Secret Sauce Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade

Mac and cheese is already the ultimate comfort food — but stir in a spoonful of Granddaddy's Secret Sauce and it becomes something you'll crave on a whole new level. Used here as a cooking sauce stirred right into the cheese base, it adds a smoky, savory depth that cuts through the richness and makes every bite more interesting. This is grown-up mac and cheese done right.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Granddaddy's Secret Sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta just until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, gruyere, mustard powder, smoked paprika, and Granddaddy's Secret Sauce until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked pasta.
6. Transfer to a buttered cast iron skillet or baking dish.
7. Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Stovetop version: Skip the oven — just fold the pasta into the cheese sauce and serve immediately for a creamy stovetop version.
Add protein: Stir in pulled chicken, crispy bacon, or smoked sausage before baking.
More sauce: Drizzle a little extra Granddaddy's Secret Sauce over the top right before serving for a beautiful finish and extra flavor.

The Secret Is in the Sauce

Granddaddy's Secret Sauce isn't just a condiment — it's a cooking ingredient that transforms dishes from the inside out. Grab a bottle for $15.92, or stock your pantry with the 2-pack ($27.99) or 3-pack ($34.99).