National Mac And Cheese Day

National Mac And Cheese Day History

National Mac and Cheese Day celebrates a beloved classic of American cuisine, macaroni and cheese. This day serves as a unique tribute to the creamy, comfort-food dish that has nestled its way into the hearts of children and adults across the country.

While the exact origins of National Mac and Cheese Day are undetermined, the culinary treat itself dates back centuries. Macaroni and cheese gained prominence in the United States after Thomas Jefferson served it at a state dinner in 1802 following his discovery of the dish in France. Widely popularized through boxed varieties and restaurant versions, mac and cheese has since evolved into a signature American staple.

National Mac and Cheese Day entices enthusiasts to celebrate their favorite dish by preparing and enjoying it in all its gooey glory. Whether homemade with gourmet cheeses and add-ins, cooked from a nostalgic box, or ordered from a favored restaurant, the day encourages Americans to savor the cherished dish in the spirit of appreciation. In the United States, National Mac and Cheese Day is observed every year on July 14th.

Top 8 Facts for National Mac And Cheese Day in 2026

• Thomas Jefferson is widely credited with introducing macaroni and cheese to the United States after discovering the dish in Paris, where his enslaved chef, James Hemings, perfected the recipe that was later served at a high-profile state dinner in 1802.
• The oldest known recipe for the dish appears in the 14th-century English cookbook The Forme of Cury, which describes a meal called makerouns consisting of hand-cut pasta sheets layered with melted butter and grated cheese.
• In 1993, the Crayola company officially honored the food's cultural impact by introducing Macaroni and Cheese as a permanent color in its iconic box of crayons.
• Macaroni and cheese is considered an unofficial national dish of Canada, where citizens consume approximately 55% more Kraft Dinner per capita than residents of the United States.
• The Guinness World Record for the largest pot of macaroni and cheese ever made was set in 2010 by Cabot Creamery Cooperative, featuring a massive 2,469-pound serving that included over 500 pounds of pasta and nearly 300 pounds of cheese.
• During the Great Depression, Kraft Foods revolutionized the American diet by selling eight million boxes of their "boxed dinner" in a single year, marketing it as a way to feed a family of four for just 19 cents.
• To celebrate the versatility of the meal, National Mac and Cheese Day often features modern gourmet variations including ingredients such as lobster, truffle oil, and even gold leaf in high-end restaurants.
• A survey conducted for the observance revealed that more than half of participants would be willing to give up social media or coffee for a month before they would agree to stop eating macaroni and cheese.

In the News and Trending for National Mac And Cheese Day

Top things to do for National Mac And Cheese Day

• Visit a Mac & Cheese restaurant. They may be offering special deals to celebrate the day.
• Bake your own macaroni & cheese! Check out this recipe for creamy macaroni & cheese.
• Host a macaroni & cheese bake off. Invite friends over to see who can bake the best macaroni & cheese.