National Mac and Cheese Day
Get cheesy with America's favorite comfort food on National Mac and Cheese Day! This beloved American dish has been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations. From the blue box classic to gourmet variations, celebrate the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes mac and cheese the ultimate American comfort food.
About National Mac and Cheese Day
Get cheesy with America's favorite comfort food on National Mac and Cheese Day! This beloved American dish has been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations. From the blue box classic to gourmet variations, celebrate the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes mac and cheese the ultimate American comfort food.
History & origins
National Mac and Cheese Day is an informal food observance in the United States, celebrated on July 14. The dish itself has older roots: the earliest known recorded mac and cheese recipe dates to 1769, and Thomas Jefferson helped popularize it in America after encountering pasta dishes in Europe; by 1802, he is associated with serving macaroni and cheese at a state dinner. Its exact creator is not known, so the holiday’s own origin is also unclear.
Why it matters
National Mac and Cheese Day highlights one of America’s most familiar comfort foods, from boxed weeknight staples to baked, gourmet versions with specialty cheeses and add-ins. It also reflects how a simple pasta-and-cheese dish can carry nostalgia, affordability, and regional identity across home kitchens and restaurants.
How to celebrate
Make homemade mac and cheese using your favorite recipe. Try gourmet variations with different cheeses and add-ins. Visit restaurants known for their mac and cheese dishes. Host a mac and cheese cook-off with friends. Share your mac and cheese recipes and photos on social media.
Facts
- Mac and cheese became popular in America during the Great Depression
- Thomas Jefferson served mac and cheese at a state dinner in 1802
- Americans consume over 2 billion boxes of mac and cheese annually
- The first mac and cheese recipe was published in 1769
- Mac and cheese is the most popular comfort food in America
Upcoming dates
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026
- Wednesday, July 14, 2027
- Friday, July 14, 2028
- Saturday, July 14, 2029
- Sunday, July 14, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Mac and Cheese Day 2026?
National Mac and Cheese Day 2026 is on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. It falls on the same date every year.
What is National Mac and Cheese Day?
It is an informal observance that celebrates macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food. People usually mark it by cooking the dish at home, ordering it at restaurants, or trying creative variations.
Who started National Mac and Cheese Day?
The founder is not clearly documented, so the observance is considered informal rather than officially proclaimed. The day appears to have been popularized through food-focused calendars and online observances rather than a single verified creator.
What is the history of mac and cheese?
The earliest known recorded mac and cheese recipe dates to 1769. In the United States, Thomas Jefferson helped introduce and popularize the dish after exposure to European pasta dishes, and it was served at an 1802 state dinner.
How do you celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day?
Make mac and cheese at home, whether you prefer a classic baked version or a gourmet twist with different cheeses and toppings. You can also visit a restaurant known for its mac and cheese or host a tasting with friends.
Share
Help others discover this day by sharing it.