Wondering what to serve with mac and cheese? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of the best sides for your favorite comfort food dish!
When the kids ask “What’s for dinner tonight?” and you answer “Mac & Cheese,” it’s guaranteed that you’re instantly upgraded to 🌟superstar🌟 status.
Macaroni and cheese can be super time consuming… So, often I’ll take a shortcut on weeknights and make this Instant Pot Mac & Cheese. However, I’ve also been known to make the boxed stuff too. I mean, it just evokes memories of childhood, right?
But no matter which type of mac & cheese you’re serving, you’re guaranteed to find a perfect side dish here.
Mac & Cheese + Amazing Side Dish = PERFECTION!
From classics such as meatloaf and brisket, to healthier options such as broccoli and sauteed spinach, there are so many options.
So, let’s dig in!
Keep reading to discover 30+ of the best side dishes to serve with mac and cheese!
The BEST Sides for Mac + Cheese
Air Fryer Meatloaf
This Air Fryer Meatloaf recipe is just as delicious as the classic baked version, but so much quicker. This recipe makes two tender meatloaves with crisp, caramelized surfaces and juicy, tender centers. Making homemade meatloaf has never been easier!
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Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites
Air Fryer Pork Belly is absolutely irresistible! Seasoned with an easy dry rub, these pork belly bites are air fried until they’re crispy, tender + juicy.
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Grilled Broccolini with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch.
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The Best Beer Chili
This is the best Beer Chili recipe! A hearty one-pot chili with beans that’s rich, spicy and perfect for game day.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook up golden & crispy on the outside, but juicy inside. The best part is they can be made in under 20 minutes with just 6-ingredients.
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Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy.
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Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These homemade Shake and Bake pork chops are just like the classic dish you used to have as a kid. Pork chops are coated in a tasty breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden brown and delicious.
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Sous Vide Asparagus
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
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Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower
If you love cacio e pepe, this lightened-up Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower is for you! It puts a low-carb and gluten-free twist on the classic pasta dish but still has the same rich, cheesy, and peppery flavors you love.
Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower
Carrot Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)
Carrot Fries are crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor – a game-changer for healthy snacking and satisfying sides. They’re the perfect choice, whether you’re looking for a nutritious alternative to classic French fries or a fun new way to serve your veggies to any picky eaters. Enjoy them with sriracha mayo or another favorite dipping sauce!
Carrot Fries
Sous Vide Brisket
Sous Vide Brisket comes out fall apart tender, juicy and delicious every time. Get the perfect “bark” by finishing it on your grill, smoker or even the oven!
Recipe
Garlic Bread
This restaurant-quality Garlic Bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and slathered with homemade garlic butter and melted parmesan. It’s the perfect pairing for your pasta dinner!
Garlic Bread
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!
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Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham
This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe is simply the best! Made with brown sugar, mustard, pineapple juice, and honey, this glaze makes an addictive and moist ham every time.
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The BEST Arugula Salad Dressing
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
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Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons.
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Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Recipe
Add a healthy boost of nutrients to your dinner with this easy Sauteed Spinach. Baby spinach is added to a skillet along with garlic and olive oil, then sauteed gently to create a simple side dish that pairs with any meal!
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Italian Radicchio Salad
This delicious Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
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Smoked Pork Belly Strips
Smoked Pork Belly Strips are the only thing better than bacon! Seasoned with an easy dry rub, the pork is cooked low and slow until it’s tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth. It’s a smoky and deeply flavored cut of meat that must make an appearance at your next barbecue.
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
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Vegetarian Kale Caesar Salad
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
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Shirazi Salad
This simple Shirazi Salad recipe features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed with plenty of fresh herbs and tossed with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil. Every bite is bursting with refreshing flavors!
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Grilled Bell Peppers
Learn how to make perfectly tender and blistered Grilled Bell Peppers at home! It’s one of the best and easiest side dishes you can add to burrito bowls, fajitas, or pair with grilled meats.
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Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic cook up crispy and delicious with minimal oil with the help of your air fryer! Dressed simply with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt. You'll love these!
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Shaved Fennel Salad
This Fennel Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon-parmesan vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.
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Instant Pot Artichokes
Instant Pot Artichokes are quick and easy to make with the help of your electric pressure cooker. Plus, this recipe gives them SO much flavor!
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How to Make Ahead and Store
Many of these mac & cheese side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
More Side Dish Recipes:
Did you Make Any of These Mac and Cheese Side Dishes?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with mac and cheese. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese: 30+ BEST Side Dishes
Wondering what to serve with ravioli? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of the best sides for ravioli!
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Serves 4 people
Ingredients
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Pork Belly
- Grilled Broccolini
- Chili
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Vinegar Coleslaw
- Shake n Bake Pork Chops
- Sous Vide Asparagus
- Sous Vide Brisket
- Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
- Glazed Ham
- Arugula Salad
- Glazed Ribs
- Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
- Fried Chicken
- Garlic Bread
- Sloppy Joes
- Radicchio Salad
- Smoked Pork Belly
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Cheesy Garlic Knots
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Shirazi Salad
- Grilled Peppers
- Ultimate Caesar Salad
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Shaved Fennel Salad
- Instant Pot Artichokes
Instructions
- Choose your favorite mac and cheese side dish.
- Gather the necessary ingredients.
- Enjoy a delicious comfort food dinner!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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