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Glam Journal

What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?

Author

Elijah King

Updated on April 02, 2026

What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?

Best Cheeses to Use in Mac and Cheese

  1. Cheddar. Cheddar is a staple for countless recipes.
  2. Parmesan. Parmesan is a salty cheese with complex flavors.
  3. Gruyere. Update your mac and cheese recipes to something more mature with Gruyere.
  4. Brie.
  5. Smoked Gouda.
  6. Monterey Jack.
  7. Fontina.

Should I add mustard to mac and cheese?

It’s—wait for it—mustard. While you don’t get a strong mustardy taste, the acidity cuts the sometimes overwhelming creaminess of mac and cheese and rounds out its flavor. It also adds a slight tanginess that we’re not mad about. And with that, everyone’s favorite comfort food just got a whole lot more comforting.

What is the best seasoning for mac and cheese?

Basic spices that you may already have in your pantry that would work well include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, chili, onion, and garlic powder. If you’re willing to take a trip to the store, spices like cumin, curry powder, dry mustard, and paprika are all wonderful additions.

How does Paula Deen make mac and cheese?

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, *Not a pound*
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened or melted. Equal to 1/2 stick.
  3. 1 cup half-and-half.
  4. 4 large eggs.
  5. 1/2 cup sour cream.
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  7. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional.
  8. Freshly ground black pepper.

What cheese melts the best for mac and cheese?

Gruyere is a classic addition because it melts much like Cheddar, but has a lovely nutty flavor. Other classics include Gouda, Muenster, Parmesan, fontina, Havarti and Monterey Jack. Brie works well too, just make sure you remove the rind before mixing it in.

What can I substitute for mustard in mac and cheese?

1. Dijon mustard. The best substitute for dry mustard is prepared Dijon mustard! Use 1 teaspoon dry mustard = 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.

How do you get the mustard taste out of macaroni and cheese?

Mustard brings spice, salt and acid. Sweet balances those flavors. Or add freshness with minced parsley to balance it. Depending on the nature of the sauce, you could add a bit of honey or dilute the mustardy sauce with apple juice or apple sauce and cook it down.

Should you put eggs in mac and cheese?

Step 5: Temper egg yolks into the sauce (definitely optional). OK, this sounds hard, but it’s not. Adding egg to the sauce will make it delicious, but you can’t just throw a whisked egg yolk into a hot sauce or it will scramble. So you have to temper it.