Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether it’s made from scratch or prepared from a box, this cheesy and indulgent dish is a favorite for both kids and adults. But as delicious as mac and cheese are, it can be even better with the addition of a side dish.
A complementary side dish can provide a contrast of flavors and textures, as well as some much-needed nutrients to balance out the richness of the cheese. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to pair with mac and cheese to take your comfort food game to the next level.
List of 15 Best Side Dishes for Mac and Cheese
1. Roasted Broccoli
Roasting broccoli in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper creates a crispy and flavorful side dish that’s a perfect complement to mac and cheese. The charred florets add an earthy, smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy richness of the mac and cheese. Plus, broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that provides vitamins and minerals.
2. Caesar Salad
The tanginess of the Caesar dressing and the crunch of the croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy flavors of mac and cheese. Plus, the greens offer a dose of fresh veggies that can help balance out the meal. To make a delicious Caesar salad, mix together romaine lettuce, grated parmesan cheese, croutons, and a homemade dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and anchovy paste.
3. Garlic Bread
This classic side dish adds a garlicky kick and a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of mac and cheese. To make garlic bread, cut a baguette or Italian bread into slices, brush with garlic butter, and bake until crispy and golden.
4. Grilled Chicken
Adding grilled chicken to a serving of mac and cheese is a great way to add some protein to the meal. The smoky and charred flavors of the grilled chicken also complement the cheesy flavors of mac and cheese. To make grilled chicken, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, and grill until cooked through.
5. Broiled Tomatoes
Broiled tomatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. Simply slice some tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and broil until slightly charred and softened. The acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes add a bright and fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the mac and cheese.
6. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in just a few minutes. The slight bitterness and tender texture of the spinach provide a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy flavors of mac and cheese. To make sautéed spinach, heat some olive oil in a pan, add garlic and sauté spinach until wilted.
7. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic southern side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of the cornbread provides a nice contrast to the creaminess of the mac and cheese. To make cornbread, mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter, and bake until golden.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven creates a crispy and caramelized texture that pairs well with mac and cheese. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts also provides a nice contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. To make roasted Brussels sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until crispy.
9. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic comfort food that pairs well with mac and cheese. The sweet and savory flavors of the beans provide a nice contrast to the cheesy flavors of mac and cheese. To make baked beans, mix together canned beans, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and bacon, and bake in the oven until bubbly and delicious.
10. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with mac and cheese. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes provides a nice contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. To make mashed sweet potatoes, cook the sweet potatoes until soft, mash them with butter, milk, and a little bit of salt and pepper, and serve alongside the mac and cheese.
11. Grilled Asparagus
Grilling asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and adds a nice charred flavor that pairs well with mac and cheese. The slight bitterness of the asparagus also provides a nice contrast to the creamy flavors of the mac and cheese. To make grilled asparagus, toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill until slightly charred and tender.
12. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
If you’re looking for a spicy and indulgent side dish to serve with your mac and cheese, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a great option. The spicy and smoky flavors of the jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon complement the cheesy flavors of the mac and cheese. To make bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, cut jalapenos in half, remove the seeds and membranes, fill them with cream cheese, wrap them in bacon, and bake until crispy.
13. Grilled Peaches
Grilling peaches bring out their natural sweetness and add a nice charred flavor that pairs well with mac and cheese. The slight acidity and sweetness of the peaches provide a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy flavors of mac and cheese. To make grilled peaches, cut the peaches in half, brush them with honey or maple syrup, and grill until slightly charred and softened.
14. Roasted Carrots
Roasting carrots in the oven creates a caramelized and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with mac and cheese. The slight crunch and earthy flavor of the carrots also provide a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy flavors of the mac and cheese. To make roasted carrots, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until crispy and tender.
15. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that adds a refreshing and crunchy element to the rich and creamy flavors of mac and cheese. The tanginess and sweetness of the dressing provide a nice contrast to the cheesy flavors of mac and cheese. To make coleslaw, mix together shredded cabbage, grated carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a little bit of salt and pepper.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mac and cheese are a classic dish that can be made even better with the addition of a well-chosen side dish. By considering flavors, textures, and nutrition, you can find the perfect complement to your cheesy, creamy mac.
Whether you choose to add some roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread, you’re sure to enjoy a more well-rounded and satisfying meal. So why not try out some of these side dishes today and see which ones become your new favorite pairing for mac and cheese?
