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I’m not one to turn down macaroni and cheese, even late at night. I love Italian food. I love pasta… A refrigerator full of water and Gatorade? Honey, that’s just not to happen

Queen Latifah

There are few things in life that bring us back to childhood like the taste of macaroni and cheese, its rich flavorful combination of pasta and rich cheeses never fails to satisfy our palette.

National Mac & Cheese Day celebrates this dish and everything it means to us.

How to Celebrate National Mac & Cheese Day

Celebrating National Mac & Cheese Day is best done by buying one of those beautiful blue boxes and indulging in its flavor. But don’t stop there, mac & cheese is an incredibly versatile dish, and you can make an entirely new one by adding a container of tuna fish to the mix.

Prefer something a little more traditional? There’s always hot dogs and peas, an old American favorite. We also like to add a can of processed chicken, a dollop of ranch dressing, and a sprinkling of bacon bits to make an incredible dish that will fill the hungriest belly. Come up with your own innovations and share them below!

Of course, you don’t have to cook yourself on National Mac & Cheese Day. You can use this day as the perfect excuse to hit one of your favorite restaurants and enjoy mac & cheese cooked for you.

Why not gather some of your friends or family members together and treat yourself to a delicious meal out?

Learn About National Mac & Cheese Day

Mac & Cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. Typically made with the golden goodness of cheese, combined with milk or cheese and macaroni noodles, there is no denying that mac and cheese never fails to satisfy. This meal reminds a lot of people of one of the first dishes they created at home.

For others, it is the side dish that they always order at a restaurant. There are then those that save it for a special treat. No matter what category you fall into, there is no denying that a dish like this deserves its very own day.

There are many different variations of mac & cheese that have been made in recent times. A lot of people prefer the classic version. However, there are many people that have gotten experimental too, using different blends of cheeses and loading up on the seasoning.

Bacon and jalapenos have also become two popular additions to the classic mac & cheese. Did you know that there is even a burger that is created with a mac & cheese bun?

If you take a look online, you will see that there are plenty of recipes for burgers that are made with a bun of mac & cheese that is covered in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Ever since a restaurant in America created this version of the burger, people have gone crazy for it!

So, as you can see, there are so many different ways that you can enjoy this classic dish, and so you can have fun on National Mac & Cheese Day trying out different variations to see if you can come up with your own culinary masterpiece.

Some fascinating facts about Mac & Cheese

  • Mac & cheese is not only a delicious dish, but it is an official crayon color as well. In 1993, Crayola named one of its crayon colors ‘Macaroni and Cheese.’

  • Mac & cheese is considered a national dish in Canada. Plus, a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese is actually the most-purchased grocery product in the country.

  • Did you know that American president Thomas Jefferson was a huge fan of mac & cheese? He imported Parmesan cheese and macaroni for use in his Virginia estate after trying the dish in both northern Italy and Paris.

  • While mac & cheese is considered a response to the great depression, there have actually been similar recipes that have been around for centuries. In fact, in medieval England, there was a cookbook called Forme of Cury, and there was a pasta and cheese casserole dish, which was known as makerouns. The recipe is very similar to mac & cheese.

History of National Mac & Cheese Day

The History of National Mac & Cheese Day is the history of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, known throughout the world by various names, including simply Kraft Dinner in the Canada.

While it seems a simple thing, a dish of macaroni with cheese, it was in fact quite an innovation for its time and started an important tradition in ready to prepare foods.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese was created as a response to the trying times of the great depression, there was a salesman who had an innovative idea.

That idea being the sale of both cheese and macaroni together, so he began attaching packages of grated cheese to boxes of pasta. In part due to the conditions of its release, it became an absolute success.

World War II saw the rationing of milk and dairy products, and due to shortages, many families were relying on dishes that had little meat in it. Macaroni and Cheese seemed the obvious solution and so its popularity spread like wildfire.

James Lewis Kraft patented an important method of processing cheese that gave Kraft Macaroni & Cheese its unique orange color and has served as a signature trait of the product ever since.

National Mac & Cheese Day FAQs

What’s the oldest recorded recipe for macaroni and cheese?

The oldest known macaroni and cheese recipe appears in the 14th-century Italian cookbook Liber de Coquina.

This dish, called “de lasanis,” featured pasta sheets layered with cheese and spices.

Its simplicity highlights the long-standing appeal of pasta and cheese as a comforting combination.

Why do Canadians love Kraft Dinner so much?

Canadians consume more Kraft Dinner (KD) per capita than any other country.

It became a cultural staple during WWII when rationing made it an affordable meal option. Many families add twists like ketchup, canned tuna, or sausage to personalize the dish.

How did mac and cheese become a holiday favorite in the U.S.?

In many American households, mac and cheese is a must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This tradition likely stems from the soul food movement, where baked mac and cheese became a treasured side dish. Its golden, cheesy crust adds a comforting element to holiday feasts.

What are some quirky mac and cheese festivals around the world?

The U.S. hosts many mac and cheese festivals, like the San Francisco Mac and Cheese Festival, where chefs compete with innovative recipes.

In Canada, the Mac and Cheese Festival in Toronto celebrates the dish with creative takes like dessert-inspired versions. These events draw thousands of cheese lovers every year.

Is mac and cheese considered fast food anywhere?

Yes, in the U.K., mac and cheese has gained popularity as a quick street food item.

Vendors serve it loaded with toppings like pulled pork, jalapeños, or crispy onions. This portable twist on the classic dish has made it a favorite among festival-goers.

How do different cultures put a spin on mac and cheese?

In Germany, Käsespätzle uses soft egg noodles layered with Emmental cheese and fried onions.

In South Korea, mac and cheese often features spicy gochujang sauce for a fiery kick. These adaptations highlight the dish’s universal appeal and versatility.

What’s the science behind the creamy texture of mac and cheese?

Cheese melts into a smooth sauce due to its protein and fat composition.

Adding starch from pasta water helps the sauce bind together, creating a silky texture. This chemical magic is why mac and cheese feels so indulgent.

Have any unusual mac and cheese records been set?

In 2010, Cabot Creamery and the University of Vermont broke the record for the largest mac and cheese.

It weighed over 2,000 pounds and used 800 pounds of pasta and 400 pounds of cheese. The massive dish was served at a community event.

Why is mac and cheese such a popular comfort food?

The combination of carbs and cheese triggers the release of dopamine, creating feelings of happiness.

Its nostalgic association with childhood meals further adds to its emotional appeal. Few dishes balance flavor and comfort as well as mac and cheese.

Are there health-conscious versions of mac and cheese?

Yes, chefs experiment with healthier alternatives using whole-grain pasta, cauliflower, or vegan cheese.

Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli boosts the nutritional value. These modern twists maintain the essence of mac and cheese while catering to different diets.

Need some inspiration?

Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!

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