Wondering what to serve with mac and cheese? Here are the best tasty side dishes, flavor-packed entrées, must-have bread, and indulgent desserts to pair with your favorite macaroni and cheese. Turn your favorite mac into a full meal with these tasty recipes.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Freshen up your plate with these vibrant vegetable sides, a great way to balance out the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese.
Best Canned Green Bean Recipe
Quick and convenient, this simple green bean recipe is jazzed up with fresh garlic for a burst of flavor.
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Easy Canned Corn
Transform simple canned corn into a tasty side dish with garlic and rosemary, adding a touch of richness to your meal.
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Microwave Asparagus
This easy side dish is a healthy addition to any family dinner, ready in minutes and seasoned with lemon, salt, and pepper.
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Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes, cut into fries and roasted until crispy, offer a sweet contrast to creamy mac, making them a comforting addition to your plate.
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Roasted Asparagus
Drizzled with lemon juice and sprinkled with black pepper, this dish is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with any cheese meal.
Rosemary French Fries
Infused with fresh rosemary, these fries are a decadent dish on their own, perfect alongside a creamy pasta dish.
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Easy Roasted Artichokes
Baked with lemon juice, spices, and herbs these artichokes become a crispy, tasty side dish.
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BBQ Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri
This hearty vegan option features cauliflower steaks topped with vibrant chimichurri.
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Vegan Glazed Carrots
A touch of brown sugar creates a luscious glaze for these carrots, making them a sweet and savory treat.
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Baked Corn on the Cob (Easy Oven-Roasted Method!)
Slathered in vegan butter, white miso, and tamari, this is a classic comfort food that’s both simple and satisfying.
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Salads
Cool, crisp, and loaded with flavor, these salads are the perfect pairing for a gooey mac, making them the best side dishes for a complete meal.
Mayo-Free Vegan Coleslaw with Spicy Tahini Sauce
This tangy coleslaw skips the mayo and uses a creamy, spicy tahini sauce that tickles the taste buds.
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The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Ever
This is your classic broccoli salad made vegan. It is a nutritious side that still feels indulgent.
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Corn & Black Bean Salad
A robust salad featuring corn, black beans, and a zingy dressing, perfect for adding a little bit of zest to your meal.
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The Best Vegan Caesar Salad
A reimagined classic with cashew-based Caesar dressing, making every bite a creamy delight without any dairy.
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Raw Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Mixed with a tangy dressing and crisp vegetables, this salad is a crunchy, fresh counterpart to rich mac and cheese.
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Chickpea Salad Recipe
Refreshing summer favorite that’s vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. Packed with veggies and chickpeas, this salad is both refreshing and filling.
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Healthy Cowboy Caviar
Bursting with colorful ingredients and dressed in a light vinaigrette, it’s a good idea for those seeking a hearty yet fresh side.
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Vegan Arugula Avocado Tomato Salad
The peppery taste of arugula with creamy avocado and fresh tomato makes this simple dish a great side.
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Absolute Best Vegan Coleslaw!
Again, creamy without the cream, this slaw uses vegan alternatives to create a classic side that complements any main dish.
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Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Mint and Basil
Light, hydrating, and refreshing, it’s a perfect meal for hot days or to cleanse the palate.
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Old-Fashioned Vegan Potato Salad
A comforting staple at any dinner table, made with creamy elements that echo the textures of mac and cheese.
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Soups
Warm up with these soothing vegan soups, each a perfect side dish or starter for a comforting meal.
Vegan Chili
Hearty and robust with beans and spices, this chili is a warming dish perfect for chilly evenings.
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Vegan Broccoli Soup
A creamy soup that’s both nutritious and comforting, ideal for a light yet satisfying dinner.
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Pumpkin Curry Soup
Infused with the warmth of curry and the richness of pumpkin. This soup is a decadent treat and the perfect pair to a classic pasta dish.
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Lentil Soup
Packed with flavor and protein, this lentil soup is a hearty companion to any cheese dish.
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Potato Leek Soup
A classic pairing of potato and leek in a creamy soup form, making it a smooth and satisfying side.
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Vegetable Orzo Soup
Loaded with a variety of vegetables and seasoned to perfection, a healthy option that’s also full of flavor.
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Carrot Lentil Soup
The sweetness of carrots and the zing of ginger combine in this smooth soup, offering a burst of flavor with every spoonful.
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Vegan Black Bean Soup
Thick and protein-rich, this soup can stand alone as a main course or serve as a hearty side.
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Vegan Minestrone
A bounty of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato base, this soup brings Italian flair to your dinner table.
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Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
The ultimate comfort food, creamy without dairy, and a delicious partner to any cheese side dish.
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Tasty Main Dishes
Complement your creamy mac with these robust vegan main dishes, each crafted to be the highlight of your family dinner.
Chickpea Burger
Packed with protein and seasoned with a blend of spices, these burgers are a delicious meal in themselves.
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Mini Pot Pies
Filled with vegetables and a savory sauce encased in a flaky crust, offering a comforting bite every time.
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Healthy Black Bean Burgers
These burgers are a great option for those seeking a hearty but healthy main dish. They are satisfying and full of flavor.
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Grilled BBQ Tofu Veggie Skewers
These skewers are a colorful and tasty choice, marinated in barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection.
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Veggie Pot Pie
A classic comfort food made vegan, these pot pies are loaded with veggies and a creamy sauce, enveloped in a crispy crust.
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Vegan Lentil Loaf
A hearty and flavorful alternative to traditional meatloaf, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
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Vegan Sloppy Joes
Fresh and filling sloppy joes are made with the best plant-based ingredients, including chili powder. This easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
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Healthy Vegan Chicken Wings
Made from cauliflower, these wings are a fun and plant-based twist on a classic, seasoned to perfection.
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Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Slider
Shredded jackfruit coated in barbecue sauce makes for a sloppy, delicious slider that will make your mouth water.
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Bread
No meal is complete without a side of freshly baked bread—these vegan recipes are easy to make and a joy to eat.
Vegan Buttermilk Dairy Free Cornbread
This cornbread is a must-have at any meal and is Crumbly, sweet, and perfect for sopping up sauces.
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Gluten-Free Bread Recipe
For those avoiding gluten, this bread doesn’t compromise on texture or taste, perfect for everyone at the table.
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Vegan Garlic Herb Bread
Aromatic and flavorful, this bread is a wonderful complement to any main dish, especially creamy pasta dishes.
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Easy Sandwich Bread
Simple to make and delicious to eat, this bread is versatile for any meal and any topping.
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Rosemary Bread
Infused with the fresh flavor of rosemary, this bread adds an aromatic touch to your dinner spread.
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Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with these delightful vegan desserts, each perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Lime Popsicles
Refreshing and tangy, these popsicles are a cool treat after a warm, comforting meal.
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The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy, chocolatey, and completely vegan, these cookies are a dream come true for any dessert lover.
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Watermelon Strawberry Popsicles
Perfect for summer days, these popsicles offer a sweet, hydrating treat that’s easy to love.
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Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
Rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying, this cheesecake is a luxurious way to end any meal.
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Lemon Popsicles
The zesty punch of lemon in these popsicles makes them a refreshing and light dessert option.
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FAQ
What dishes go well with mac and cheese? A variety of sides, from fresh salads to hearty soups, can complement mac and cheese, making it a versatile and beloved dish.
Is mac and cheese a side dish? While often served as a side, mac and cheese can also stand as a main dish, especially when jazzed up with extra ingredients.
What 2 cheeses are best for mac and cheese? Vegan versions of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella make for a deliciously gooey mac that appeals to all taste buds.
Final Words
As we wrap up this delicious roundup of vegan dishes to serve with mac and cheese, it’s clear that the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for something crisp and refreshing like a hearty salad or you crave the comfort of a warm soup, there’s a dish here to suit any taste and elevate your meal to the next level. Don’t forget to explore the tasty main dishes, fresh breads, and delightful desserts for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Every recipe promises to complement your beloved mac and cheese, ensuring that each bite is as satisfying as the last. Enjoy creating these delectable combinations and delight in the joy they bring to your dinner table!