Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that people love all over the world. The creamy, cheesy pasta dish often starts with a basic recipe of macaroni, cheese, and milk or cream. From there, many people customize it by adding various ingredients to make it their own. One ingredient some people like to add to mac and cheese is mustard. But is this a tasty combination or an odd flavor fail?
Mustard is known for adding a tangy, spicy kick to sandwiches and certain dips. So some may wonder if its strong flavor would overpower the cheese in mac and cheese or create an unappealing taste. On the other hand, others may think the mustard could complement the cheese nicely and add more depth of flavor.
To determine if mustard belongs in mac and cheese, we need to look at the different types of mustard, what flavors they contribute, and how they may impact the overall dish. We’ll examine recipes that use mustard and see what mac and cheese experts have to say. After weighing the evidence, we can conclude whether mustard improves mac and cheese or ruins it.
Different Types of Mustard
Not all mustards are created equal when it comes to flavor profile and spiciness level. The most common types of mustard are:
– Yellow mustard – This is the classic bright yellow mustard many people think of for hot dogs and burgers. It has a mild flavor with little to no heat. The yellow color comes from turmeric.
– Dijon mustard – Originating in Dijon, France, this style has a smooth texture and brown color. It provides a tangy, spicy flavor with some heat. The main ingredients are brown or black mustard seeds.
– Whole grain mustard – Containing whole mustard seeds, this style has a coarse texture with moderate spicy heat. The seeds add a nice crunch.
– Honey mustard – As the name suggests, this mustard contains honey for a sweet flavor. It strikes a balance between sweet and tangy. The honey smoothes out some of the spiciness.
– Spicy brown mustard – This gets its color from additional spices like paprika. It offers a robust kick of spicy flavor.
– Beer mustard – Beer is used in the ingredient list, providing a malty, yeasty flavor. Oftentimes it is on the sweet side.
Flavor Contributions of Mustard
The main flavors and characteristics mustard can contribute to a dish include:
– Spicy – Most mustards get their signature spice from ground mustard seeds. This varies from mild to hot.
– Tangy – Mustards often have an acidic tanginess from vinegar in their recipe. This adds a bright zing.
– Savory – The blend of spices like turmeric, paprika, garlic, and onion add a general savory quality.
– Sweet – Honey mustard gets its sweetness from honey. Even mild mustards have a subtle sweetness.
– Texture – Grainy mustards provide texture from whole mustard seeds. Smooth mustards have a uniform creaminess.
– Color – Yellow mustards get their bright hue from turmeric. Dijon is known for its brown color.
– Moisture – Mustard can add a nice bit of moisture to a dry dish. The vinegar content aids in this.
So mustard is more than just yellow hot dog topping. Its flavor profile can range from sweet to spicy to tangy. The spice level, sweetness, tanginess, and texture depend on the specific type of mustard used.
Potential Benefits of Adding Mustard to Mac and Cheese
Now that we understand the taste components mustard provides, here are some of the potential benefits it can bring to mac and cheese:
– Adds flavor depth – The savoriness, tang, and subtle sweetness of mustard can enhance the overall flavor of mac and cheese. It layers on more complexity so it’s not just one-note cheesy richness.
– Accentuates other seasonings – If the mac and cheese recipe contains paprika, garlic, turmeric, or other spices, mustard can highlight those seasonings and pull the flavor profile together.
– Provides acidity to cut richness – Mac and cheese can be heavy, rich, and dense. The acidic tanginess of mustard cuts through the richness. This creates balance.
– Moistens up the dish – Some mac and cheese recipes can become dry. The moisture in mustard can help keep it nice and moist.
– Adds texture – Grainy mustards provide little bits of texture from the whole mustard seeds. This contrasts nicely with the otherwise smooth and creamy pasta.
– Contributes subtle heat – Spicy mustards bring a kick of heat that livens things up. It accents the cheese nicely.
– Provides color contrast – Bright yellow mustard stands out against the pale cheese sauce. This makes the dish more visually appealing.
Potential Drawbacks of Adding Mustard to Mac and Cheese
Using mustard in mac and cheese also comes with some potential drawbacks to consider:
– Strong flavor overpowers cheese – Mustard has a potent flavor so there’s a risk of it hogging the spotlight rather than blending with the cheese.
– Spice level too hot for kids – Spicy mustard may make a kid-friendly comfort food too fiery for little palates. Mild yellow mustard is a better option.
– Odd flavor combo – Some may feel the cheese and mustard clash instead of complementing each other.
– Moisture thins out sauce – Adding a wet ingredient like mustard could make the sauce watery rather than rich and creamy.
– Texture issues – Whole grain mustard seeds might not fully incorporate and seem odd.
– Too tangy acidity – Strong acidic tang could make the dish too sharp if you overdo the mustard.
– Unappealing color – While some may like the color contrast, others may think yellow specks look unnatural and unappealing.
Mac and Cheese Recipes with Mustard
To get a sense of how mustard works in mac and cheese, let’s examine some recipes that use it:
Dijon Mac and Cheese
– 1⁄4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp butter
– 3 tbsp flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1⁄2 tsp salt
– 1⁄4 tsp pepper
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1⁄2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
– 8 oz macaroni noodles
1. Make a roux by melting butter and mixing in flour over medium heat.
2. Slowly whisk in milk, adding Dijon mustard.
3. Add salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
4. Fold in Gruyere cheese.
5. Mix sauce with cooked macaroni noodles.
6. Top with extra Dijon mustard before serving.
The Dijon adds tangy flavor and spice that enhances the sharpness of the cheddar and Gruyere. The roux-based sauce stays creamy rather than watery. The extra Dijon drizzle on top provides even more tang.
Beer and Honey Mustard Mac
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp butter
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 2 tbsp flour
– 1 1⁄2 cups milk
– 1⁄2 cup beer
– 2 tbsp honey mustard
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
– 12 oz elbow macaroni, cooked
– 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
1. In a pot, sauté garlic in oil and butter briefly over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and beer.
3. Stir in honey mustard until combined, then add cheeses until melted.
4. Fold in cooked pasta and top with parsley.
The sweet honey mustard balances the sharpness of the cheddar. The beer lends a subtle malty flavor. The sauce clings nicely to the elbow macaroni.
Expert Opinions on Mustard Mac and Cheese
Chefs and food experts have weighed in with their thoughts on using mustard in mac and cheese:
“I like using mustard for the tangy flavor it contributes without over-spicing things. A tablespoon or two of Dijon or honey mustard is all you need. Just make sure to mix it in well so you get an even distribution of flavor.” – Ellie Krieger, Food Network host
“I think a spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard paired with equally bold cheeses like smoked gouda or extra sharp cheddar can stand up to each other. But stick to mild yellow mustard with milder cheeses so flavors don’t compete.” – Sunny Anderson, Food Network host
“Mustard can definitely work in mac and cheese, but make sure to add it a little at a time and taste as you go. You want just enough to enhance the other flavors. Too much and it’s all you’ll taste!” – Ina Garten, Food Network host
The consensus is that mustard can provide great flavor to mac and cheese, but it requires balancing so the mustard taste does not overwhelm the cheese. Mild yellow mustard or moderate amounts of Dijon are safer bets than going overboard on spicy mustard or grainier varieties.
The Verdict on Mustard in Mac and Cheese
After reviewing different types of mustard, their flavor components, how they are used in recipes, and expert opinions, what’s the final verdict on putting mustard in mac and cheese?
Here is a summary of the key considerations and recommendations when adding mustard:
– Stick to mild yellow, Dijon, or honey mustard – These let the cheese flavor still shine.
– Use about 1-2 tbsp total – This provides subtle flavor without taking over.
– Mix in thoroughly – Make sure mustard integrally combines instead of clumping.
– Consider graininess – Smooth style mustards tend to blend better than whole grain types.
– Balance tanginess – Acidity enhances but too much makes it sour.
– Complement cheese choice – Pair spicy mustard with bold cheeses only.
– Kid-friendly? – Spicy mustard may be too intense for children’s palates.
– Allow flavors to meld – Let the mac and cheese sit for a bit after adding mustard before serving.
Conclusion
While not a traditional ingredient, mustard can absolutely enhance mac and cheese when used properly. The right type of mustard in the ideal quantity can elevate the flavors of the cheese sauce. It brings desirable tanginess, spice, and texture contrast.
However, homemade mac and cheese recipes don’t require mustard. There are plenty of ways to add flavor without it. If you are looking to change up your classic mac and cheese, incorporating 1-2 tablespoons of mild or Dijon mustard is worth a try. Just avoid hot and whole grain mustards to prevent overpowering the cheese.
With a balanced hand, mustard’s savory, tangy qualities mesh well with creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. Used incorrectly, it can make mac and cheese taste off. When in doubt, leave it out. But an added spoonful of the right mustard variety can give this comfort food more zip.