Balance the Richness

• When you balance the richness of macaroni and cheese with ingredients that have acidic or bitter overtones, the whole dish tastes better. Enliven your mac and cheese before you put it into the oven with ingredients such as lemon zest, roasted bell peppers, tomatoes or olives, or herbs and spices like dried oregano or thyme. Add fresh and zesty ingredients, such as chopped basil, cilantro or parsley, after the dish comes out of the oven.

More Cheese for More Flavor

• If you only use one sort of cheese in your dish, you'll be surprised at the zesty flavor you get from adding one or more additional kinds. Particularly flavorful and intense-tasting cheeses to add in small quantities include good quality blue or Parmesan cheese, tangy goat or feta cheese, a flavorful Swiss cheese such as Gruyere or a spicy pepper Jack cheese. Substitute up to 1/2 cup of these strongly-flavored cheeses for your normal cheese.

Ingredients With a Kick

• Heat, either in large or small amounts, breathes new life into your everyday macaroni and cheese. Choose mild peppers, such as pickled pepperoncinis, or medium, such as poblanos; if you're feeling brave, add very hot chilies, such as jalapenos. Spices with heat include cayenne or chili powder, smoked paprika or red pepper flakes. Or, add a few dashes of any hot sauce or a tablespoon of pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for spice plus smokiness.

Adding Excitement

• Exotic or extravagant ingredients add flavor and interest to run-of-the-mill macaroni and cheese. For an elegant twist, add chunks of lobster or crab and a splash of brandy. For a Southern-style dish, add some grated onion and flavorful ham. Or deconstruct your favorite ethnic cuisine and add its ingredients to the mac and cheese. For instance, add baby shrimp, fish sauce, lemongrass and a splash of coconut milk for a Southeast Asian-inspired dish.