What To Serve With Macaroni and Cheese – Classic Side Dishes and Mains

by: Lydia Fulson  /  Writer, Artist, Traveler, Granddaughter & Ever-Learning German Cook

Unsure of what to serve with Macaroni and cheese? The ULTIMATE classic feel-good dish? Check out this list of wunderbar sides including some favorite salads, veg, and more! Enjoy! 

My gouda macaroni and cheese recipe above is made with super simple ingredients. My favorite thing about this dish is that you can add almost anything into it. Broccoli, blue cheese if that suits your fancy, and even Doritos crumbled on top!

Now, let's jump into some tasty side dishes.

Bread sides

1. Classic Bread Rolls

This bread roll recipe serves another great purpose other than being delicious. They're perfect cheesy mac scoopers. Use your roll to scoop mac and cheese inside to make a little sandwich! It's so good.

2. Bread Dumplings

The famous Southern bread dumpling brings a touch of Germany to your plate. These are traditionally served with a dish that has gravy to soak up. But you've got to try it with the gooey mac and cheese. 

Honorable Bread Mentions

German pretzels

no-knead bread

Salad Sides and Dips

3. Green Salad with Sour Cream Dressing

This easy salad dressing is the perfect addition to classic green salads. The sour cream dressing is the perfect refreshing touch after the rich, savory flavors of mac. This combo makes me think 'classic yet classy pub combo.'

4. Blue Cheese Dip

Blue cheese dip makes for a perfect snack-able recipe. Something like veggies and dip is so nice to serve, especially for dinner parties. Everyone can help themselves as they please!

Honorable Salad Mentions

asparagus salad

sauerkraut salad

Meat sides

5. Bratwurst Sausage

Bratwurst sausages are so good chopped up into pieces and added into mac and cheese. It's like bacon bits, but better!

Meat and cheese is such a tasty combination- bratwursts with macaroni and cheese is no exception.

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6. Meatloaf

Oma's meatloaf recipe is ever so good. Eat it hot or cold, maybe bacon-wrapped or, even more traditionally, with egg in the middle!

Try something even MORE German, and try this meatloaf with hidden cauliflower inside. Get your meat and veggie in one.

7. Roast Chicken

Take a look at this oven fried chicken recipe made by my Oma. It's so great for family dinners, and barbecue season. Shred it up for a pulled chicken effect and incorporate it in with your mac.

Honorable Meat Mentions

Grilled bratwurst

Chicken cordon bleu

Veggie Sides

8. Brussels Sprouts

Check out these brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar. These are oh-so refreshing beside a heavier, creamy pasta dish. They're oil-free and oh-so-good for you. Use fresh, frozen, or whichever is on hand.

9. Sweet Potatoes

My air-fried sweet potato recipe is an easy side dish. You'll love these crispy skins. They're made with only two simple ingredients! Sweet potatoes, and a little olive oil. Add whichever seasonings you'd like for a little extra pizzaz!

10. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Oma's roasted cherry tomatoes are without a doubt, great on the side or sprinkled on top of your mac and cheese.

Having a recipe like this, gives awesome opportunity to use up those homegrown cherry tomatoes before the bugs get to them!

Honorable Vegetable Mentions

Green beans

Squash Recipe

Thanks for scrolling! I hope you found something that peaked your interest or brought back some or your favorite memories of Germany. 

Now you can get cooking! Just follow the links, get your apron out and enjoy some kitchen time.

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From Oma's heart
to your table

Complete your set today - order now!

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.