Who doesn’t love mac and cheese?
It’s rich, creamy, and so comforting.
But sometimes, it can be a little boring.
That’s why I always like to serve it with a delicious sauce on top.
Whether you are looking for a cheesy sauce, a meaty sauce, or a veggie-packed sauce, there is definitely a sauce for you.
So if you are wondering ‘what sauces go well with mac and cheese‘, then you are in the right place.
I’m sharing 13 of the best sauces to serve with your mac and cheese, including Alfredo sauce, BBQ sauce, and more.
See Also: What Salad Goes With Mac and Cheese? 11 Best Salads
What Sauce Goes with Mac and Cheese?
There are a variety of sauces that pair well with mac and cheese.A classic bechamel sauce is always a good choice, or you could try a more adventurous cheese sauce like cheddar ale sauce or blue cheese sauce. If you want to keep it simple, you can just use some melted butter and milk to create a creamy sauce.
Still looking for sauce ideas?
Then just keep scrolling!
Here are 13 sauces that go with mac and cheese:
Alfredo Sauce
A classic alfredo sauce is a must-have for any mac and cheese lover.
This rich, creamy sauce is simplicity itself to make, and it always delivers on flavor.
My favorite way to enjoy an alfredo sauce is by dipping my perfectly cooked pasta in it, or even serving it over a bed of steamed broccoli for a little extra crunch.
BBQ Sauce
This spicy, tangy sauce is perfect for adding some extra flavor to your mac and cheese.
The key to making the perfect BBQ sauce is to cook it down until it’s nice and thick, so that the flavors are really concentrated.
I like to use BBQ sauce as a dipping sauce for my pasta, or even just drizzle it over the top.
Buffalo Sauce
If you’re looking for something truly unique in your mac and cheese dish, try buffalo sauce!
This hot, savory condiment is made from buffalo meat (or chicken), vinegar, spices, and oil—so you can be sure that there’s plenty of flavor going on.
I love using buffalo sauce as a dipping sauce for my pasta, or even just drizzling it over the top.
Chili Sauce
If there’s one thing that can take your mac and cheese to the next level, it’s chili sauce.
This thick and gooey sauce is packed with flavor, and it really elevates a simple dish like mac and cheese into something special.
My favorite way to enjoy chili sauce is by topping my mac and cheese with a layer of chili sauce before serving. It’s seriously delicious!
A Pesto Cream Sauce
A creamy pesto sauce is another amazing option for topping your mac and cheese.
The rich, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the elevated flavors of pesto, making this an ideal choice for those who love their food spicy.
Some of my favorite ways to enjoy creamy pesto sauce include using it as a dipping sauce for fries or chicken tenders, or even just spreading some on top of my mac and cheese before serving.
Garlic Butter Sauce.
Garlic butter sauce is another great option for topping your mac and cheese.
The garlic butter flavor is intense and delicious, making this a perfect choice if you’re looking for something extra special.
Some of my favorite ways to enjoy garlic butter sauce include using it as a dipping sauce for steak fries or chicken tenders, or even just spreading some on top of my mac and cheese before serving.
Marinara Sauce
This is the classic. A rich and savory sauce that’s perfect for mac and cheese.
The key to a great marinara sauce is to cook it down until it’s nice and thick, so that it really clings to the pasta and doesn’t just run off.
I like to use marinara sauce as a dipping sauce for my mac and cheese, or even just drizzle it over the top.
Mushroom Sauce
Mushrooms are one of my favorite things in the world, so why not add them to my mac and cheese?
This creamy, delicious sauce is packed with flavor, and it can really elevate your dish.
My favorite way to enjoy mushroom sauce is by stirring in a few mushrooms at the beginning of cooking, then letting them simmer until they’re cooked through.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is another great option for those who love their mac and cheese with a little bit of kick.
This tangy dressing pairs perfectly with crunchy veggies, creamy pasta, you name it!
I like to use ranch dressing as a dipping sauce for my mac and cheese, or even just drizzle it over the top.
Ranch dressing can also be used as a condiment on other dishes (like sandwiches!), so experiment away!
Tomato Sauce (Basic)
This sauce is the foundation of all good mac and cheese recipes.
It’s simple, it’s basic, and it’s delicious.
I like to start my mac and cheese with a bowl of Basic Tomato Sauce on the table, so everyone can customize their dish however they like.
Some of my favorite ways to enjoy this sauce include using it as a dipping sauce for my fries or even just pouring it over the top of my pasta.
Cheese Sauce
This cheesy sauce is a must-have for any mac and cheese lover.
It’s thick, creamy, and full of flavor, and it really takes your dish to the next level.
I like to use cheese sauce as a base for my mac and cheese recipe, or even just as a condiment on top.
Plus, who can resist melted cheese on their toast? Yum!
Béchamel Sauce
Béchamel sauce is another popular option for mac and cheese lovers alike.
Made by combining milk and cream together until thickened, béchamel becomes one of the key ingredients in some of the world’s best mac and cheese dishes.
I love making béchamel at home by starting with warm milk (just below boiling) and then gradually adding cream until it reaches the desired consistency.
Once the sauce has thickened, I stir in some shredded Swiss cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Mornay Sauce
The Mornay sauce is another amazing option for enhancing your mac and cheese experience.
This rich, creamy sauce is made with heavy cream and egg yolks, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart (or stomach).
But trust me…once you try this stuff, you’ll never go back to regular old Mac & Cheese again!
What Sauce Goes with Mac and Cheese? (13 Sauces)
Ingredients
- Alfredo Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
- Chili Sauce
- Creamy Pesto Sauce
- Garlic Butter Sauce
- Marinara Sauce
- Mushroom Sauce
- Ranch Dressing
- Basic Tomato Sauce
- Cheese Sauce
- Béchamel Sauce
- Mornay Sauce
Instructions
- Pick one of the sauces from this list to use together with your mac and cheese recipe.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy in no time!