“It’ll Taste Incredible, Yet No One Will Figure Out Why”: 33 Brilliant Cooking Tricks That Depend on One Secret Ingredient

Cooking is a passion of mine, and I’m always on the lookout for new kitchen tips and tricks. While some fade from memory, others leave a lasting impression, making me think, Wow, I need to try that. I scoured the r/cooking subreddit and comments from the Mytour Community to gather a list of small yet astonishing cooking hacks that truly amazed me.

1. "I mix pureed or grated carrots into my tomato sauce. It perfectly balances the acidity without needing extra sugar. People always compliment my pasta sauce."

2. "I sprinkle Kraft Macaroni & Cheese seasoning on my popcorn. It’s absolutely transformative."

3. "When baking cookies from a pre-packaged mix (like Tollhouse), swap your regular butter for Kerrygold. The salted Irish butter has a unique quality that elevates your cookies to a whole new level."

4. "I sprinkle a tiny bit of salt into my hot chocolate, and everyone loves it. It’s just hot cocoa mix, milk, and salt. The salt doesn’t make it taste salty—instead, it enhances the chocolate flavor in a surprising way."

5. "The key to an amazing tomato sauce is butter. Add a generous amount of butter to your red sauce and let it simmer. The flavor will improve dramatically, but no one will figure out your secret ingredient."

6. "A small amount of horseradish in your mashed potatoes—especially garlic mashed potatoes—can be transformative. It adds a depth of flavor without being overwhelming or too noticeable."

7. "For a budget-friendly yet mind-blowing meal, mix instant beef-flavored ramen with peanut butter and sriracha. The result is a creamy, savory, spicy, and slightly sweet dish that’s absolutely heavenly."

8. "Instead of butter, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and sprinkle garlic salt on the outside of your bread for grilled cheese. This creates an unbelievably delicious sandwich."

9. "Whenever a recipe requires water, I substitute it with chicken broth. This simple swap adds richness, depth, and complexity to almost any dish."

10. "A splash of soy sauce in your tuna or chicken salad adds a delightful salty tang. I learned this trick while working at Jimmy John's, and I’ve been using it for a decade—it’s impossible to go back to the old way."

11. "I replace half the sugar in boxed cookie, cake, or cupcake mixes with a packet of Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding powder. This keeps baked goods incredibly soft and moist for days."

12. "While overripe bananas are commonly used for banana bread, I’ve discovered a great trick. Freeze the overripe bananas first, then thaw them before baking. Freezing seems to enhance their natural sweetness."

13. "Add a cracked egg to your mashed potatoes just before they’re done. Forget cream and butter—the key to ultra-creamy mashed potatoes is mixing in an egg. (If it works for pasta carbonara, why not here?) The heat from the potatoes cooks the egg, making it safe to eat while adding a rich, luxurious texture."

14. "To keep mac 'n' cheese creamy even after refrigeration, mix in some cream cheese while preparing the sauce. The cream cheese is undetectable in taste, but it ensures the sauce remains smooth and thick instead of being absorbed by the pasta."

15. "Cook grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous in chicken, beef, or vegetable broth instead of water. This simple swap infuses them with much more flavor."

16. "Mix a small amount of mayonnaise into your beaten eggs before scrambling or using them in an omelet or quiche. This adds volume and creates a light, fluffy texture."

17. "A pinch of baking soda added to grits or polenta reduces the cooking time by half. It’s my go-to trick for saving time during dinner prep."

18. "Swap some of the liquid in your waffle batter with seltzer or a carbonated drink like ginger ale. This creates the lightest, fluffiest waffles you’ve ever tasted."

19. "Add an ice cube to any leftover food you’re reheating in the microwave. The ice creates steam, adding moisture without melting. This works especially well for rice."

20. "If you’re out of bread crumbs and need a quick substitute, toast a slice of bread and grate it into fine crumbs."

21. "Creating flavored butter is incredibly simple and instantly elevates any dish. Soften a pat of butter and mix in ingredients like herbs, garlic, or chili pepper. Shape it into a cylinder using waxed paper, roll it up, and freeze. When needed, slice off a portion with a warm knife. I always keep five different flavored butters in my freezer."

22. "Spread a layer of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise over fish fillets like salmon before baking. This keeps the fish moist and prevents it from drying out in the oven."

23. "Store leftover bacon grease and use it to sauté onions or as a substitute for olive oil or butter in dishes that could benefit from an extra flavor kick."

24. "For a flavor upgrade, fry your eggs in a tablespoon of pesto instead of olive oil."

25. "The secret to unforgettable mashed potato gravy: the seasoning packet from instant ramen. I prepare my gravy with butter, flour, water, and a packet of beef or chicken ramen seasoning."

26. "I add extra egg yolks to my scrambled eggs for a richer, more luxurious texture. For instance, when cooking for two, I use four whole eggs plus two additional yolks."

27. "When preparing ground taco meat, I add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. This infuses the meat with a smoky, spicy flavor that takes it to the next level."

28. "A culinary school tip I now swear by: if a savory dish feels like it’s missing something but you’re unsure what, add a bit of mustard. Yellow or Dijon mustard works like magic every time."

29. "A touch of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can enhance almost any savory dish—stews, soups, sauces, salad dressings, chilis, and marinades. It balances sour, acidic, or bitter flavors and adds a layer of richness."

30. "I always mix a spoonful of sour cream into my boxed mac 'n' cheese when adding the milk and cheese packet. It makes the dish creamier and incredibly rich."

31. "I once worked at a high-end restaurant famous for its cheesecake. The secret? A blend of cream cheese and marshmallow fluff set in a graham cracker crust."

32. "Grate a small amount of butter using a cheese grater or microplane and sprinkle it over leftovers before reheating them in the microwave. This adds just the right amount of moisture and flavor without making the dish soggy."

33. "If your homemade sauces or soups turn out too thin, use instant mashed potatoes as a thickener. I always keep a box on hand for quick fixes—it’s a lifesaver when you’ve added too much liquid."