Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish made by covering macaroni with a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. It can also be made by layering slices of cheese and pasta and then baking them in a casserole. The dish is commonly referred to as mac and cheese and is known as macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom. But do you capitalize macaroni and cheese when writing it out? The answer depends on the style guide you follow and whether the dish's name is derived from a proper noun.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Capitalization | Not capitalized as it is not a proper noun. However, some sources suggest that food terms derived from proper names should be capitalized. |
| Alternative Names | Mac and cheese, macaroni pie (in Scotland), macaroni cheese (in the United Kingdom), KD (in Canada), Kraft Dinner |
| Ingredients | Macaroni, cheese (usually cheddar), butter, evaporated milk |
| Origin | Medieval England |
| Preparation | Baked in the oven or prepared in a saucepan on the stove |
| Variations | Deep-fried macaroni and cheese, macaroni pie |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese is not a proper noun
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that originated from medieval England and has since become a popular meal worldwide. While it may be tempting to capitalize the dish's name, it is important to understand that "macaroni and cheese" is not a proper noun. Proper nouns refer to specific names of people, places, or things and are generally capitalized. However, in the context of the dish, "macaroni and cheese" is a common noun that does not require capitalization.
The dish, "macaroni and cheese," is a combination of two types of ingredients: macaroni, which is a type of pasta, and cheese, which can vary in type but is commonly cheddar. While "macaroni and cheese" as a dish is not capitalized, it is worth noting that specific types of cheese, when used as adjectives, may be capitalized. For example, "Cheddar" in "Cheddar cheese" is often capitalized because it refers to a specific type of cheese that originated from the village of Cheddar in England. Similarly, "Parmesan" in "Parmesan cheese" is capitalized as it originates from the northern provinces of Parma in Italy.
However, when used in a broader sense, these cheese names can be written in lowercase. For instance, "Swiss cheese" is not capitalized when referring to cheese from Switzerland, and "brie," "Dutch oven," and "brussels sprouts" are also commonly written in lowercase despite their geographical associations. This inconsistency in capitalization practices is not limited to food items but also extends to other areas. For example, "napoleon," the pastry named after the city of Naples, is often written in lowercase, while "Baked Alaska" is sometimes capitalized, even though the origin of the term is unclear.
The capitalization of food names, especially those derived from proper nouns, can vary across different style guides and dictionaries. The Chicago Manual of Style, for instance, recommends lowercasing proper names when used with a nonliteral meaning. This aligns with the practice of lowercasing generic nouns in dishes, such as "salad" or "fries." On the other hand, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary includes entries for "Waldorf salad" and "Caesar salad" with capitalizations. Ultimately, there is no definitive right or wrong answer when it comes to capitalizing "macaroni and cheese." It is a stylistic choice, and consistency in one's writing is more important than adhering to a particular rule.
In conclusion, while "macaroni and cheese" may seem like a proper noun due to its specific combination of ingredients, it is not capitalized in standard English usage. The dish's name is a combination of common nouns, "macaroni" and "cheese," neither of which requires capitalization. However, it is worth noting that specific types of cheese, when used as adjectives, may be capitalized to indicate their unique origins. The capitalization of food names can vary across different style guides, and consistency in one's chosen style is more important than a universal rule.
Culver's Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Menu Addition
You may want to see also
Capitalising food terms derived from proper names
When it comes to capitalising food terms derived from proper names, there is no definitive rule, and different style guides offer conflicting advice. The Chicago Manual of Style, for instance, suggests that "personal, national, or geographical names, and words derived from such names, are often lowercased when used with a nonliteral meaning." This means that terms like "Swiss cheese" (not made in Switzerland), "Dutch oven", and "French fries" would be written with a lowercase initial letter.
However, other dictionaries and usage guides disagree. For example, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary includes entries for "Waldorf salad" and "Caesar salad", with capitalised first words. The New York Times style guide also recommends capitalising "Bavarian cream" and always capitalising "French" in food names like "French fries" and "French dressing".
The Grammarphobia Blog suggests that the best approach is to pick one style and be consistent: either always capitalise food terms derived from proper names, or lowercase them when there's no longer a literal connection. Ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer, and it's a stylistic choice.
To apply this to the example of "macaroni and cheese", while "macaroni" and "cheese" are not derived from proper names, one might consider whether to capitalise variations of the dish that are named after places, such as "Scottish macaroni and cheese". Following the suggested approaches above, this could be styled as either "Scottish macaroni and cheese" or "scottish macaroni and cheese".
Mac and Cheese: Bake Covered or Uncovered?
You may want to see also
Macaroni and cheese in the United Kingdom
Macaroni and cheese, also known as mac and cheese or macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom, is a popular dish with a rich history. The dish consists of macaroni pasta covered in a cheese sauce, typically made with cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection. While the exact origins of the dish are unclear, it is believed to have evolved from cheese and pasta casseroles in medieval England.
One of the earliest known recipes for macaroni and cheese can be found in Elizabeth Raffald's 1769 book, "The Experienced English Housekeeper." Raffald's recipe includes a Béchamel sauce, also known as a Mornay sauce in French cooking, which is mixed with macaroni, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. In the 19th century, a similar recipe was included in "Modern Cookery in All Its Branches" by Eliza Acton, which called for dissolving white cheese in cream and seasoning it with salt, Cayenne pepper, mace, and butter.
Over time, macaroni and cheese became a popular dish in the United Kingdom, with recipes appearing in cookbooks across the country. It is believed that British immigrants brought the dish to Canada, where it gained even more popularity. In the 21st century, macaroni and cheese has become a staple in the United Kingdom, widely available as a meal or side dish in both fast food outlets and upmarket restaurants.
The dish is often customised with additional ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. For example, vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, leeks, carrots, or tomatoes can be added on top or mixed into the sauce. Breadcrumbs, bacon, or prosciutto can also be sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture and indulgent flavour.
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and salads, although it is rich enough to be served on its own. The dish has become a comfort food for many, and its popularity extends beyond the United Kingdom, with regional variations appearing in different parts of the world.
Mac and Cheese: A Surprising Source of Protein?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Macaroni and cheese in Canada
Macaroni and cheese, or "mac and cheese", is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. The dish was brought to Canada by British immigrants, coming from other parts of the British Empire.
Macaroni and cheese recipes have been recorded in Canada since at least 1845, with the earliest recipes suggesting a puff pastry lining, a sauce of cream, egg yolks, mace, and mustard, and grated Parmesan or Cheshire cheese on top. Canadian Cheddar cheese was also becoming popular at this time and was likely used in macaroni and cheese recipes.
Today, macaroni and cheese is very popular in Canada, with Kraft Dinner being the most popular brand of packaged macaroni and cheese. Some have even considered it to be Canada's national dish, ahead of poutine.
There are many variations of macaroni and cheese recipes in Canada, with some recipes including whole wheat pasta or pasta made with vegetables. Other recipes suggest adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the dish. One recipe includes a sauce made with milk, flour, mustard, pepper, nutmeg, and a combination of Gruyère and Canadian Cheddar cheeses. This sauce is then mixed with the pasta and baked in a casserole dish until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden.
When it comes to capitalizing the dish's name, there is no definitive rule. Macaroni and cheese are generic nouns and would typically be lowercased. However, some style guides suggest capitalizing food terms derived from proper nouns, while others recommend lowercase when there is no longer a literal connection. Ultimately, it is a stylistic choice, and there is no right or wrong answer.
Mac and Cheese: Should You Add Eggs?
You may want to see also
Macaroni and cheese in the United States
Macaroni and cheese, colloquially known as "mac and cheese", is a popular dish in the United States. It consists of macaroni pasta covered in a cheese sauce, most commonly a cheddar sauce. The dish is often baked in the oven and can be made using a packaged mix. While its roots can be traced back to Italy, with the earliest known recipe found in a 13th-century Italian cookbook, mac and cheese has become a staple comfort food in the US.
The history of mac and cheese in the United States is believed to be linked to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Jefferson is thought to have been interested in extruded pasta and is known to have served "a pie called macaroni" at a state dinner in 1802. However, it was likely his enslaved Black chef, James Hemings, who perfected the recipe for macaroni and cheese. Hemings had learned French cooking techniques while in Europe with Jefferson and put his own spin on the dish upon returning to the United States. He taught the recipe to his brother, Peter Hemings, who later served mac and cheese at a state dinner hosted by Jefferson, introducing the dish to America's elite.
The popularity of mac and cheese in the US can also be attributed to the industrialization of cheese production. The first cheese factory in the US was built in 1851, making cheddar one of the first foods affected by the Industrial Revolution. This made cheese more accessible and affordable, aligning with the American food system's longstanding quest for the "cheapest protein possible". Additionally, the advent of processed cheese led to innovations such as powdered sauce for boxed mac and cheese, further contributing to the convenience and popularity of the dish.
Today, mac and cheese is widely available in the United States in various forms, including frozen, boxed, canned, and microwavable options. Recognizable brands such as Kraft Foods offer prepared and frozen mac and cheese, while "macaroni and cheese loaf", a deli meat containing macaroni and processed cheese bits, can also be found in some stores. The dish is often served as a side order in both fast food and upmarket restaurants, showcasing its versatility and enduring popularity in American cuisine.
Beanie-Weenies and Macaroni: A Tasty Combo?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't. Macaroni and cheese are not proper nouns, so they are not capitalized in a sentence.
Macaroni and cheese are generic nouns. The generic noun in a dish, such as "salad" or "fries," is usually lowercase.
In that case, you would still generally keep macaroni and cheese lowercase. However, some style guides may recommend capitalizing brand names incorporated into everyday usage, such as Kleenex.
Whether to capitalize the type of cheese can depend on its etymology. If the cheese is named after a place or brand, it may be capitalized, like Parmesan or Kentucky bourbon. However, usage isn't always consistent, and some cheeses, like Swiss cheese, are often left lowercase even though they originate from a place.
