Triple The Flavor Of Boxed Mac And Cheese With 2 Tablespoons Of This Popular Condiment

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It's not difficult for this cookbook author to admit that most boxed mac and cheese needs a flavor boost. When I make the dish at home for my family, I dial up the spice and umami by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of a popular, crunchy Chinese condiment: chili crisp. Typically made with dried chili flakes, fried garlic, spices, Sichuan peppercorns, roasted peanuts, and MSG or mushroom powder, all sizzled in hot neutral oil, chili crisp is nothing but flavor-packed. When you stir it into boxed mac and cheese, you not only make it more flavorful — you add a crispy, crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the pasta and creamy cheese. 

The flavors of mac and cheese and chili crisp also play off each other. Savory flavor deepens the cheese's natural umami, while the cheese mellows the heat from the chili crisp. At the same time, that heat and umami cut through the richness of the cheese sauce, so the dish feels lighter rather than heavier. Stirring 2 tablespoons per box of mac and cheese into the saucepan or pot is a great place to start, but give the dish a taste as you go. If you find you can take even more heat and flavor, drizzle more chili crisp over the mac and cheese before serving. You can also leave the chili crisp jar out on the dining table for you and your guests to use as needed.

When you add chili crisp to boxed mac and cheese, note that it will significantly change the look of your dish. The cheese sauce will no longer be white or yellow, but orangey or reddish. The crunchy bits in the chili crisp will also be speckled throughout the pasta, and your dish will be a little oily. While I love to make my own chili crisp, and I even have a recipe for it in my second cookbook, "Modern Asian Kitchen," using a store-bought version works just as well. 

There's a lot of preparation involved in making your own chili crisp, so I won't judge you if you buy it from the supermarket. If you're not sure which jar to grab, Tasting Table has reviewed and ranked 15 popular chili crisp brands to help you find your new favorite pantry staple. My go-to brand has always been Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp, as the label on the jar is iconic and the flavor is deep, while the texture is satisfyingly crunchy.