement it well takes it to a whole different level!
So whether you’re looking for a new entree, side dish, dessert idea, or even a vegetarian recipe that goes well with mac and cheese, we’re here to help. With this post, you’ll never run out of ideas about what to serve with mac and cheese again.
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What to serve mac and cheese with:
Mac and cheese is not the ultimate comfort food for no reason. This well loved dish is not only quick and easy to make, indulgent, and deliciously cheesy, but it is also very versatile.
You can whip up mac and cheese using the stove top and Instant Pot or make it baked in the oven. If you want to try a new mac and cheese recipe, you can check out these posts.
- Ruby Tuesday Macaroni and Cheese
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Weight Watchers Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Aside from being versatile in terms of cooking methods, mac and cheese can also be paired with almost all kinds of dishes. From meat to vegetables, chili, salads, bread, and desserts, you’ll be surprised by the number of recipes you can serve this fantastic comfort food with.
What meat goes well with mac and cheese?
If you’re looking for a new entree or meat recipe to serve mac and cheese with, this post won’t disappoint. There are a bunch of protein filled recipes here that you can easily whip up at home.
Just a heads up, you can look forward to plenty of mouthwatering recipes for chicken, pork, and even beef here. Aside from being rich with protein, you’ll love that these meat recipes only need a little time and effort and a handful of easy to find ingredients.
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Best Recipes to Serve with Mac and Cheese
There are different kinds of protein that you can serve with mac and cheese. If you love meat, these appetizing recipes will have you drooling for more.
Pork chops often get a bad rap because they tend to be bland and dry. However, this pork chops recipe comes with a fresh homemade marinade that makes the meat juicy, flavorful, and oh so delicious.
Did you know? There's a healthier way to make a whole roasted chicken! This roasted chicken recipe is healthy, Weight Watchers friendly, and only needs minimal effort to make. Serving this whole roasted chicken with mac and cheese will be perfect especially if you're preparing a small feast.
This corned beef and cabbage recipe is so simple and tasty. This meal is ideal for St. Patrick's Day but you'll love to make it year round.
Portable and just in time for summer, these chicken kabobs are sure to be a hit! Serve them with mac and cheese and the crowd will be impressed for sure.
Quick, easy, and healthy, this sloppy joe recipe uses ground turkey! Plus, you will only need about 35 minutes to make this yummy dish.
Nothing could be easier than this air fryer recipe for chicken tenders. You can make this dish in less than 30 minutes.
This mouthwatering BBQ chicken breast comes with a homemade marinade sauce that you can whip up using simple ingredients. The marinade sauce only calls for BBQ sauce, kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic, and lime.
Using a slow cooker, you can whip up this mouthwatering recipe with just a minimal effort. This BBQ pulled pork needs about four hours to cook but it's super worth it!
Full of flavors, juicy, and freezer friendly, this shredded chicken recipe will be a family favorite. With the Instant Pot, you don't have to exert much time and effort in making this dish.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this light, and flavorful tilapia is made in the air fryer. This healthy dinner recipe is ready in just about half an hour.
What Goes with Mac and Cheese for Lunch
If you're planning to serve mac and cheese for lunch, you might want to consider these recipes. They are not only filling and satisfying but are quick to whip up too.
Brussels sprouts, bacon, shallots, and garlic, that's all you need to whip up this amazing side dish. Plus, using the Instant Pot, this brussels sprouts recipe is done in 20 minutes.
Love dining at Ruby Tuesday? You should give this copycat white chicken chili recipe a try and pair it with mac and cheese to make a rich and hearty meal.
Potatoes and squash seasoned with pepper and salt, then roasted to perfection, this recipe is super simple. If you want to have a colorful, fancy looking, and naturally gluten and dairy free lunch, you should make this recipe and pair it with mac and cheese.
Aromatic and juicy, these honey grilled chicken tenders are a must try! Aside from pairing them with mac and cheese, you can also serve them as appetizers.
Broccoli, cauliflower, blueberries, bacon, onion, and cheese tossed in homemade dressing, this salad recipe is exceptionally tasty. You can enjoy this salad recipe with mac and cheese at your summer parties, picnics, and backyard BBQs.
Another easy chicken chili recipe you can effortlessly make at home, this version is packed with tomato flavors. Don't hesitate to give this recipe a try as well.
Savory, fun, and moist, you can't go wrong with this zucchini bread recipe. If you want to have a lunch bursting with cheesiness, you should try pairing your mac and cheese with this easy zucchini bread.
Another easy and cheesy bread recipe that you'll love to eat with mac and cheese. This cheddar garlic beer bread comes with a homemade butter topping that you won't be able to get enough of.
What to Eat with Mac and Cheese Vegetarian
A vegetarian? Aside from finding the best vegetarian mac and cheese recipe, you must also have been having a bit of a hard time finding the right vegetarian side dishes to pair it with. Don’t worry! You can find some amazing recipes fit for your diet here.
Making this homemade coleslaw is not only fun, but this recipe will also help you save time and money. You can prepare this coleslaw recipe in just 10 minutes using a few simple ingredients.
Great for fall and throughout the year, this applesauce is ready in 25 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot. The recipe is also very simple, you will only need cinnamon, apples, vanilla, and water.
Tasty with a slight kick of spiciness, you won't get tired of this jalapeno cornbread recipe. Plus, it's up to you if you'll make this cornbread in a muffin pan or skillet.
A simple but tasty vegan dish you can whip up with little to no effort, these air fried brussels sprouts will be your next favorite. Aside from the air fryer, all you need to prepare to make this recipe are olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and of course, brussels sprouts.
Not a fan of mayonnaise? This no mayo coleslaw recipe comes with a delicious and healthier homemade dressing made with apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, stevia, and white wine vinegar.
Marinated with homemade sauce and roasted to perfection, if you don't have an air fryer yet, you can consider this oven roasted brussels sprouts instead.
Vegetarian chili served with vegetarian mac and cheese? This pair will make one of the healthiest and most comforting meals ever!
Refreshing, crisp, and bursting with flavors, this Ruby Tuesday inspired recipe is ready in just 10 minutes. This salad is also freezer friendly so you can enjoy it for several days.
A healthier alternative to the regular potato fries, you won't regret trying this baked zucchini fries recipe. This recipe is flexible so you can use your favorite bread crumbs and any squash you like to make this yummy side dish.
Fresh and loaded with different textures and flavors, this apple salad recipe features dried apple chips and tasty homemade dressing. You can whip up this apple salad without muss and fuss in just about 15 minutes.
What Dessert Goes with Mac and Cheese
Last but not least, a comforting meal will not be complete without dessert. So here are some of the best dessert recipes you can try and serve with your mac and cheese.
Colorful, fruity, and tastier, this fruit salad recipe deserves a two thumbs up. Aside from different fruits, this recipe also features a secret ingredient that will surprise you!
This pineapple fluff salad is so easy to whip up, even for the kids. Everyone will enjoy this marshmallow pineapple fluff dessert for sure, especially with mac and cheese.
Love mousse desserts? This whipped jello salad features mandarin oranges. You can prepare this dessert in a breeze and it always comes out perfectly!
Light, indulgent, and fresh, these strawberry jello salad dessert cups are ideal for summer parties and gatherings. Even non strawberry lovers will not be able to resist this dessert.
Want to try a Thanksgiving style dessert? You should consider this festive cranberry jello salad with Cool Whip. This dessert recipe is easy to throw together and perfect for using leftover cranberry sauce too.
Looking for a healthy dessert choice? This orange fluff dessert is for you! The recipe uses Greek yogurt, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, sugar free jello, nonfat whipped topping, and mandarin oranges.
Want to check out more recipe collections?
If you enjoyed this awesome collection of recipes to serve with mac and cheese, you won’t want to miss more of our fun roundup guides. Here are some of them: