Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that is beloved by people of all ages and is simple to make. It is a comfort food that rarely fails to please. National Mac and Cheese Day, which falls on July 14, is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this delicious, cheesy side dish. It is a day to honour the king of comfort foods — a chewy, gooey, baked staple of the American diet. Whether you prefer the classic boxed macaroni and cheese or a more elaborate creation, there are many ways to celebrate this special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | July 14 |
| Occurrence | Annual |
| Purpose | To indulge in and celebrate macaroni and cheese |
| Variations | Southern-baked style mac, Grilled Bacon Mac & Chee Melt, Lollipop di Macaroni, BMC Omelette |
| Restaurants | Midnight Mac and Cheeserie in Chicago, Sweet P's Barbeque in Knoxville, Tennessee, Tom & Chee in Cincinnati and Oklahoma City, Serendipity3 in New York City, B Live in Arlington, Virginia, La Devozione in Chelsea Market in New York City |
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What You'll Learn
Mac and cheese is celebrated annually on July 14
The day presents an opportunity to experiment with new flavours, additions, brands, and recipes, or to stick to the classic version of this much-loved dish. Mac and cheese is a simple dish to make, typically requiring only a few basic ingredients. However, it has endless variations, with different regions and cultures putting their unique twists on it. For example, in Hong Kong, it is common to eat macaroni and cheese for breakfast, often including ingredients such as peas, ham, mushrooms, and eggs.
The history of mac and cheese dates back centuries, with the idea of combining pasta with cheese believed to have originated in Rome as early as 160 B.C. The earliest known recipe was recorded in Northern Europe in 1769, and it was served at a state dinner by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Over time, mac and cheese has become a cultural icon, with boxed versions, such as Kraft Mac & Cheese, becoming a pantry staple in many households.
On National Mac and Cheese Day, restaurants often offer special deals or challenges related to the dish. For instance, the Midnight Mac and Cheeserie in Chicago challenges diners to eat five pounds of their house mac and cheese in under an hour, offering a free meal and a t-shirt as a reward.
Whether it's a classic baked version or a creative new twist, National Mac and Cheese Day is all about celebrating the king of comfort foods and enjoying it with family and friends.
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The history of mac and cheese
Macaroni and cheese, colloquially known as mac and cheese, is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins trace back to medieval England, where pasta and cheese were combined in casseroles. The earliest mention of pasta and cheese being used together dates back to 160 BCE, when Marcus Porcius Cato, senator of the Roman Republic, wrote about it in his treatise "De Agri Cultura".
In 1769, a recipe for macaroni and cheese was included in Elizabeth Raffald's book, "The Experienced English Housekeeper". Raffald's recipe was for a Béchamel sauce with cheddar cheese, which is known as a Mornay sauce in French cooking. This sauce was mixed with macaroni, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked until bubbly and golden. Another early recipe for macaroni and cheese appeared in the 1824 cookbook "The Virginia House-Wife", written by Mary Randolph. Randolph's recipe included just three ingredients: macaroni, cheese, and butter, layered together and baked in a hot oven. Similar recipes for macaroni and cheese appeared in cookbooks throughout the 19th century, including the 1852 "Hand-book of Useful Arts" and the 1861 "Godey's Lady's Book".
In the mid-1880s, macaroni and cheese began to lose its upper-class appeal as it became more accessible to a broader section of society. It was introduced to Canada by British immigrants and gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the American South, where it was introduced by James Hemings, an enslaved man who learned the recipe while studying culinary arts in France. Thomas Jefferson, one of the American founding fathers, brought Hemings to France and financed his culinary education. However, Jefferson is often solely credited with introducing macaroni and cheese to the United States, leaving Hemings out of the story.
Over time, macaroni and cheese became a staple in American cuisine, with various regional variations emerging. It is commonly served as a side dish at barbecues and potlucks and has been described as a "comfort food". The dish has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as Hong Kong, where it is sometimes eaten for breakfast with ingredients like peas, ham, mushrooms, and eggs.
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Mac and cheese eating challenges
Mac and cheese is a well-loved dish, with a long history, that has become a staple of the American diet. It is so popular that there is a National Mac and Cheese Day celebrated on July 14th.
To celebrate this day, many restaurants offer mac and cheese eating challenges. One such challenge is the Midnight Mac and Cheeserie in Chicago, where you can attempt to eat five pounds of mac and cheese in under an hour. If you succeed, you get a free meal and a t-shirt. Another challenge is the 8lb Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Challenge at MacCheesy's in Joplin, Missouri. Here, you must finish a 12-inch skillet filled with their deluxe mac and cheese, weighing 7lbs, along with a 20oz milkshake, in under an hour. Winners get their $55 meal for free, a t-shirt, and their name and photo on the Wall of Fame.
These challenges offer a fun and indulgent way to celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day and showcase the creativity and versatility of this beloved dish.
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Mac and cheese around the world
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce. While it is enjoyed as a comfort food worldwide, different countries have their own unique variations of the dish.
In the United States, the classic mac and cheese is made with sharp cheddar cheese, grated and melted over elbow pasta, and milk. However, there are numerous variations across the country. In the Midwest, it is often served as a hotdish, while in the Northeast, it is baked as a casserole. Down South, it is sometimes served as a spicy side dish to accompany barbecue meals.
In Canada, Kraft Dinner (KD) is a popular choice for mac and cheese, with Canadians purchasing nearly 25% of the 7 million boxes sold worldwide each week.
In the United Kingdom, mac and cheese has risen in popularity in the 21st century and can be found as a meal or side order in both fast-food and upmarket restaurants.
In Switzerland and Austria, a dish called "älplermagronen" or "herdsmen's macaroni" is served in mountain huts and chalets, as well as in homestyle restaurants, especially at Alpine ski resorts. It consists of elbow macaroni, potatoes, caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and is served with warm applesauce.
In Germany, "käsespätzle" is the German version of mac and cheese, made with cheese, caramelized onions, and Spätzle, a chewy dough made from flour, eggs, and salt.
In Egypt, traditional mac and cheese, known as "macaroni béchamel," includes ground meat baked between two layers of macaroni and covered in a béchamel sauce made with butter, flour, and milk, and cheese.
In Brazil, mac and cheese is made with requeijão, a brand of cream cheese spread, to create an especially creamy dish.
In Spain, mac and cheese takes on a unique form, with pork sausage, tomato sauce, and onion as the primary ingredients, topped with grated cheese.
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Mac and cheese recipes
Mac and cheese is a beloved dish worldwide, with many variations on the classic recipe. Here are some mouth-watering recipes to celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day, which falls on July 14.
The Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a staple comfort food. Start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente, being careful not to overcook it as it will continue to cook in the oven. For the cheese sauce, make a roux by cooking butter and flour together. Then, whisk in milk and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and add shredded medium cheddar cheese—the key to a creamier texture. Sprinkle in some paprika for colour. Layer the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a baking dish, topping it with more cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until gooey and golden.
Creative Add-Ins
While the classic recipe is delicious, you can experiment with add-ins to elevate your mac and cheese. Try tossing in some caramelised onions and prosciutto for a fancier touch. If you prefer a spicy kick, add bacon and jalapenos for a fiery southwest twist. For a heartier meal, Hong Kong-style mac and cheese includes peas, ham, mushrooms, and eggs.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese
If you're short on time or want to avoid using the oven, a stovetop version is just as tasty. Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente and prepare the cheese sauce as mentioned above. Instead of layering, simply combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce and cheese. You can sprinkle a cheese layer on top, which gets nice and crispy.
Tips for the Cheesiest Sauce
To ensure a smooth and creamy sauce, use freshly grated cheese and avoid pre-shredded varieties. Grating cheese from a block creates a richer, creamier consistency. Additionally, add an egg to the sauce for a velvety texture. Whole milk is preferred over skimmed or 2% milk for a creamier result.
So, whether you're celebrating National Mac and Cheese Day or simply craving some comfort food, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings!
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Frequently asked questions
Macaroni and Cheese Day is celebrated on July 14.
You can try a new take on a classic macaroni and cheese recipe, or visit a local restaurant that serves the dish. You can also download the Fetch shopping rewards app to earn free gift cards for macaroni and cheese brands.
Some popular macaroni and cheese recipes include the Southern-baked style mac at Sweet P's Barbeque in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Lollipop di Macaroni at La Devozione in New York City, and the Grilled Bacon Mac & Chee Melt at Tom & Chee in Cincinnati and Oklahoma City.
