National Mac And Chesse Day

A smiling child, holding a fork and surrounded by colorful macaroni and cheese dishes, in a cozy home kitchen setting.. — National mac and chesse day illustration

Welcome to the cheesy world of National Mac and Cheese Day! Today, we celebrate one of the most beloved comfort foods that can turn any frown upside down. So grab a fork and get ready to indulge in all things mac and cheese!

When is Mac And Chesse Day?

It's national mac and chesse day on the 6th March.

The Cheesy Origins

It's time to dig into the delicious history of mac and cheese. While this delightful dish has been a comfort food staple for centuries, its true origins are a bit of a mystery. Some say it was brought to America by Thomas Jefferson, who fell in love with mac and cheese while visiting France. Others claim that mac and cheese can be traced back to Italy, where it was a favorite in the region of Lombardy. Regardless of its origins, mac and cheese has become an iconic dish that brings joy to millions of people around the world.

Cheesy Internet Celebrations

With the rise of social media, National Mac and Cheese Day has gained popularity online. People take to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share their favorite mac and cheese recipes, cheesy puns, and mouthwatering photos. From gooey cheddar to creamy Gruyère, the internet is filled with endless mac and cheese inspiration. So, if you're looking to up your mac and cheese game, the internet has got your covered!

A Cheesy Celebration for Everyone

National Mac and Cheese Day is not just about indulging in cheesy goodness, it's also a day to spend time with loved ones. Whether you're cooking up a homemade mac and cheese feast for your family or hosting a mac and cheese-themed potluck with friends, this day is all about bringing people together through a shared love of cheese. So gather your loved ones, put on some stretchy pants, and let the cheesy celebrations begin!

History behind the term 'Mac And Chesse'

1769

The Arrival of Macaroni

In 1769, Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, returned to his home in Virginia after his studies in France. During his time there, he developed a taste for macaroni, a type of pasta popular in Europe. Jefferson even brought back a pasta machine with him.

1769

The Birth of Macaroni

In 1769, the term 'mac and cheese' had yet to be coined, but the foundation for this beloved dish was laid when Thomas Jefferson, the future President of the United States, encountered macaroni during his travels through Italy. Jefferson, a fan of Italian cuisine, became enamored with macaroni and brought a pasta-making machine back to America.

1769

Inception of macaroni and cheese

Macaroni and cheese can trace its roots back to 1769 when it was mentioned in a cookbook called 'The Experienced English Housekeeper' by Elizabeth Raffald. The recipe included macaroni noodles layered with cheese and melted butter, giving it a simple yet delicious flavor.

1802

Macaroni in the White House

By 1802, macaroni had made its way to the White House. Jefferson served a macaroni pie dish at a state dinner, which gained popularity among his guests. This marked the first recorded instance of macaroni being served in America in a notable setting.

1802

Jefferson's Macaroni Recipe

In 1802, Thomas Jefferson served a macaroni dish at a state dinner at the White House. This event marked the first recorded appearance of macaroni and cheese in the United States. Jefferson's recipe, which combined macaroni, butter, and cheese, became famous. The dish gained popularity and was often served at formal dinners.

1802

Macaroni and cheese arrives in the United States

Macaroni and cheese made its way to the United States by the early 1800s. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, is said to have been responsible for popularizing this dish. After returning from a trip to France, he brought back a pasta machine and a recipe for macaroni and cheese. With his influence, mac and cheese became a beloved dish in America.

1937

Kraft introduces boxed macaroni and cheese

In 1937, Kraft Foods introduced a game-changing product that revolutionized macaroni and cheese: boxed macaroni and cheese. The company packaged grated cheese and macaroni together with a powdered cheese sauce mix, making it convenient for people to prepare this beloved dish at home. This innovation made mac and cheese even more accessible to households across the country.

1824

Eliza Leslie Introduces Macaroni and Cheese

In 1824, a cookbook author named Eliza Leslie published 'The New Cookery,' which included a recipe for macaroni and cheese. This recipe was one of the earliest written records of macaroni and cheese in American culinary literature and helped to further popularize the dish.

1824

Macaroni and Cheese as a Household Staple

During the 1820s, macaroni and cheese transitioned from being a dish only served at formal meals to a more common household staple. Recipes started to appear in cookbooks, making it accessible to a wider audience. Macaroni and cheese became a beloved comfort food, especially among children.

1993

National Macaroni and Cheese Day is established

To celebrate the ever-growing popularity of macaroni and cheese, National Macaroni and Cheese Day was established on July 14th, 1993. This special day recognizes and honors the comfort food that has become a staple in many households. People indulge in delicious variations of mac and cheese recipes, paying tribute to its rich history and cultural significance.

1937

The Advent of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

In 1937, Kraft Foods introduced a boxed version of macaroni and cheese. This instant mac and cheese became immensely popular and provided an easy way for people to enjoy the dish at home. It quickly became a household staple and remains an iconic representation of mac and cheese today.

1937

The Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Box

In 1937, Kraft Foods introduced a packaged version of macaroni and cheese. The product consisted of boxes of dried macaroni along with a processed cheese powder. This innovation made macaroni and cheese even more convenient and affordable, contributing to its widespread popularity.

1960s

Macaroni and Cheese's Pop Culture Impact

In the 1960s, macaroni and cheese became a popular dish in American households. It was often featured in TV advertisements, such as the famous slogan 'Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, the cheesiest!' This increased visibility in popular culture further solidified macaroni and cheese as an iconic comfort food.

1993

National Macaroni and Cheese Day

In 1993, National Macaroni and Cheese Day was established to celebrate this beloved comfort food. Observed annually on July 14th, this day recognizes the cultural impact and enduring popularity of mac and cheese, reminding us of the dish's rich history and continued enjoyment.

21st Century

Mac and Cheese's Culinary Evolution

In recent years, mac and cheese has undergone various culinary advancements. Chefs and home cooks experiment with different types of cheese, add-ins like bacon or truffle oil, and even use alternative pasta shapes. Mac and cheese has become a canvas for culinary creativity, while still remaining a beloved and nostalgic classic.

Did you know?

Did you know that mac and cheese is so popular in the United States that it even has its own national holiday? That's right, on National Mac and Cheese Day, people across the country come together to celebrate this deliciously cheesy dish!