This One Secret Ingredient Will Transform Your Boxed Mac and Cheese

Boxed mac and cheese is a go-to for many busy families, including mine. Even before I had four kids, I turned to a box of mac and cheese whenever I needed something quick, satisfying, and comforting.

I've experimented with countless boxed mac and cheese varieties and written about the best hacks for enhancing them. But up until now, I haven't shared the ultimate secret ingredient that turns a regular box into the most unforgettable mac and cheese you've ever tasted.

What’s the Secret Ingredient That Makes Mac and Cheese Extraordinary?

The secret ingredient is fish sauce.

For those of you saying, 'Yuck,' hear me out. Think about how Caesar dressing and Worcestershire sauce are game-changers, making everything from salads to steaks taste incredible. Or how much you love pad Thai—it's all thanks to anchovies. These small fish are typically salted, cured, and then canned or turned into paste. They're the backbone of fish sauce, an essential ingredient in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, though it’s also used across other Southeast Asian dishes.

Why Does Fish Sauce Make Boxed Mac and Cheese So Delicious?

Anchovies, anchovy paste, and fish sauce are all packed with umami— that savory flavor that’s hard to define but unmistakable when you taste it. Umami-rich ingredients like tomato paste, Parmesan, soy sauce, and miso elevate any dish by adding depth and savoriness. A sprinkle of Parmesan makes bland spaghetti sing, and a dash of soy sauce transforms lackluster fried rice. When your mac and cheese needs a little extra oomph, fish sauce brings that perfect umami kick.

How Much Fish Sauce Should You Add to Your Boxed Mac and Cheese?

Don’t believe me? Next time you prepare a box of mac and cheese, add just one teaspoon of fish sauce when you mix in the cheese powder. Stir well, then add your hot noodles like usual. The fish sauce won't make your mac and cheese taste fishy—it'll simply intensify the cheesy, savory flavor, making it even better.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Fish Sauce for Vegetarians or Those with Shellfish Allergies?

For vegetarians or anyone with a shellfish allergy, try a vegan fish sauce made from seaweed and dried mushrooms to get that umami kick. Alternatively, a teaspoon of tomato paste, miso, or soy sauce can also do the trick. While they may not replicate the exact taste of fish sauce, you'll be surprised at how these umami-rich ingredients elevate your mac and cheese.