What To Serve With Mac and Cheese (25 Best Sides)

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Wondering what to serve with mac and cheese tonight? Take a peek at our handpicked list of 25 incredible sides! From cozy classics to vibrant, wholesome alternatives, thereโ€™s something here to elevate your mac and cheese game tonight!

Includes recipes suitable for gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian diets. Weight Watchers points provided in some recipes.

A collage of images of dishes to serve with mac and cheese

Are you scratching your head over what to serve with mac and cheese? Well you don’t need to anymore! I’ve gathered 25 of the best sides that range from classics to light nutritious selections. I’ve even included a few sides that will spice up your meal.

Whether you’re craving some soul-warming comfort or a lighter side dish for your mac and cheese, I’ve got your sides nailed down.

And, if you’re on the hunt for some mac and cheese variations, why not give these a try – Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese or this Baked Mac and Cheese. Are you preparing for fall? Then you need to try this unique Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese? I even have these fun child friendly Air Fried Mac and Cheese Balls that are such a hit with fussy eaters.

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For those busy nights or meal prep plans, I’ve also included tips below on How to Make Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time. And, even tips on How to Reheat Mac and Cheese so it stays creamy and delicious. So, if you’ve ever been puzzled about what pairs well with mac and cheese, now you’re all set!

Tips For Great Mac And Cheese

  • Opt for a good melting cheese like cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for creaminess and flavor.
  • Aim for al dente pasta as it continues to cook in the cheese sauce, which helps prevent mushy mac and cheese.
  • Don’t forget to season your water with salt and your sauce with seasoning to enhance flavors. Change it up with Easy Italian Seasoning.
  • For a smooth sauce, cook it slowly and don’t let it boil once you’ve added the cheese.
  • If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter over your mac and cheese before baking.
  • To make mac and cheese ahead of time, prepare your dish but stop before baking. Cool it rapidly, cover, and refrigerate. It’s best used within two days.
  • Reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at 350 degress F / 175 degress C until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk before heating to bring back the creaminess.
  • Properly stored, cooked mac and cheese will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Freeze it for longer storage, but note that the texture may change upon thawing.

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

What Goes With Mac And Cheese

Tips For Success

  • Cook once, eat all week: Batch cooking and storing your meals in airtight containers to use throughout the week can help save both time and money.
  • Invest in flavor: keeping your pantry stocked with good quality spices and seasonings makes it easy to add amazing flavor and color to all sorts of recipes.
  • Make your appliances do the work: Use countertop appliances like an air fryer, slow cooker, and Instant Pot to reduce the amount of hands-on cooking time needed.
  • An easy to use air fryer for even and quick cooking.
  • Spices to add flavor to your food.
  • A set of sharp knives makes prepping food a breeze.
  • For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon!

Thank you for reading my Mac n Cheese sides recipes post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipesInstant Pot RecipesSouthern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Get The Easy Sides For What To Eat With Mac and Cheese

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the completed baked mac and cheese with a serving spoon inside
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5 from 1 vote

What to Serve with Mac and Cheese

There are so many great dishes to serve along side mac and cheese. Choose one of these delicious options for your next meal!
Author: Bintu Hardy

Instructions

  • Choose your favorite dish to pair with mac and cheese.
  • Get the ingredients list and head to the grocery store.
  • Make your recipe and eat it with your mac and cheese.
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