Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a dish of English origin that has become popular worldwide. The earliest known recipe for the dish was included in Elizabeth Raffald's 1769 book The Experienced English Housekeeper. The recipe, which is for a béchamel sauce with cheddar cheese, is similar to a Mornay sauce in French cooking. Macaroni and cheese was also brought to Canada by British immigrants, and it has been suggested that Thomas Jefferson brought the recipe to the United States after his time in France.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Medieval England |
| Traditional Preparation | Baked in the oven |
| Common Cheeses Used | Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, Blue Stilton, Emmental, Appenzeller |
| Common Accompaniments | Breadcrumbs, Bacon, Apple Sauce |
| Popularity | Widespread in the United Kingdom in the 21st century |
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What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese's origins
Macaroni and cheese, or 'mac and cheese', is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins are thought to trace back to medieval England, with some sources claiming it was first mentioned in The Forme of Cury, a cookbook dating back to 1390. The book contains a recipe for a cheese and pasta casserole known as 'makerouns', which is thought to be the earliest version of macaroni and cheese.
In 1769, a recipe for macaroni and cheese was included in Elizabeth Raffald's book, 'The Experienced English Housekeeper'. Raffald's recipe is for a Béchamel sauce with cheddar cheese, which is mixed with macaroni, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked until golden. Another early recipe for macaroni and cheese can be found in Mary Randolph's 1824 cookbook, 'The Virginia House-Wife'. Randolph's recipe consists of three ingredients: macaroni, cheese, and butter, layered together and baked in a hot oven.
In the 19th century, macaroni and cheese recipes began to appear in cookbooks across England and the United States, with the dish undergoing a cultural transition. By the mid-1880s, cookbooks as far west as Kansas and Missouri included recipes for macaroni and cheese casseroles. One theory suggests that macaroni and cheese was brought to the United States by Thomas Jefferson, who developed a taste for extruded pasta during his time in France. Jefferson's enslaved cook, James Hemings, is said to have introduced the dish to elite families in the American South. However, others claim that macaroni and cheese was already present in English culture before Jefferson brought it to America.
In the 20th century, macaroni and cheese became even more popular, with packaged mixes becoming available in the mid-1900s. The first boxed macaroni and cheese was created by a salesman in St. Louis, Missouri, named Grant Leslie, who attached processed cheese produced by Kraft Foods to boxes of pasta. Kraft hired Leslie and began producing Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in 1937, which became an immediate success in the US and Canada. Today, macaroni and cheese remains a popular dish in both countries, with various regional variations, and has spread worldwide.
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Variations in the UK
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, where pasta and parmesan casseroles were common.
In the United Kingdom, macaroni and cheese can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, red Leicester, mature Lancashire, Parmesan, Gruyere, and blue Stilton. The dish is often baked in the oven but can also be prepared on the stove, sometimes using a packaged mix.
In Scotland, macaroni and cheese is commonly found in pies, known as macaroni pies. These pies are made by baking macaroni and cheese in pastry. Macaroni pies can also be battered and deep-fried, a novelty presentation that can be found at fairs and food carts.
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, sprinkled with Parmesan and baked until golden. Another early recipe for macaroni and cheese can be found in Eliza Acton's 1845 book, 'Modern Cookery for Private Families'. This recipe calls for "any rich, well-flavoured white cheese" to be dissolved in cream, with the addition of salt, Cayenne pepper, mace, and butter.
In the 21st century, macaroni and cheese has risen in popularity in the United Kingdom, becoming widespread as a meal and as a side dish in both fast food and upmarket restaurants.
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Macaroni and cheese in Scotland
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins trace back to medieval England, and it is considered a British dish. In the 19th century, thousands of Italians migrated to Scotland, bringing with them their culinary traditions, including pasta and cheese dishes. As a result, macaroni and cheese became popular in Scotland, and it remains a well-loved dish today.
In Scotland, macaroni and cheese is often prepared in a variety of ways, reflecting the creativity and versatility of this comfort food. One unique way that macaroni and cheese is enjoyed in Scotland is in the form of a pie, known as a macaroni pie. This dish combines the creamy cheesiness of macaroni and cheese with the flakiness of pastry, creating a delicious and indulgent treat. The pie can be found in many bakeries and fish and chip shops throughout Scotland, and it has become a beloved staple in the Scottish culinary landscape.
Traditional recipes for macaroni and cheese usually involve baking the dish in the oven, resulting in a bubbly, golden masterpiece. However, it can also be prepared on the stovetop in a saucepan or with a packaged mix. The cheese sauce, often a béchamel or Mornay sauce, is key to the dish's appeal, and various cheeses can be used to create different flavours, including cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, and blue Stilton.
In Scotland, the dish has evolved to include additional ingredients that enhance its flavour and texture. For example, some recipes call for the addition of mustard, which adds a tangy kick to the creamy sauce. Others might include bacon or ham, providing a savoury contrast to the rich cheese sauce. Still, others might experiment with different types of pasta shapes or incorporate breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Macaroni and cheese has become so ingrained in Scottish culture that it has inspired creative variations, such as deep-fried macaroni and cheese balls found at fairs and food carts. This playful take on the classic dish showcases the Scottish love for fried foods and comfort food. The versatility of macaroni and cheese knows no bounds, and it continues to be a staple in Scottish homes, restaurants, and street food offerings alike.
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Popularity in Canada
Macaroni and cheese, or "mac and cheese", is believed to have originated in England, with the earliest known recipe for the dish appearing in Elizabeth Raffald's 1769 book, "The Experienced English Housekeeper". The dish was brought to Canada by British immigrants, and it has since become a popular dish in Canadian cuisine.
In Canada, macaroni and cheese is often associated with comfort food and is considered a staple dish by many. It is commonly prepared using a packaged mix, with Kraft Dinner (KD) being the most popular brand. Canadians purchase nearly 25% of the 7 million boxes of Kraft Dinner sold worldwide each week, and it has been argued that the dish is Canada's national dish, surpassing even poutine.
The popularity of macaroni and cheese in Canada can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-prepare meal, making it accessible to a wide range of people. Additionally, the dish is versatile and can be customised with different types of cheese, vegetables, and meats to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Macaroni and cheese has become ingrained in Canadian culture, with many Canadians having fond memories of eating Kraft Dinner as a childhood treat. The dish is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and as a side dish during the holidays. It is also a popular choice for restaurants, with both fast-food and upscale establishments offering their own unique twists on the classic dish.
While the traditional version of macaroni and cheese remains popular in Canada, there have also been innovations and variations to the dish. For example, deep-fried macaroni and cheese can be found at fairs and food carts, and in Scotland, macaroni and cheese pies, known as macaroni pies, are a common variation.
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Packaged macaroni and cheese
Kraft's boxed macaroni and cheese, introduced in 1937, is arguably the most iconic and well-known brand, with its blue box becoming synonymous with store-bought macaroni and cheese. The brand has recently expanded its offerings with new flavours such as Jalapeño and Ranch, which have been well-received for enhancing the classic comforting taste with tangy and bold upgrades.
Other brands, such as Cheetos, Annie's, Daiya, President's Choice, and No Name, also offer their own versions of packaged macaroni and cheese, providing consumers with a range of options to choose from.
While some people enjoy the nostalgic taste of boxed macaroni and cheese, others seek to elevate the dish by adding their own ingredients. Simple hacks, such as using browned butter instead of regular butter, can add richness and depth of flavour. Additionally, mix-ins like ground beef, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and barbecue sauce can create fun and flavourful combinations, taking the classic dish to a whole new level.
Overall, packaged macaroni and cheese is a convenient, comforting, and versatile food item that has become a staple in many households. With its affordability, ease of preparation, and potential for customisation, it continues to be a popular choice for people of all ages.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, macaroni and cheese is a British dish. The first modern recipe for the dish was included in Elizabeth Raffald's 1769 book, "The Experienced English Housekeeper". It is also known as mac and cheese, cheese macaroni, and macaroni pie.
Macaroni and cheese was brought to Canada by British immigrants, coming from other parts of the British Empire. Macaroni and cheese recipes have been found in Canada since at least 1845. In the 21st century, the dish has risen in popularity in the United Kingdom, becoming widespread as a meal and as a side dish.
Traditional British macaroni and cheese is made by baking macaroni pasta in a casserole dish with a béchamel sauce and cheddar cheese, sprinkled with Parmesan.
