So, redditoru/itszacharyyasked: “What’s yourdirty [cooking] secretyou’ll take to your grave?”

Here’s what people said:

1.

It was just a bit of reduced heavy cream and a slice of American cheese melted with penne pasta.

A close-up view of cooked penne pasta in a pot

The baked version had sprinkled breadcrumbs over the top and briefly went into the pizza oven."

“I did the catering for a close friend’s wedding.

I admit that it was poor time management.

Two pieces of chocolate brownie in a clear plastic container, with a shiny chocolate glaze on top

At this point, I had no choice.

I used the industrial-size box of potato flakes and doctored it up.

They still talk about my magical potatoes.”

A partially filled blue pot on a stove with a fork stirring a light brown gravy or sauce

u/itszacharyy

3.

“My mom’s cousin makes great fudge every holiday season.

During the pandemic, when we were apart, I asked for the recipe.

A bowl of tomato soup garnished with chopped fresh herbs

I was stunned when she told me the recipe was on the Kraft marshmallow jar.”

“I use smoked cheese in place of bacon in my pasta.

I’m vegetarian, but my husband isn’t.

A close-up view of a glass cup filled with rich, creamy chocolate ice cream, placed on a wooden table, with a spoon dipped into the ice cream

He asks me if I’ve added bacon when all I use is smoked Gouda.”

u/FeatherMom

5.

I ignore it all.

Spoonful of chicken noodle soup with carrots and celery, held over a bowl of soup in the background

I’m not doing anything I should be doing, but they somehow keep working."

u/Accipitridaen

7.

It was always some variant of Campbell’s with some herbs and spices thrown into it.

A plate of mac and cheese with a breadcrumb topping, sitting on a wooden table beside a fork and napkin

“I make a killer banana pudding.

Its the recipe from the Nilla wafer box.”

u/birdiebirdnc

9.

Close-up of three slices of French toast on a plate, with a pat of butter on top. The toast appears golden and crispy

“I made ‘chocolate mousse’ for a work thing for my husband when we were young and broke.

It was pudding with whipped cream folded into it.

I do make the coconut frosting myself, though.”

A partially eaten slice of creamy, baked cheesecake with a crumbly crust, showcasing its smooth texture and rich layers

u/bain_de_beurre

11. u/velvthamr

13.

“Everyone raved about my grandmas mac ‘n’ cheese.

One day, she asked me if I wanted to know where she got the recipe from.

Close-up of a toasted sandwich with a creamy filling containing visible pieces of vegetables

Turns out, it was from the back of the elbow macaroni box.”

“When I make a boxed mix, I use half oil and half butter.

The oil makes a moister cake, and the butter imparts a better flavor.

A bowl of spinach and artichoke dip is placed next to a plate of tortilla chips

I also add two tablespoons of whole milk powder.

Together, it’s like MSG for sweets.”

u/polynesian_prince

15.

“I use vanilla or plain full-fat yogurt in my bathing mixture for French toast instead of milk.

It turns out perfectly every time.”

u/rsd212

17.

“My mom made cheesecake for a cookout once that everyone absolutely raved about.

When someone asked for the recipe, she told them it was a family secret.

It’s always the one from the can or the box for my stuff.

That way, once I’m dead and gone, you all can keep enjoying my food.'

That woman is a damn genius.”

u/magneticgumby

19.

“One restaurant I worked in is famous for its chicken salad.

“My catering dirty secret.

I used melted French vanillaice creamwhen plating up 80 servings of chocolate torte for a banquet.

The creme anglaise had a whoopsie when we were setting up.

u/Jillredhanded

21.

“My spinach dip is made with leek mix.

“I work at a pizza joint, and people rave about ourranch dressing.

It’s a Hidden Valley packet mixed with buttermilk and mayo.”

u/legendary_mushroom

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.