Here’s how to make your mac and cheese really stand out

It’d be hard to find someone who doesn’t have a fondness for mac and cheese. But when it comes to perfecting your own personalized version of this classic and always satisfying comfort food, a little expert guidance—and a few simple additions—can really make your dish shine. Fabrizio Villapando, home cook and owner of the blog Thee Moody Foody , has the scoop on this cheesy dish and shared his tips with Daily Meal on ways to amp up the flavor of your mac and cheese—which might be even easier and more intuitive than you think. As Villapando says, “just like any other dish, it’s all about the right seasoning.”

He suggests building a recipe that uses simple aromatics, spices, and other sources of flavor, citing examples like mustard, cayenne pepper, and chili oil. “Garlic and chives are also essential, in my opinion,” he adds. And while these must-have embellishments are easy to find and incorporate for major flavor, Villapando’s suggestions go beyond common inclusions, putting true creative power in the hands of a home cook for exceptional mac and cheese.

Read more: 7 Bacon Brands You Should Buy and 7 You Might Want to Avoid

Simple Spins on Classic Mac and Cheese Add-ins

The best mac and cheese recipes are adaptable and varied, and many home cooks may already have go-to additions that fit these tips. Garlic and onion or herbs (fresh or dried) fill the role of these essential aromatics, while spices like anchovy or chipotle add a smoky kick. But Fabrizio Villapando also suggests that small twists on familiar ingredients within your mac and cheese recipe will deliver a fresh, exciting result without much extra effort. He says, “Instead of adding fresh chives, you can add caramelized onions. Instead of chili flakes, add gochujang.”

This advice applies not only to these additions, but also to the base elements of your recipe. “Instead of dried pasta, maybe you can experiment with gnocchi,” says Villapando, adding, “You can even experiment by adding other liquids in addition to your usual milk,” citing examples like beer and wine, which can help create unique flavor profiles for your dish. A fun bonus is that these liquids give you “a great excuse to crack open something to enjoy while it cooks.”

Tailor Your Mac and Cheese to Your Needs

Mac and cheese is also a dish that can serve multiple roles at mealtime. It can be a complementary side to a substantial protein like barbecued brisket, an irresistible appetizer when served in ramekins (or transformed into fried mac and cheese balls), or a hearty main dish on its own.

If you want to add more flavor to your mac and cheese, Fabrizio Villapando suggests adding protein for a heartier dish. He recommends salty bacon to get the job done, but also explains that mac and cheese is a great “blank canvas.” Since the dish is home to so many flavors and textures, you can draw inspiration from whatever ingredient speaks to you. Sausage, chicken, and beef can fortify your dish, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a more plant-based version. With a little creativity and Villapando’s expert advice, you’ll have the mac and cheese of your dreams whenever the craving strikes.

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.