Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish worldwide, with many countries adopting it as a staple comfort food. It is simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Given its popularity, it is no surprise that there is a designated day to celebrate this delicious dish. National Macaroni and Cheese Day falls on July 14th, and it is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this classic comfort food. Whether you decide to cook up your own cheesy masterpiece or head to a restaurant for a fancier version, it is a day to savour the goodness of macaroni and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | July 14 |
| Dish | Macaroni and cheese |
| Type of Dish | Comfort food, side dish, main dish |
| Ingredients | Macaroni noodles, cream or milk, cheese |
| Variations | Spicy cowboy mac with bacon and jalapenos, truffle mac, buffalo chicken mac, BBQ pork mac |
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What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food
The dish's origins can be traced back to medieval England, where a similar recipe called "makerouns" appeared in a cookbook called "Forme of Cury." However, it was in the United States during the Great Depression that macaroni and cheese as we know it today came into being. It was during this challenging economic period that a salesman had the innovative idea of selling cheese and macaroni together, attaching packages of grated cheese to boxes of pasta. This convenient and tasty meal quickly gained traction, and its success story began.
Over time, macaroni and cheese has become a staple in American cuisine and is often considered the ultimate comfort food. It evokes feelings of warmth and satisfaction with its creamy, cheesy goodness. The dish is versatile, lending itself to various recipes and adaptations, from the classic baked version with a crispy top and creamy interior to more inventive takes, such as adding caramelized onions, prosciutto, bacon, or jalapenos for a fiery kick.
The beauty of macaroni and cheese lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its ability to bring people together. It is a dish that is often shared with family and friends, whether as a comforting dinner or a side dish during gatherings. Its simplicity and familiarity make it a crowd favourite, and it is a dish that many people have fond memories of creating at home.
Additionally, macaroni and cheese has become a cultural icon, with its popularity extending beyond the dinner table. In 1993, Crayola named one of its crayon colours "Macaroni and Cheese," solidifying its place in the American cultural landscape. Whether enjoyed at home, in restaurants, or celebrated on its dedicated day in July, macaroni and cheese remains a beloved comfort food for people of all ages.
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It's celebrated annually on July 14
Macaroni and cheese is a dish loved by people of all ages, and it's simple to make. While it is considered an Italian-turned-American dish, there are variations of it all over the world. For instance, in Hong Kong, it is common to eat macaroni and cheese for breakfast, with added ingredients such as peas, ham, mushrooms, and eggs.
National Mac & Cheese Day is celebrated annually on July 14. It is a day to honor one of the classic comfort foods at America's dinner table. Made with macaroni noodles, cream or milk, and cheese, mac and cheese is a side dish that can also stand on its own as a main course. This meal reminds many people of home and is one of the first dishes they learned to cook.
There are many ways to celebrate National Mac & Cheese Day. You can cook your own mac and cheese at home, experimenting with different cheeses or trying it with toppings. You can also use this day as an excuse to go to a restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal out. Many restaurants offer special deals and events to celebrate the day. For example, Noodles & Company, a national fast-casual chain, celebrates National Mac & Cheese Day with a special menu featuring creative twists on the classic dish, such as their famous Wisconsin Mac & Cheese.
The history of National Mac & Cheese Day is also the history of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, known throughout the world by various names, including Kraft Dinner in Canada. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese was created as a response to the Great Depression by a salesman who had the idea to sell cheese and macaroni together, attaching packages of grated cheese to boxes of pasta. It became an absolute success and has been a staple in kitchens ever since.
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It's a side dish or main meal
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is simple to make and is considered a comfort food. While it is often thought of as an Italian-turned-American dish, there are variations on it all over the world. For instance, in Hong Kong, it is common to eat macaroni and cheese for breakfast, with added ingredients such as peas, ham, mushrooms, and eggs.
In the US, mac and cheese is a staple food, with people all over the country having their own versions of the dish. It is a dish that reminds many people of home. Basic mac and cheese only requires a few ingredients, and most of the magic happens in the oven. It can be served as a side dish or a main meal. While it is a side dish in the south, accompanying BBQ and potato salad, it can also be a main meal, with people adding ingredients such as caramelized onions, prosciutto, bacon, and jalapenos.
Mac and cheese is also considered a national dish in Canada, with a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese being the most-purchased grocery product in the country. It is also an official crayon colour, with Crayola naming one of its crayons ‘Macaroni and Cheese’ in 1993.
National Mac and Cheese Day is celebrated on July 14. It is a day to honour the dish and enjoy its many variations. People can cook their own mac and cheese or go to a restaurant and enjoy it cooked for them. It is a day to experiment with different cheeses and toppings and create a culinary masterpiece.
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There are many variations of the dish
Macaroni and cheese is a dish with many variations, and it is enjoyed in different parts of the world. While it is often considered an Italian-turned-American dish, it has become a popular meal across various cultures, each putting its unique spin on it.
For instance, in Hong Kong, macaroni and cheese is commonly eaten for breakfast, and people add ingredients like peas, ham, mushrooms, and eggs. In the Midwest, it is served as a hotdish, while in the Northeast, it is known as a casserole. In the South, it is a sometimes-spicy side dish served with BBQ and potato salad.
There are also several ways to prepare macaroni and cheese, depending on one's preference. It can be made on the stovetop, baked in the oven, or even cooked in a microwave. Some people like to start with a roux and make a creamy béchamel sauce, while others prefer a quick and easy approach. The choice of cheese is also essential, as different varieties melt differently and contribute unique flavours to the dish.
Additionally, people have created numerous creative variations of macaroni and cheese, incorporating various ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For instance, one can add vegetables like spinach, artichokes, or green beans, or even make it vegan. Meat lovers can include bacon, chicken, or ground beef, and for a spicier kick, add chillies, salsa verde, or pepperoni. For those who want a more indulgent experience, there's the option of adding a crunchy layer of pine nuts or mixing in waffle iron for a unique texture.
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various palates and cultural preferences. Whether it's a simple, quick meal or a more elaborate creation, macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food worldwide.
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It's a popular dish worldwide
National Mac and Cheese Day is celebrated on July 14. This day celebrates a dish that is loved by people of all ages and is a staple of the American diet. But mac and cheese is not just popular in the United States, it is a beloved dish worldwide.
In the United Kingdom, for example, mac and cheese has risen in popularity in the 21st century, becoming widespread as a meal and as a side order in both fast food and upmarket restaurants. In medieval England, there was a pasta and cheese casserole dish called "makerouns", which was very similar to mac and cheese. The earliest known recipe for mac and cheese, however, was published in the US cookbook "The Virginia House-Wife". Similar recipes for mac and cheese also appeared in other 19th-century cookbooks, such as Eliza Acton's "Modern Cookery in All Its Branches" and "Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management".
In Canada, mac and cheese is considered a national dish. A box of Kraft Mac & Cheese is the most-purchased grocery product in the country. Mac and cheese was brought to Canada by British immigrants from other parts of the British Empire.
In Switzerland, a traditional dish called Älplermagronen (or "Alpine herder's macaroni") is made of macaroni, cream, cheese, roasted onions, and sometimes potatoes. The dish is usually accompanied by apple sauce.
Mac and cheese is also popular in Hong Kong, where it is commonly eaten for breakfast, often with added ingredients such as peas, ham, mushrooms, and eggs.
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Frequently asked questions
National Macaroni and Cheese Day is celebrated on July 14.
National Macaroni and Cheese Day is a day to celebrate the king of comfort foods — a chewy, gooey, and baked staple of the American diet.
You can celebrate National Macaroni and Cheese Day by cooking your own macaroni and cheese or by going to a restaurant and ordering it from the menu.
There are many ways to make your macaroni and cheese more interesting. You can experiment with different cheeses, try it with toppings, or mix up the seasonings. You can also try adding caramelized onions, prosciutto, bacon, or jalapenos.
Yes, in 1993, Crayola named one of its crayon colours 'Macaroni and Cheese'.
