Every Mac And Cheese Recipe Can Be Upgraded With One Pantry Spice

When it comes to mac and cheese, everyone seems to have a secret ingredient that makes this dish stand out above the others. Whether you crave a sweet, spicy, tangy, or savory element in this side dish, there's something for every palate. From the umami-rich jar of Vegemite to adding the acidic sweetness of canned tomato soup to these cheesy noodles, there are so many different ways to transform the flavor of basic mac and cheese into something more complex that appeals to individual taste buds.

One ingredient you may want to add to your list of secret ingredients is ground mustard. Ground mustard is made from yellow or brown mustard seeds. While it might not look like it is filled with a power punch of flavor, ground mustard actually has a sharp, spicy bite that can become more potent when added to wet ingredients. This makes it the perfect addition to upgrade your classic mac and cheese.

Ground mustard will accomplish two things when added to your mac and cheese. First, it will add some spice. If you like the idea of adding a little kick to your mac and cheese, ground yellow mustard is where you want to start because ground brown mustard is going to really pick up those heat vibes for your tongue. Secondly, it will help cut through the dish's fat with its acidic notes.

When should you add it to your mac and cheese? After you've made the roux and added the milk, add your ground mustard and mix until it is smooth and blended. However, if you do not have time to make it from scratch, you can also use this trick to upgrade one of those blue and yellow boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese, as well. Just add a little when you are making your bright orange sauce. But remember, start small. You can always put more in. No ground mustard? No problem. Just substitute a half to a single tablespoon of either yellow mustard or Dijon.