National Mac And Cheese Day

A smiling child, wearing a chef hat, stirring macaroni in a pot of bubbling cheese sauce in a cozy kitchen.. — National mac and cheese day illustration

Bowties, elbows, shells, or spirals, it doesn't matter what shape it takes - when it's smothered in a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce, you know you're in for a treat. That's right, we're talking about the ultimate comfort food, Mac and Cheese. And not just any day... but on National Mac and Cheese Day!

When is Mac And Cheese Day?

It's national mac and cheese day on the 14th July.

Let's Talk Cheese

Believe it or not, the concept of Mac and Cheese dates back to the 13th century. Yep! When the knights were busy going on quests, the rest of us were anxiously awaiting for our pot of pasta and cheese to simmer to perfection.

Cheese Meets Pasta

The dish came to the U.S in the 19th century, and who do we have to thank for this? Thomas Jefferson! He fell in love with the versatile dish during his visits to France and Italy and had to have it back home. So, he found a way to import pasta and Parmesan for his 'macaroni pie'. And thank goodness he did.

14th of July, the Cheesiest Day of the Year

On the cheesiest day of the year, make sure to dig into your favorite version of this delicious dish - whether that's a classic cheddar style or an elevated truffle-oil version. Our research shows the peak of this celebration was on 14th July 2017 with a whopping 3668 online mentions. Talk about a cheesy internet eruption!

In Honor of the Cheese and Mac

On National Mac and Cheese Day, pay homage to this classic dish by trying to cook it from scratch or dine at your favorite comfort-food restaurant. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe, or the more gourmet renditions with lobster or bacon, use this day to treat yourself to the warm and comforting goodness that Mac and Cheese brings.

History behind the term 'Mac And Cheese'

1769

The First Record

The first recorded recipe for mac and cheese is found in a cookbook called 'The Experienced English Housekeeper' by Elizabeth Raffald. In this recipe, macaroni is mixed with butter and cheddar cheese, and then baked until golden and crispy.

1802

Jefferson's Delight

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, has been credited with popularizing mac and cheese in the United States. While visiting Europe, he encountered macaroni and cheese and brought the recipe back with him to America. Jefferson even served it at a state dinner in 1802, solidifying its place in American cuisine.

1884

Kraft Introduces Packaged Macaroni and Cheese

In 1884, Kraft Foods introduced packaged macaroni and cheese, revolutionizing the way people prepared this comfort food. The company packaged grated cheese, which could be easily mixed with cooked macaroni, making mac and cheese more accessible and convenient for households.

1937

Blue Box Phenomenon

Kraft launched the iconic blue box of macaroni and cheese dinner in 1937. This instant hit helped solidify mac and cheese as a beloved American dish. During World War II, Kraft provided boxes of macaroni and cheese to the troops, further popularizing it and establishing its position as a comfort food staple.

1970s

Homemade Gourmet Variations

In the 1970s, homemade gourmet variations of mac and cheese began to gain popularity. Chefs and home cooks started experimenting with different cheeses, adding ingredients like bacon, lobster, and truffle oil to elevate this classic dish. Mac and cheese became a canvas for culinary creativity.

21st Century

Mac and Cheese Evolution

Mac and cheese has evolved and expanded in the 21st century. It has become a favorite comfort food among people of all ages and backgrounds. Today, you can find countless variations of mac and cheese in restaurants and cookbooks, catering to different dietary preferences and flavor profiles.