Usually, when cheese melts, the fat and proteins begin to separate, but sodium citrate “binds them together so that when they melt, they do it evenly and homogeneously,” Vaculin explains.

Sodium citrate is available on amazon.com. To make this recipe in eight 1-cup ramekins, halve the crumble and bake the mac and cheese at 375 F degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Originally appeared ...

Whisking constantly, add 2 Tbsp. sodium citrate (mixture will froth up and fill pot), then whisk in 8 oz. sharp white cheddar, coarsely grated, and 8 oz. mild, medium, or sharp yellow cheddar ...

Cheese is a tasty addition to any recipe. It's in soups, casseroles, desserts, and, of course, ... but the science behind the ideal cheese pull is a simple chemical compound called sodium citrate.

In fact, as Mr. Adams points out, the chemical formula for sodium citrate even spells out “nacho”: Na₃C₆H₅O₇. Recipe: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese.