Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a dish of macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar. Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, and it has since become a popular dish in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Pizza, on the other hand, is a traditional Italian dish that has become popular worldwide. Both dishes are loved for their comfort and flavour, but which is more traditional? Mac and cheese can be traced back to medieval England, while pizza's roots are firmly in Italy. While both have spread worldwide and taken on new forms, the longer history and more widespread adoption of pizza may give it a slight edge in terms of tradition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Macaroni and cheese: Medieval England; Macaroni and cheese pizza: Unknown |
| Traditional ingredients | Macaroni and cheese: Macaroni pasta, cheese sauce (usually cheddar); Macaroni and cheese pizza: Pizza crust, cheese, cooked pasta, bacon |
| Variations | Macaroni and cheese: Can be made with other cheeses, such as Gruyère, Gouda, Havarti, and Jarlsberg; can be baked in a casserole or prepared as a cheese sauce; Macaroni and cheese pizza: Can include a variety of toppings, such as pepperoni, ham, sausage, vegetables, and different types of cheese |
| Availability | Macaroni and cheese: Can be made at home or purchased from restaurants and stores in various forms, including frozen, boxed, canned, and microwavable; Macaroni and cheese pizza: Available at select restaurants, or can be made at home |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese's origins can be traced back to medieval England
Macaroni and cheese, or "mac and cheese" as it is commonly called in Canada and the United States, is a dish of macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. While it is considered an American meal, its origins can be traced back to medieval England.
The earliest recorded recipe of pasta layered with cheese is from the 14th-century Italian cookbook Liber de Coquina. Due to the widespread culinary exchange happening in courts throughout Europe at the time, an altered version of this Italian dish made its way to England under the name "Macrows". The English version used unspecified lengths of sliced pasta layered with butter and cheese. The recipe, which dates back to the 1390s, was included in Britain's earliest cookbook, Forme of Cury. It called for pasta made from breadcrumbs cooked in a velouté sauce (similar to a béchamel sauce but made with stock instead of milk) and topped with chese ruayn, a hard cheese similar in taste to brie. This early version of macaroni and cheese was likely somewhere between the macaroni cheese and lasagna of today.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, macaroni and cheese recipes began to appear in cookbooks in both England and the United States. A recipe for macaroni and cheese was included in Elizabeth Raffald's 1769 book, The Experienced English Housekeeper. Raffald's recipe is for a Béchamel sauce with cheddar cheese, a Mornay sauce in French cooking, which is mixed with macaroni, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked until bubbly and golden. In 1845, Eliza Acton's Modern Cookery in All Its Branches included a recipe for "Macaroni a la Reine", which called for ten ounces of rich, well-flavoured white cheese to be dissolved in three-quarters of a pint of good cream, along with salt, Cayenne pepper, mace, and butter. By the mid-1880s, cookbooks as far west as Kansas and Festus, Missouri, included recipes for macaroni and cheese casseroles.
In the 20th century, macaroni and cheese became a staple of American culture. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, a salesman from St. Louis, Missouri, had the idea to combine non-perishable dried pasta with dried processed cheese, creating a low-cost, mass-produced meal that quickly became known as the "American Housewife's Best Friend".
Hot Pocket Mystery: Are Four Cheese Pizzas Vegetarian?
You may want to see also
Pizza is harder to make at home than macaroni and cheese
Making pizza at home is harder than making macaroni and cheese. While both are beloved comfort foods, pizza is more challenging to prepare at home than mac and cheese due to the complexity of making pizza dough and achieving the right oven temperature.
Macaroni and cheese is a simple dish to make at home, requiring just a few basic ingredients: pasta, cheese, butter, milk, and seasonings. The pasta is boiled, drained, and then combined with shredded cheese and other ingredients to create a creamy sauce. This sauce is then baked in the oven, resulting in a comforting, cheesy dish. The recipe is versatile, allowing for different types of pasta and cheese to be used, and it can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
In contrast, making pizza at home involves a more intricate process. Preparing the dough requires precise measurements and techniques to achieve the right consistency and texture. The dough then needs to be kneaded, rested, and rolled out, demanding time and effort. Additionally, the oven temperature plays a crucial role in baking a pizza. Home ovens often struggle to reach the high temperatures needed for a crisp pizza base, resulting in a soggy or undercooked crust.
Furthermore, the variety of cheeses used in macaroni and cheese adds to its flavour and creaminess. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts better and contributes to a smoother sauce. This attention to detail is less critical in pizza-making, where the cheese is typically melted on top without the need for a smooth sauce.
Although both dishes are popular and comforting, macaroni and cheese is easier to prepare at home due to its simplicity, flexibility in ingredients, and the ability to make it in advance. Pizza, on the other hand, presents more challenges with dough preparation and oven temperatures, making it a more intricate dish to master in a home kitchen.
The Great Pizza Debate: Cheese, First or Last?
You may want to see also
Macaroni and cheese is considered a comfort food
Macaroni and cheese, also known as mac and cheese, is a dish of macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins can be traced back to cheese and pasta casseroles in medieval England. The dish was brought to Canada by British immigrants, and recipes have been found in Canada dating back to at least 1845.
Mac and cheese is considered a comfort food by many. It is often described as creamy, cheesy, and comforting. The dish is usually baked in the oven, resulting in a crispy top and a creamy, soft bottom. Some people also add butter, cream, and various spices to their mac and cheese. In the United States, it became so popular that it was first canned and sold in supermarkets in the 1930s.
The dish has continued to evolve, with some people even creating macaroni and cheese pizza by topping a pizza crust with macaroni and cheese and baking it in the oven. It has also inspired other creative recipes, such as bacon mac and cheese bites, grilled macaroni and cheese sandwiches, and mac 'n cheese balls.
Mac and cheese is a versatile and beloved dish that has spread beyond its origins in England and Canada, even if Italians may not consider it a traditional pasta dish. Its popularity may be attributed to its creamy texture, cheesy flavour, and the comfort it evokes for many who enjoy it.
Arabic Cheese Pizza: Healthy Indulgence or Diet Disaster?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pizza is considered a comfort food
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a dish of pasta and cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, and it has since become a popular dish in Canada and the United States. In the US, mac and cheese is considered a comfort food, with its creamy, cheesy goodness. It is often baked in the oven, resulting in a crispy top and a soft, creamy bottom.
Pizza, on the other hand, is a food that is widely loved and can also be considered a comfort food. Pizza is a baked flatbread typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. It is believed to have originated in Italy and has become a popular dish worldwide. Pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Both macaroni and cheese and pizza have their unique qualities and are beloved by many. They can be considered comfort foods due to their ability to evoke feelings of warmth, satisfaction, and nostalgia. Comfort foods are often associated with childhood memories, cultural traditions, or simply the pleasure of indulging in a hearty and tasty meal.
Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy cheese sauce and baked goodness, offers a sense of comfort and familiarity. It is a dish that can be easily adapted to personal preferences, with different types of cheeses, spices, and additional ingredients. The combination of carbohydrates and cheese creates a satisfying and indulgent experience.
Pizza, on the other hand, provides a different type of comfort. The act of sharing a pizza with friends or family can create a sense of community and warmth. The variety of toppings and flavors available in pizza also contributes to its appeal as a comfort food. Whether it's a classic Margherita pizza or a more adventurous combination of toppings, pizza has the ability to satisfy a range of taste preferences.
In conclusion, both macaroni and cheese and pizza can be considered comfort foods in their own right. They offer a sense of familiarity, satisfaction, and enjoyment that goes beyond just the taste buds. These dishes have a way of evoking feelings of warmth and happiness, making them beloved staples in many cultures and households.
The Art of Cheese: Perfect Pizza Topping Techniques
You may want to see also
Macaroni and cheese is available in frozen form
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a traditional dish that can be traced back to medieval England. It is a beloved comfort food for many, and its popularity has led to it being widely available in frozen form.
Indeed, mac and cheese is a convenient option for those seeking a quick meal, and it is common to find it in the freezer aisle of grocery stores. While some opt for making it from scratch, frozen mac and cheese offers a time-saving alternative without compromising on taste.
There are numerous brands offering frozen mac and cheese, each with its own unique take on this classic dish. Some popular options include Stouffer's, which is well-known and easily found in stores, and Trader Joe's, which offers a range of interesting varieties, including Hatch Green Chile, French Onion, and Pepperoni Pizza flavours.
However, not all frozen mac and cheese products are created equal. Some, like Michelina's, have been criticised for their bland taste and unappealing appearance, while others, such as Whole Foods' 365 brand, have been described as a "nightmare" due to their complicated preparation instructions.
When choosing a frozen mac and cheese, it is essential to consider the quality of the pasta and the sauce. The pasta should be al dente, and the sauce should be smooth and creamy, with a bold cheddar flavour.
Feta Cheese: Healthy, Low-Fat Pizza Topping?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The origins of macaroni and cheese trace back to cheese and pasta casseroles in medieval England. The traditional method involves baking the dish in the oven, but it can also be cooked in a sauce pan or using a packaged mix.
Pizza is thought to have originated in Naples, Italy, where the combination of flatbread with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients created a dish that has become incredibly popular worldwide.
Both dishes have a long history, but macaroni and cheese is the more traditional of the two.
