Looking for that perfect compliment to comforting, homemade mac and cheese? Whether you need a main dish, side dish, desserts, toppings, or condiments, we have you covered. If you don’t know what to serve with mac and cheese, find the answer here!
There is no question mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. How can you go wrong with pasta swimming in a creamy, ooey cheese sauce? It’s a meal adults or kids can turn down!
That must be the reason behind the plethora of macaroni and cheese recipes, from Velveeta Mac and Cheese (our absolute fave!), to Instant Pot, baked, stove-top, and gourmet recipes greet us at every recipe corner.
Whether you need to know what to serve with mac and cheese, sides or main dishes, the choices and recipes abound!
what goes with mac and cheese – main dishes and sides
Mac and cheese is typically thought of as a southern dish, which is why it is usually paired with main dishes, such as BBQ ribs, served with pulled pork, or brisket. However, it is not limited to the south, served at cookouts, holiday gatherings and weeknight dinners nationwide!
Below are good main dishes to pair if serving mac and cheese as a side, or side dishes to go along with it as a starring main dish.
- Meatloaf
- BBQ Pulled Chicken or Pork
- Coleslaw
- Applesauce
- Grilled meats – chicken, pork, or steak
- Sloppy Joes
- Cornbread
- Brussels Sprouts
- BBQ
- Fruit Salad
- Brisket
- Sauteed Apples
- Pork Tenderloin
- Chicken thighs
- Chili
- Broccoli
- Green Salads
- Jello Salads
- Oven Fried Fish
- Hot dogs
more Side dishes
Since baked Velveeta mac and cheese is a weeknight dinner staple at our house, I more often serve it as main dish and eat something lighter to go along side it, such as salads, vegetables, or bread for a simple meal.
Salads – Sweet Potato Salad, simple green salad, Harvest Salad, coleslaw, broccoli salad, or Strawberry Salad
Vegetables – Sauteed zucchini and squash, green beans, potato skins, corn, broccoli, zucchini fritters
Breads – Bacon cornbread, garlic bread, Quick Cheese Bread, spoonbread, Gluten-Free Biscuits, BLTs, Oat Flour Bread, or Sausage Cheese Muffins
toppings and condiments
Mac and cheese can be baked as is, or topped with one of these suggested toppings.Tip:My mom would always do half one topping, half another so the family and guests could choose their favorite.
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese, such as grated cheddar, pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or parmesan
- Crumbled potato chips (also a favorite on old fashioned tuna noodle casserole)
- Cooked and chopped bacon, ham, or tuna
- Crushed Cheez-its
- Sliced hot dogs
- Panko topping or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Broccoli florets
- BBQ sauce
- Hot sauce / red pepper flakes
- Ketchup or mustard
don’t forget desserts!
Of course it’s the perfect ending to a meal! Something lighter like fresh fruit or jello salad balances out the cheesy goodness. However, if you are hosting a party and want something a little more decadent consider flourless chocolate cookies, brownies, carrot cake with pineapple, sheet cake, or buckeye turtle brownies.
fAQ about homemade mac and cheese
What cheese is best in mac and cheese?
There are so many options when deciding what type of cheese to use. It depends on the flavor you are going for! If your recipe makes a béchamel sauce (butter, flour, and milk) before adding the cheese, really any cheese will work, as long as it’s a smooth melter. Avoid dry cheeses, like feta or cotija.
If you are adding cheese without making a
béchamel first, you may want to add a portion of processed cheese for a creamier consistency, such as Velveeta or american cheese. Adding a little cream cheese also works for this.
Personally, I find mild cheddar to be lackluster in flavor, so I lean towards sharper cheeses for more pronounced flavor, such as extra sharp cheddar, gouda, or parmesan cheese.
Why is my dish grainy / not creamy?
There could be several reasons why it’s dry or clumpy. First, be sure not to add the cheese too quickly. Grating or cubing cheese and adding a bit at a time helps it emulsify into the sauce.
Also, lower the heat of the milk before adding cheese. If the mixture is too hot the cheese will seize and separate.
If baking the macaroni and cheese, pull it out of the oven when it starts to bubble around the edges and middle is very hot. Overcooking will make the dish grainy.
What is the best way to reheat macaroni and cheese?
If reheating in the microwave, it’s best to do it in smaller batches. Add a little more milk to the dish and reheat at 50% power until it starts to warm, stirring occasionally. Once it’s almost hot, finish heating at full power for 30-60 seconds to warm completely.
In the oven, transfer to a baking dish and add more milk, gently breaking up large clumps. Loosely cover with foil and bake at 325ºF until hot, stirring occasionally.
This same method can be used on the stove-top over medium low heat, stirring frequently. For any method, be sure to not overheat, which makes the fat separate, leading to greasy leftovers.
Can mac and cheese be frozen?
Yes, but it’s best reheated in smaller portions. Individually wrap serving sizes securely and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using one of the methods above.
Can I use gluten-free pasta for mac and cheese?
Yes, but to make a truly great gluten-free mac and cheese start with a good pasta. My favorite brand to use isBarilla Gluten Free Elbows. If making a roux, use all-purpose gluten-free flour with my preferred brand, Cup4Cup gluten-free flour.
When boiling the gluten-free macaroni,cook it forhalfthe time called for al dente pasta. Gluten-free pasta has a tendency to overcook and become mushy. By par-boiling the pasta, it will finish cooking in the oven as it bakes
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expert tips and tricks
- Save a bit of the pasta cooking water to thin the cheese sauce, if necessary
- Always use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese uses an additive to prevent the cheese from clumping together, which will also make your recipe clumpy.
- When boiling the pasta, error on the side of undercooking it, especially with baked mac and cheese. It will finish cooking in the oven. cheese
- A combination of cheeses adds a depth of flavor, plus texture to the recipe.
More ideas to serve with mac and cheese
Southern Baked Beans (Gluten-Free)
Enjoy the best gluten-free baked beans with thiseasy, tangy, southern-style recipeflavored with crispy bacon and sweet onions.
It takestwo simple steps, five minutes to prepare, and, effortlessly, dinner or party food is ready to go in theslow cooker or Instant Pot.
Aquick and easyoven roasted broccoli recipe withmelty cheese, garlic, and crispy breadcrumbs.
Ground pork is mixed with shredded apples, apple butter, and oatmeal to make this legendary meatloaf recipe extremely moist and flavorful.
Oven baked withchopped bacon, apples, and a drizzle of maple syrup. This recipe is guaranteed to convert any non-lovers into diehards!
Just as easy Manwich, but with a more intense, tangy, and sweet, finger-lickin’ taste!
Layers anultra creamy dressingwith lettuce, peas, cheese, eggs, and bacon, which can conveniently bemade ahead,refrigerated, and then be ready to servefor a crowd or party!
Pork loin roast made in a pressure cooker has acrispy seasoned crust,juicy interior, and atangy gravyto drizzle over top.
Golden, roasted summer squashis flavored with garlic and seasonings for ahealthy side disheveryone will devour!
Ahealthyway to enjoycrispy, crunchy, baked fishwithout the extra calories and is on the table inless than 30 minutes!
Easy, old fashioned jello saladcan be adaptedfor raspberry, strawberry, lime, or orange flavors, mixed with fruit, or topped with a creamy dollop of cool whip.
Breaded Oven Pork Chops has acrispy breadingthanks to a savory mixture ofalmond flour and parmesan. Now you can enjoy and oven-friedgluten-free pork chopsrecipe that are alsolow carb and keto-friendly!
Gluten Free Cornbread recipe is alightly sweet, southern-stylecornbread with a lighter, cakelike texture. Only afew simple ingredientsare required to enjoy a cornbread so goodno one will realize it’s gluten free!
Cheeseburger Tater Tot casserole, also known as a cheeseburger hot dish, layers a creamy ground beef filling with tater tots, bacon, and lots of gooey cheese on top.
Gluten-free corn casserole makes a creamy, comforting cornbread casserole with aneasy 5-minute prepandno Jiffy mixnecessary!
Pineapple Pretzel Salad makes a delightfulcool and creamydish perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and BBQs. Thiseasy, sweet and salty recipehas a layer or buttery crushed pretzels, sweet cream cheese filling, and refreshing crushed pineapple topping.
Instant Pot French Dip recipe hastender roast beefflavored with onions, smothered in melted cheese, and arich flavorful au justo dip in.
Make-ahead, marinated Green Bean Saladis an easy, healthy recipe perfect for summer! Simply toss green beans, tomatoes, and red onions with abalsamic vinaigretteand serve cold withblue or feta cheese.
This easy baked Italian sausage recipe combinesroasted sausage, sweet potatoes, and onionsfor a flavorfulsheet pan sausage and veggies meal!
Oven Roasted Cabbage Steaks make aneasy, hands off side dishto compliment any meal!Butteryroasted cabbage slices are baked till golden brown withcrispy edges.
Usesonly four ingredientsto make the most amazing sticky, sweet, and savory chicken recipe. Oven baked chicken breasts are stuffed withoozing melted cheddar cheese, wrapped incrispy bacon, smothered inBBQ sauce.
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