Better Than Butter: The Flavor Booster That Makes Mac And Cheese Unforgettable

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A hearty bowl of mac and cheese is a comfort food well suited to just about any time. The typical milk and butter mix-ins are a given, but there are plenty of other ingredients to elevate your mac and cheese to give it an improved taste and texture. One of the absolute best ways to upgrade boxed macaroni and cheese is to infuse it with unique flavors that are savory, salty, or even sweet. Miso is one such option that adds a new level of complexity to any mac and cheese recipe or packaged variety.

In addition to being one of the ideal ingredients to revamp vegan mac and cheese, miso works with nearly any style of this classic dish. The combination of salty and savory flavors paired with your choice of cheese provides the ultimate umami boost in your macaroni meal. Introducing either a paste like Miko's Japanese White Miso Paste or a dry, powdered form such as Yamasan Kyoto Uji's Japanese Dry Miso Seasoning will prove an impactful ingredient that will add depth and velvety richness to recipes.

Depending on the miso you use, the flavor can range from mild to pungent. A good rule of thumb is to start slow and taste as you go. Anywhere between a single teaspoon to several tablespoons is recommended based on the quantity of your batch of macaroni and cheese. Diluting the paste (or powder) with water can also help it better combine into your cheese sauce.

Adding miso to mac and cheese is one of many creative ways to use the paste that will improve your macaroni beyond compare and help use up any leftover from preparing a soup or salad dressing. Try adding it to a basic box of Kraft Original Mac & Cheese by stirring a portion into the cheese sauce, and then adding it to the cooked noodles. Miso also goes well with a classic recipe featuring freshly shredded cheddar cheese. 

Alternatively, consider introducing different types of miso into other mac and cheese recipes for a truly unique take on an old-fashioned dinner. Try using spicy miso paste in a buffalo-style recipe or one that uses a pepper jack cheese to turn up the heat. A mild white miso would work with an Alfredo sauce-based macaroni and cheese or a Gouda or Brie version, whereas a touch of savory red miso could enhance recipes laden with pulled pork. Additionally, a sprinkle of yellow miso powder on top of just-baked mac and cheese could also add a perfectly subtle finishing touch of delightful umami flavor.

Miso makes an excellent accompaniment to any myriad of store-bought mac and cheese mixes or scratch-made recipes. You can also mix and match miso varieties to add into your mac and cheese, experimenting with both complementary or contrasting flavors. Ultimately, thoughtful (and careful) additions of miso in your mac will ensure an overall crave-worthy meal.