Here are some great ideas to serve with mac and cheese as a main dish:

• Meat Options:
  • Meatloaf or bacon-wrapped meatloaf
  • BBQ pulled chicken or pork, brisket, ribs
  • Grilled or fried chicken (such as buttermilk fried chicken, tandoori fried chicken)
  • Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp or filet mignon
  • Pulled pork or Instant Pot ribs with maple glaze
  • Sausages, hot dogs, sloppy joes, pigs in a blanket, little smokies
  • Buffalo chicken or buffalo wings
  • Chili, Swedish meatballs, lamb meatballs
• Vegetable and Side Options:
  • Garlic butter baked mushrooms
  • Green beans, roasted cauliflower, fried squash, butternut squash with pecans
  • Brussels sprouts, sautéed asparagus, pan-fried asparagus
  • Cabbage slaw, cole slaw
  • Tossed green salad, kale Caesar salad, strawberry spinach salad with almonds and goat cheese
  • Tomato soup and warm buns
  • Sweet potato fries, panzanella salad (tomato and bread salad)
  • Sauteed veggies like carrots, broccoli
• Other Comfort Food Pairings:
  • Cornbread
  • Applesauce, sautéed apples
  • Bacon-wrapped dates or smoked meats

Mac and cheese goes very well with rich, savory, smoky, and crispy dishes that contrast or complement its creamy texture. Lighter vegetable sides and fresh salads add balance to the richness of the mac and cheese. Popular main pairings include BBQ items, fried chicken, meatloaf, and any hearty grilled or smoked meat. This gives you a wide range of options for a meal centered on mac and cheese as the main dish. Let me know if you want specific recipes or more ideas! These suggestions come from multiple sources discussing what pairs well with mac and cheese for main meals.