What Goes With Mac & Cheese? Top 2024 Ideas

Mac and cheese is a comfort food classic with a creamy texture and a rich, cheesy flavor. While satisfying on its own, the dish works best when paired with other items for a balanced feast. Veggie-forward side dishes provide additional nutrition and texture, while a hearty protein can transform mac and cheese from a snack into a substantial meal.

Let me walk you through some of my favorite foods to complement mac and cheese. There’s something for everyone here, from classic pairings to fun and easy recipes that elevate this comfort food staple. I’ve got cheesy ideas for meat lovers and vegetarians, so check them out!

1. Roasted Turkey Sausages With Mac & Cheese

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place turkey sausages in a roasting pan and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

3. While sausages are roasting, prepare mac and cheese according to your preferred recipe or packaging instructions.

4. Once sausages are cooked, slice them into bite-sized pieces.

5. Serve the sliced turkey sausages on top or alongside your mac and cheese for a hearty, flavorful combination.

Overview 🔍

On your busiest nights, add roasted sausages to mac and cheese for a speedy and satisfying pairing. The savory, slightly crispy turkey sausages provide a perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Together, they create a meal that’s rich in flavor while remaining light and hearty. Whether served on the side or nestled right in the mac and cheese, this duo is a simple yet delicious way to elevate your mac and cheese experience.

This dish is a great way to add protein and extra flavor to the classic mac and cheese. The juicy, roasted sausages complement the rich and cheesy pasta, creating a balanced meal that's sure to satisfy. With minimal prep time and a short cooking time, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for casual gatherings.

2. Roasted Cauliflower Mac & Cheese With Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut cauliflower into florets, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.

3. While the cauliflower roasts, cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

4. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until golden.

5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, then stir in cheddar cheese and mac & cheese spice blend. Cook until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.

6. Stir in the cooked pasta and roasted cauliflower, then transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.

7. In a mixing bowl, combine Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.

8. Bake for 10–15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Overview 🔍

This veggie-infused mac and cheese offers a delicious and hearty twist on a classic favorite. The roasted cauliflower adds a smoky, earthy flavor that complements the creamy cheddar béchamel sauce. Paired with fusilli pasta and topped with crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures—rich and creamy with a satisfying crunch. The addition of Lacinato kale brings a burst of color and nutrition.

This dish is perfect for those looking to elevate their mac and cheese experience with a bit of added depth and flavor. The roasted cauliflower and kale not only enhance the flavor but also offer a nutritious boost to the meal. With a golden, crispy topping and a creamy interior, it’s a filling dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. 

3. Sautéed Garlicky Green Beans With Mac & Cheese

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic and oil.

4. Sauté the green beans for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly browned.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat.

6. (Optional) Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.

7. Serve the garlicky green beans alongside your mac and cheese for a satisfying, balanced meal.

Overview 🔍

Make your green beans exciting by adding garlic and pairing them with creamy, cheesy pasta. The fresh green beans are tender-crisp, infused with the rich aroma of garlic, and seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper. Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, while a touch of lemon zest brightens up the dish, balancing the richness of the mac and cheese.

This dish is quick to make and provides a fresh, flavorful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. The sautéed green beans offer a satisfying crunch and a savory depth that complements the soft, cheesy pasta. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this is an easy way to elevate your mac and cheese meal while adding a nutritious, vegetable-packed side.

4. Crispy Parmesan & Lemon Zest Roasted Broccoli

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread the broccoli evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the florets are in a single layer.

5. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the broccoli is golden brown and crispy on the edges.

6. Once roasted, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

7. (Optional) Add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and freshly chopped parsley for color.

8. Serve alongside your mac and cheese for a delicious, balanced meal.

Overview 🔍

This side dish brings together nutty parmesan and earthy broccoli, making it a vibrant and flavorful pairing for mac and cheese. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli, while the Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty bite. A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest brightens the dish, offering a burst of citrusy freshness that cuts through the creamy richness of the mac and cheese.

This easy-to-make dish adds both texture and flavor to your meal with minimal ingredients. The crispy edges of the roasted broccoli combined with the tangy lemon and savory Parmesan make it a standout side that’s both healthy and indulgent. With just the right balance of crispy, cheesy, and zesty, this broccoli dish makes a perfect complement to your mac and cheese.

5. Mac & Cheese Carbonara

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add prosciutto and cook for 3–4 minutes, until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, then stir in mascarpone and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring it's fully coated.

6. In a medium bowl, combine arugula, roasted red peppers, a drizzle of olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Toss to coat.

7. Serve the mac and cheese with a side of arugula salad, topped with crispy prosciutto.

Overview 🔍

This amped-up macaroni dish is an extra cheesy take on carbonara with an arugula side salad to cut through the richness. The creamy mascarpone and Parmesan sauce envelops the macaroni in rich, cheesy goodness, while crispy prosciutto adds a savory crunch that makes every bite more satisfying. Paired with a refreshing arugula salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, this dish is the perfect balance of rich and light.

This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese, with the prosciutto providing an elevated touch of flavor. The quick preparation makes it ideal for those tight on time, yet it feels indulgent. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or something to impress guests with minimal effort, this carbonara-inspired mac and cheese delivers both comfort and sophistication.

6. Creamy Caesar Salad With Crispy Chickpeas & Parmesan

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. On a baking sheet, toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes until crispy, tossing halfway through.

3. While the chickpeas roast, wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste to make the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Once the chickpeas are roasted and crispy, remove from the oven and set aside.

6. Toss the lettuce with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated.

7. Top the salad with crispy chickpeas, freshly shaved Parmesan, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Overview 🔍

This version of Caesar salad includes chickpeas for an extra crunch, making it a great dish to pair with creamy mac and cheese. The homemade Caesar dressing, made with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, is rich and tangy, providing a perfect complement to the crisp romaine lettuce. Roasted chickpeas bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while freshly shaved Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish.

This salad is a hearty, satisfying dish that works well as a main or side. The combination of creamy dressing, crunchy chickpeas, and the sharp Parmesan makes every bite exciting and flavorful. It’s the perfect blend of fresh, healthy ingredients and indulgent flavors, making it a standout salad for any occasion.

7. Herb & Butter Basted Ribeye Steak With Creamy Mac & Cheese

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if finishing the steak in the oven.

2. Season the ribeye steaks generously with salt and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet (or regular pan) over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steaks. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. (Optional) Transfer the skillet to the oven to finish cooking the steaks for 4–6 minutes for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness.

6. While the steak rests, prepare your creamy mac and cheese in a large pot. Once the mac and cheese is ready, serve the steaks alongside the dish.

7. Garnish the steaks with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Overview 🔍

This classically cooked ribeye steak is the perfect way to class up your mac and cheese. The ribeye is seared to perfection, and then basted with fragrant butter and fresh herbs, resulting in a juicy, flavorful steak. The velvety mac and cheese, made with a creamy cheese sauce, complements the steak’s richness, creating a comforting and hearty meal.

This dish is an elevated take on a classic pairing, ideal for a special dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent. The combination of crispy, herb-infused steak and smooth, cheesy pasta offers the ultimate in comfort food.

FAQ

What do you serve with mac and cheese?

You can pair a ton of different foods with mac and cheese. Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of garlic bread can complement the dish well. A tangy salad can cut through the richness, while roasted vegetables like broccoli offer a satisfying crunch. If you're looking for a heartier side, consider a savory bread or a sweet option like baked beans.

For example, you could add in some veggies like the Roasted Cauliflower Mac & Cheese with Parmesan Breadcrumbs to balance the richness of the pasta and add texture with roasted cauliflower and crispy breadcrumbs.

What meat goes well with mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese works great with many types of meat. Grilled or roasted chicken provides a lean, mild protein that pairs well with creamy pasta. Bacon or prosciutto adds a salty, crispy element that enhances the dish. For a heartier meal, steak or pulled pork makes a robust addition.

For instance, the Herb and Butter Basted Ribeye Steak with Creamy Mac and Cheese is an excellent pairing, as the rich steak perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy pasta.

What is a good addition to mac and cheese?

You can add a variety of foods to your mac and cheese. For instance, vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes bring texture and nutritional balance. You can also mix in crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor. A dash of spices like cayenne or garlic powder can add a subtle kick.

For instance, the Crispy Parmesan and Lemon Zest Roasted Broccoli makes for a delicious side side to mac and cheese. It packs both flavor and nutrition!

Can mac and cheese be a meal?

Mac and cheese can definitely be a complete meal, especially when you add protein and vegetables. Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even sautéed veggies can make the dish more filling. For a lighter option, you can skip the meat and add more veggies.

The Mac & Cheese Carbonara with Prosciutto & Arugula Salad is a great example. The prosciutto and fresh arugula make it a balanced meal with protein and a refreshing salad.