Annual observance

National Mac and Cheese Day

July 14 Food / Dessert Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Mac and Cheese Day, celebrated annually on July 14th, is a delicious occasion dedicated to honoring one of America's most beloved comfort foods. This unofficial holiday encourages enthusiasts to indulge in the creamy, cheesy pasta dish in all its forms, whether homemade, from a box, or at a restaurant, celebrating its rich history and universal appeal as a staple in kitchens and menus nationwide.

Observed each year on July 14, National Mac and Cheese Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Mac and Cheese Day on July 14 celebrates the enduring popularity of this iconic comfort food, which has become a staple in American cuisine since Thomas Jefferson introduced it in the early 19th century.

Origin and story

Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing macaroni and cheese to the United States after encountering it in France and serving it at a White House dinner in 1802.

In Canada, Kraft Dinner (the boxed macaroni and cheese product) is so popular that it's often considered a de facto national dish, with Canadians consuming 55% more of it than Americans.

Quick facts

  • DateJuly 14
  • TypeFood / Dessert
  • Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Share one fast fact about National Mac and Cheese Day: Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing macaroni and cheese to the United States after encountering it in France and serving it at a White House dinner in 1802.
  • Bring National Mac and Cheese Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
  • Share a recipe photo, tag friends, and swap your favorite topping ideas.
  • Post a story with #national-mac-and-cheese-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.

Fun facts

  • Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing macaroni and cheese to the United States after encountering it in France and serving it at a White House dinner in 1802.
  • In Canada, Kraft Dinner (the boxed macaroni and cheese product) is so popular that it's often considered a de facto national dish, with Canadians consuming 55% more of it than Americans.
  • The earliest known recipe for a dish similar to modern macaroni and cheese dates back to a medieval Italian cookbook, "Liber de Coquina," from the 13th century.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is National Mac and Cheese Day?
It is observed on July 14 each year.
What is National Mac and Cheese Day?
National Mac and Cheese Day, celebrated annually on July 14th, is a delicious occasion dedicated to honoring one of America's most beloved comfort foods. This unofficial holiday encourages enthusiasts to indulge in the creamy, cheesy pasta dish in all its forms, whether homemade, from a box, or at a restaurant, celebrating its rich history and universal appeal as a staple in kitchens and menus nationwide.
How do people celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day?
Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.

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