Mac and Cheese With Mayo Is the Food Hack You Need to Know (2024)

Mac and cheese with mayo? It may not sound appetizing at first, but we guarantee it’ll give your dish a tangy creaminess that perfectly cuts through savory cheeses for a balanced bite. Even your friends and family who detest mayo will be going back for seconds — and thirds.

Pasta and cheese is such a classic combination that we bet you already have a family recipe that’s been passed down from generation. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But one bite of mac and cheese with mayo may be enough to convince you that it’s time to change things up.

The reason mac and cheese with mayo works is because the acid in mayo prevents the dish from ever being too cheesy. Yes, “too cheesy” is a thing, hear us out. Every time you take a bite of your steaming hot mac and cheese, you want to enjoy the delicate mix of flavors. When one note overpowers the others, your bites eventually begin to taste the same. Adding a dollop of mayo to your sauce adds a tasty layer to the dish and prevents the cheese from cancelling out all the other ingredients.

“Don’t knock it till you try it. Everyone I make it for loves it and [is] surprised when I tell them my secret is mayo,” Sheila M. wrote.

Finding the best mac and cheese with mayo recipe all comes down to experimenting, but a ratio of one cup of mayo for every eight ounces of pasta is a good place to start. Some recipes recommend adding sour cream to the mix; if you try this flavor combination, you will need to reduce the amount of mayo to prevent the dish from tasting too sour.

We don’t recommend telling revealing the secret ingredient until after everyone’s taken a bite. This way, even the most staunchly anti-mayo eater will give the dish a chance before giving their opinion. (We have a feeling they’re going to love it!)

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Mac and Cheese With Mayo Is the Food Hack You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

Why do people put mayonnaise in mac and cheese? ›

Mayo Is the Secret to the Creamiest Mac and Cheese Ever

It may not sound appetizing at first, but we guarantee it'll give your dish a tangy creaminess that perfectly cuts through savory cheeses for a balanced bite.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of butter in mac and cheese? ›

Any potato dishes that use butter, like baked or mashed potatoes, also benefit from mayo if that's all you have in the fridge. Other dishes where the ingredient swap works are scrambled eggs, roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, and even corn on the cob.

Is mayonnaise a good substitute for milk in mac and cheese? ›

If you're really in a pinch, try adding around 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (I highly recommend Duke's or Kewpie) and whisking it in. You may want to add a bit more salt or cheddar cheese or even some parmesan cheese to cover up the distinctive taste of mayonnaise. Don't knock it until you try it!

Can you eat macaroni with mayonnaise? ›

If you like pasta and mayo, there are no reasons why you shouldn't eat it. It's non-traditional and many would find it unpleasant to even consider. That said, if you enjoy it, go ahead and eat it. There are no Pasta Police to issue a fine, arrest you, or try to stop you.

Why put ground mustard in mac and cheese? ›

Mustard Powder: The secret ingredient you should always add to your Mac and cheese. The acidity in the mustard helps cut through the fat. You can find it in the spice section of any major grocery store. Otherwise, swap it for 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard to taste or omit it.

Is mayo good in Kraft mac and cheese? ›

While some folks use mayonnaise as a substitute for the milk and butter boxed mac and cheese calls for, the condiment also works as a supplement in addition to the traditional recipe. When mixed into macaroni and cheese, mayonnaise creates a rich and velvety texture that complements its rich flavor.

Is it okay to not use butter in mac and cheese? ›

Using olive oil instead of butter in mac and cheese is a simple and healthy way to enjoy this classic dish. By choosing the right type of olive oil, making a roux, and adding flavor and toppings, you can create a creamy and delicious mac and cheese that's lower in saturated fat and calories.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of cheese? ›

7 Recipes to Make With Mayonnaise Instead of Cream Cheese. The two are similar in texture and flavor: both are creamy and thick, easy to spread, and slightly tangy. Lady's Choice Real Mayonnaise also has a mild sweetness that Pinoys love, so it's the go-to for local faves like macaroni salad.

How to thicken mac and cheese? ›

4 Methods for Thickening Mac and Cheese
  1. Reduce the liquid. Simmer the cheese sauce on the stovetop on low heat. ...
  2. Add more cheese. You can thicken mac and cheese by simply adding more grated cheese to the cheese sauce. ...
  3. Use cornstarch or all-purpose flour. ...
  4. Mix in an egg yolk.
Jan 24, 2022

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Use whole milk for the richest flavor and texture. Cheese: This baked mac and cheese recipe calls for Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Seasonings: Salt and pepper goes into the sauce, while paprika is sprinkled over the topping.

Can you use half and half in mac and cheese? ›

In a large bowl, grate each block of cheese to the measurement in which the ingredients reflect, and put aside to use later. In a separate pot, heat up the salted butter over medium heat until melted. Then add Byrne Dairy Aseptic Half and Half, plus each of the listed seasonings and mix.

When should you not eat mayo? ›

Avoid mayonnaise that has mold growing on it. You can also tell it has spoiled if it is yellow or brown in color. Even if your mayo looks okay, check for any acidic, sour, or bitter tastes and smells to be sure it has not gone bad. Unopened mayonnaise is likely to last for up to three months after its "best by" date.

Is it OK to cook with mayonnaise? ›

Because mayonnaise is a mixture of eggs and oil, it offers great fat to any dish. That comes in handy when you're hoping to cook flavorful, moist chicken. Chicken can be coated in mayonnaise before baking to seal in moisture.

What do people add to their mac and cheese? ›

Here are a few of my favorite ways to upgrade boxed mac and cheese in three ingredients or fewer:
  • Broccoli + Shredded Chicken. ...
  • Bacon + Peas + Egg. ...
  • Garlic + Pickled Jalapeños. ...
  • Mushrooms + Thyme + Grated Gruyère. ...
  • Pesto + Sun-Dried Tomatoes. ...
  • Kimchi + Bacon + Chopped Scallions. ...
  • Cherry Tomatoes + Basil + Mozzarella.

Why do people cook with mayonnaise? ›

"The fats in mayonnaise help to lock in moisture during cooking, and its protein browns quickly, resulting in a succulent final product with a nice crust.

What is the purpose of mayonnaise? ›

Mayonnaise (/ˌmeɪəˈneɪz/), colloquially referred to as "mayo" (/ˈmeɪoʊ/), is a thick, cold, and creamy sauce commonly used on sandwiches, hamburgers, composed salads, and French fries. It also forms the base for various other sauces, such as tartar sauce, fry sauce, remoulade, salsa golf, ranch dressing, and rouille.

Does mayonnaise taste good with cheese? ›

Finally, it's a matter of taste: Sometimes, butter's richness feels a little too heavy and can overpower the cheese. Mayonnaise's light, tangy flavor means your tastebuds can fully appreciate the flavors of your cheese and bread choices.

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