Top News

Macaroni cheese instantly tastes better with 1 ingredient

Reach Daily Express | May 3, 2026 6:39 AM CST

Macaroni cheese is already a comfort food favourite, with its rich warming sauce and golden crunch topping. But chefs say one simple store-cupboard ingredient can take the classic dish to another level by making the flavour richer and more balanced.

Rather than adding more cheese or extra seasoning, experts say the secret is using a condiment that helps lift the sauce and bring out the natural depth of the cheese. According to Molly Adams for Simply Recipes, dijon mustard makes all the difference.

Orignating in Burgundy, France, it has a sharp and tangy flavor with a spicy kick that can sting the nose, similar to wasabi. The distinctive flavour comes from white wine, which is mixed with brown or black mustard seeds.

Moment brave police kick Golders Green stabbings suspect in head - 'drop the knife'
Santander to pay £829 compensation to customers

Although this fiery condiment may sound unusual in a creamy pasta dish, she said Dijon contains acidity and sharpness that help balance heavy dairy flavours.

Instead of overpowering the sauce, it can make cheddar and other cheeses taste stronger and more rounded.

"When added to mac and cheese, Dijon doesn't make the cheese sauce taste like mustard, it simply balances things out and highlights the flavour of the cheese," she said.

"It's like when you add coffee to chocolate cake, which doesn't make the cake taste like coffee. It makes it taste more chocolatey."

To make the recipe, simply use your tried and tested mac and cheese recipe, and add the mustard while making the cheese sauce.

When you add the shredded cheese into the bechamel, mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard too. You can always add more to taste when you are finished.

If you are unsure how to get started with making a macaroni cheese, Mary Berry swears by this foolproof recipe.