What Goes with Cauliflower Cheese? (19 Dishes)

Cauliflower cheese is one of the most comforting and delicious dishes out there.

It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying.

But what do you serve with cauliflower cheese?

Some of the most popular dishes to serve alongside cauliflower cheese are roasted meats, like chicken or beef. You could also pair it with grilled vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini. If you want to keep things light, a simple salad would be a good option. And of course, no matter what else you serve with it, don’t forget the bread!

What Goes with Cauliflower Cheese

In this article, I’m sharing 19 of the best side dishes to go with cauliflower cheese including roasted vegetables, salads, breads, and more.

Whether you are looking for a light side dish or something heartier, you are sure to find the perfect dish to accompany your cauliflower cheese.

What Goes with Cauliflower Cheese?

Knowing what goes with cauliflower cheese can be tricky because it is such a rich and creamy dish.

However, there are a few things that pair well with cauliflower cheese.

  • One option is to serve it with roasted vegetables, like roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted potatoes.
  • Another option is to serve it with a simple side salad.
  • Lastly, you could also pair it with some crusty bread for dipping.

Cauliflower cheese is one of those dishes that just seems to make everything better.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it as a main, cauliflower cheese is always a welcome addition to the table.

But what goes well with cauliflower cheese?

Here are 19 dishes that I think make the perfect pairing:

1. Mashed potatoes

If you’re looking for something easy and comforting, mashed potatoes are always a good choice.

They can be boiled, baked, or even mashed in the Instant Pot.

And, they can be served with all sorts of things – from gravy to roasted vegetables.

But, one of my favorite ways to enjoy them is with cauliflower cheese.

2. Roasted vegetables

Eating your veggies is super important, but sometimes it can be hard to make them taste good.

One of my favorite ways to make roasted vegetables is by adding some cauliflower cheese on top.

It’s the perfect way to get your veggies and your dairy all in one dish.

I like to use a mix of different vegetables, like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, but you can really use whatever you like or have on hand.

  1. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, toss with some olive oil and salt, and roast in a 400 degree oven until tender.
  2. Then, top with some shredded cheese and put back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

So good!

3. Salad

There are tons of different salads out there that would go great with cauliflower cheese.

A simple green salad is always a good option, but you could also try a Caesar salad, a Nicoise salad, or even a Waldorf salad.

If you want to change things up a bit, you could add some chopped bacon, croutons, or roasted almonds to your salad.

You could also try using a different type of cheese in your cauliflower cheese, like Gruyere or Parmesan.

And, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try making your own cheese sauce!

4. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Any creamy soup is always welcome on a chilly day, but this creamy chicken tortilla soup takes it to the next level.

It’s hearty, filling, and has just the right amount of spice.

And, it’s topped with cauliflower cheese, which is basically the best thing ever.

To make this soup, you’ll need chicken breasts, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt.

See also  Buffalo Chicken Dip without Buffalo Sauce (Easy Recipe)

I like to garnish my soup with some chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, but you can also top it with shredded cheese or avocado slices.

If you want to make this soup a little bit healthier, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts and low-fat milk in place of the heavy cream.

5. Grilled Chicken

What can be easier than grilling chicken? Just throw it on the grill, right?

Well, there are a few things you can do to make sure your grilled chicken is juicy and flavorful.

First, pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.

Then, marinate the chicken in a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices.

I like to use garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

You can also add some lemon juice or vinegar to the mix.

Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours if you have the time.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.

Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

And there you have it – perfectly grilled chicken!

6. Steak

Just think of all the ways you can serve steak: with a green salad and vinaigrette on the side, with roasted potatoes and a dollop of mustard, or wrapped in bacon and grilled.

And don’t forget about all the delicious sauces you can pour over your steak, from classic Béarnaise to peppercorn.

But my personal favorite way to enjoy steak is with cauliflower cheese.

It’s usually served as a side dish, but I think it makes a delicious main course when served with steak.

And there are so many ways you can change up the recipe to suit your taste.

For example, you could use a different type of cheese in the sauce or add some chopped bacon to the mix.

So next time you’re looking for a new way to serve steak, give cauliflower cheese a try.

7. Grilled Salmon

Salmon is known for its healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s also a delicious and versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways.

One of our favorite ways to prepare salmon is to grill it.

I love the smoky flavor that grilling gives the fish, and it’s a cooking method that is relatively quick and easy.

And, grilling salmon is a great way to get those pretty char marks on the fish that make it look so impressive.

  1. To grill salmon, you’ll first need to preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Then, you’ll want to brush both sides of the fish with oil or melted butter. This will help to prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill and also help it to cook evenly.
  3. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, and then place it on the grill.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through.

8. Pasta Salad

If you have a favorite pasta salad recipe, chances are it will go well with cauliflower cheese.

To give the dish an extra boost of flavor, add in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil.

You could also swap out the pasta for a different type of noodle, like soba noodles (See Also: What Sauce Goes with Soba Noodles?) or rice noodles.

And, if you want to make the dish a little more substantial, you could add in some cooked chicken or shrimp.

For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu would be a good addition.

As for the cheese, you could use any type that you like, but a sharp cheddar would be my recommendation.

9. Garlic Bread

Garlic is the superhero of the allium family.

It makes an appearance in so many dishes from around the world, and for good reason.

It’s aromatic, flavorful, and a little bit spicy.

When used judiciously, it can take a dish from good to great.

And when it comes to garlic bread, there’s really no such thing as too much garlic.

This dish is traditionally made with a baguette that’s been split in half lengthwise and slathered with a mixture of butter, garlic, and parsley.

The bread is then baked until crispy and golden brown.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you can try using a sourdough loaf or even a pizza crust.

And if you’re not a fan of butter, you can use olive oil instead.

See also  Chicken Soup Without Vegetables (Easy Recipe)

As far as the garlic goes, you can use fresh cloves that have been minced or roasted, or you can use garlic powder.

10. Sweet Potato Fries

Instead of serving regular fries with your cauliflower cheese, try something a little healthier and just as delicious – sweet potato fries!

To make them, simply slice sweet potatoes into fry-sized pieces, toss with olive oil and sea salt, and bake in a preheated oven until crispy.

You can also add other spices to the mix, like paprika or chili powder.

If you want to get really creative, you can even dip them in batter and deep fry them!

However you make them, they’re sure to be a hit.

11. One Pot Chicken and Dirty Rice

Sometimes, you just don’t want to deal with a lot of dishes.

That’s where one pot meals come in.

They’re simple, easy, and usually pretty quick to make.

And, they tend to be pretty hearty, which is perfect for a winter meal.

One pot chicken and dirty rice is a great option for when you want something warm and comforting, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

And, it just so happens to go really well with cauliflower cheese.

If you want to change things up a bit, you could add some diced ham or bacon to the dish.

Or, if you’re looking for more of a veggie-packed meal, you could add some chopped kale or spinach.

Either way, this dish is sure to please.

12. Baked Black Bean Taquitos

Just look at how delicious these Baked Black Bean Taquitos look!

I am drooling already.

I love cauliflower cheese, and these taquitos would go so well with it!

The best part about this dish is that it is so easy to make, and you can easily make changes to suit your taste.

For example, if you don’t like black beans, you could use pinto beans or even lentils.

And, if you’re not a fan of cheese, you could leave it out entirely or substitute with a vegan cheese.

13. Corn Salad

Corn has always been an American favorite, but lately it’s been getting a lot of attention from the culinary world.

It’s not surprising, given its sweet flavor and versatility.

Corn can be used in so many different dishes, from salads to salsas to soups.

And, it pairs well with a variety of other ingredients, like tomatoes, avocados, beans, and cheese.

One dish that always goes well with corn is cauliflower cheese.

14. Simple Sauteed Cabbage

Almost nothing is as easy as sautéing cabbage.

You can do it with just a little bit of oil, some seasonings, and in less than 10 minutes you have a delicious side dish.

I like to keep things simple when I make this dish and just use salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic powder.

But, if you want to change things up, you could add in some bacon or sausage.

Or, for a vegetarian version, you could add in some cooked beans or lentils.

And, of course, you could always top it with some cheese – cauliflower cheese would be delicious!

15. Potato Salad

Sometimes, the classic dishes are the best. Potato salad is a prime example of this – it’s a dish that’s simple, yet satisfying.

And , it just so happens to go really well with cauliflower cheese.

To make a delicious potato salad, you’ll need potatoes (of course), eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and pickles.

You can also add in some shredded cheese, diced onion, or chopped bacon.

Really, the sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your potato salad.

Just be sure to boil the eggs and potatoes before adding them to the rest of the ingredients.

And, if you’re looking for a bit of a healthier option, you can swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt.

Give it a try – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good it is!

16. Deviled Eggs

If you’re feeling a bit fancy tonight, why not try serving your cauliflower cheese with some deviled eggs?

It’s a classic dish that always goes down well, and it’s easy to make too.

Just boil some eggs, then remove the yolks and mix them with mayo, mustard, and a bit of vinegar.

Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites, then sprinkle on some paprika and serve.

You can also add in some chopped chives or bacon bits if you like.

17. Jeweled Persian Rice Pilaf

I can’t get enough of this recipe for Jeweled Persian Rice Pilaf.

See also  7 Eggplant Seasoning Recipes That Will Elevate Your Dish

It’s the perfect side dish to serve with cauliflower cheese, and it can easily be made vegetarian by swapping out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

I also love to add a bit of spice to it by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try substituting the rice for quinoa or millet.

18. Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sure, they’re not real steaks.

But these thick slices of roasted cabbage have a hearty, meaty texture that can stand up to any protein you pair them with.

They’re especially delicious with cauliflower cheese.

You can also add some spices to the cabbage steaks before roasting them, such as smoked paprika or garlic powder.

Or, if you want to keep it simple, just season them with salt and pepper.

19. Garlic Roasted Brussel’s Sprouts

Although these have gotten a bad rep over the years, I’ve found that roasted Brussel’s sprouts are delicious when done right.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and start by trimming the ends off of the sprouts and cutting them in half.

Next, toss them in a bowl with some olive oil and garlic cloves – I like to use about 10 cloves for a pound of sprouts.

Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring a few times throughout.

When they’re done, they should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serve them as is or with a squeeze of lemon juice.

FAQ

What Meat Goes with Cauliflower Cheese?

The best kinds of meat to pair with cauliflower cheese are ones that are mild in flavor and not too greasy. Chicken, turkey, and ham are all good choices. You could also use bacon or sausage, but make sure to cook it well so that the fat does not make the dish too greasy.

Click here to learn more about what meat goes with cauliflower cheese.

What Fish Goes with Cauliflower Cheese?

When it comes to fish, there are a few different types that pair well with cauliflower cheese. One option is to go for a white fish, like cod or haddock, and bake it in the oven with the cauliflower cheese. Another option is to pan-fry some salmon or trout and serve it on top of the cauliflower cheese. Lastly, you could also try using canned tuna or salmon in your cauliflower cheese for a budget-friendly option.

Click here to learn more about what fish goes with cauliflower cheese.

What Herbs And Spices Go with Cauliflower Cheese?

There are many different herbs and spices that go well with cauliflower cheese. Some of the most popular choices include garlic, onion, thyme, oregano, basil, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like cumin or curry powder.

Click here to learn more about what herbs and spices go with cauliflower cheese.

What Wine Goes with Cauliflower Cheese?

Cauliflower cheese pairs well with white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. You could also try a light red wine, like a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir. If you are looking for a sweeter wine, you could try a Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

Click here to learn more about what wine goes with cauliflower cheese.

What Chicken Goes with Cauliflower Cheese?

There are many different types of chicken that go well with cauliflower cheese. You could try a classic roasted chicken, or something more unique like BBQ chicken or even Thai curry chicken. If you want to keep it simple, you could also just use grilled chicken breasts.

What Goes with Gammon and Cauliflower Cheese?

A classic gammon and cauliflower cheese dish is usually served with boiled potatoes, green beans, and a side of pickles or chutney. For a more filling meal, you could also add some bread on the side.

what goes well with cauliflower cheese

What Goes with Cauliflower Cheese? (19 Dishes)

As a true cheese-loving foodie, I was recently challenged to come up with a list of 19 dishes that would go perfectly with cauliflower cheese.
And let me tell you, it was not easy!
But after much deliberation, I came up with a list of 19 dishes that I think would be the perfect accompaniment to this classic comfort food.
So whether you're looking for a light starter, a hearty main or a side dish, there's sure to be something on this list that will tickle your taste buds.
So without further ado, here are 19 dishes that go perfectly with cauliflower cheese!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 403 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Salad
  • Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Steak
  • Grilled Salmon
  • Pasta Salad
  • Garlic Bread
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • One Pot Chicken and Dirty Rice
  • Baked Black Bean Taquitos
  • Corn Salad
  • Simple Sauteed Cabbage
  • Potato Salad
  • Deviled Eggs
  • Jeweled Persian Rice Pilaf
  • Roasted Cabbage Steaks
  • Garlic Roasted Brussel’s Sprouts

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of the dishes from this list to serve with your meal.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword What Goes with Cauliflower Cheese, What to Serve with Cauliflower Cheese