The best wines to pair with Macaroni and Cheese are Chardonnay, Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or a dry Rosé.
I much prefer white wines with Macaroni and Cheese when it’s on its own, as I want the flavours of my wine to complement the indulgence I am experiencing when I’m shoveling down a bowl of Mac and Cheese. Furthermore, the acidity of white wine helps keep me refreshed, and ensures the Mac and Cheese remains delicious.
If Mac and Cheese is a side dish to something meaty, like BBQ Ribs, a Hamburger or a pulled pork sandwich, red wine is the direction I’ll often go in. Some folks love ketchup with their Mac and Cheese, and red wine could be a suitable option in this instance as well!.
Best Wines with Mac and Cheese
Chardonnay & Mac and Cheese Pairing
Chardonnay, with its rich and buttery characteristics, is the best wine to pair with mac and cheese. The creamy texture of the wine beautifully complements the velvety cheese sauce. Meanwhile, the wine’s acidity cuts through the dish’s richness, providing a delightful contrast.
Look for an oaked Chardonnay with notes of vanilla, toast, butter, smoke, apple, lemon, and a hint of caramel to pair up with your bowl of Macaroni and Cheese. Normally, this style of Chardonnay is in the $25 range and hails from California.
Chardonnay and even more delicious with Seafood Mac and Cheese or Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a breadcrumb crust.
Champagne & Macaroni & Cheese Pairing
A Champagne Blanc de Blancs is divine with Mac and Cheese due to the wine’s high acidity and flavours of brioche, nuts, vanilla, smoke, toast, apple and lemon. Crisp yet creamy and rich in texture, Champagne mingles with the gooey cheese flavours of the cheese sauce, bringing out all the delicious flavours.
As Champagne is high in acidity and full of bubbles, the sparkling wine cleanses your palate in between bites, meaning it scrubs your mouth clean. This means every bite of your Macaroni and Cheese tastes just as delicious as the first, as your taste buds and mouth won’t be clogged full of fat, carbohydrates and proteins from this heavy dish.
Pinot Noir & Mac and Cheese Pairing
If you prefer red wine with your mac and cheese, Pinot Noir is an excellent option. This light to medium-bodied red wine has red fruit flavours, such as cherry, strawberry and raspberry, along with earthy undertones of mushroom and forest floor. Pinot Noir’s acidity and soft tannin make it a fantastic pairing with the cheesy, savoury mac and cheese flavours. Uncork a slightly chilled Pinot Noir to enhance the overall experience.
If you add mushrooms to your Mac and Cheese or are serving it beside a bowl of mushroom soup, this pairing becomes even more exceptional.
Given that Macaroni and Cheese is a budget comfort food, Pinot Noir might be too pricy for your budget. Good Pinot Noir is very expensive! Thus, a better alternative for your Mac and Cheese Pairing would be Beaujolais Villages, which is less than half the cost of Pinot Noir, with 80% of the value.
Sauvignon Blanc & Mac and Cheese Pairing
If you are seeking a refreshing and crisp wine to balance the richness of mac and cheese, Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant acidity, citrus notes, and herbal aromas. The zesty flavours of lemon, lime, grapefruit and gooseberry provide a tangy contrast to the creaminess of Mac and Cheese. Meanwhile, you’ll find notes of green herbs in Sauvignon Blanc to add more intrigue to your pairing.
Zinfandel & Mac and Cheese Pairing
If you love ketchup with your Mac and Cheese, the fruity flavours of Zinfandel might be the perfect wine pairing for you. Zinfandel is a full-bodied red wine that boasts rich fruit flavours, such as blackberries and plums, with hints of spice and pepper. The wine’s intensity and complexity complement the heartiness of mac and cheese, creating a delicious pairing that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
As Mac and Cheese is often a side dish to BBQ dishes, and Zinfandel is amazing with Barbecued foods such as ribs, hamburgers, steak and pulled pork, this pairing is a no brainer in these situations.