It may come as a surprise to many that Mac & Cheese is the most popular comfort food recipe in the United States. It is the ultimate symbol of home, warmth, and coziness. It has also been the best-selling ready-to-eat meal in America since the 1930s, when Kraft first introduced it in a box, ready to heat and serve.
There are two main versions of how this recipe made its way to the US.
A Journey Through History
Version 1: The British Connection
The first theory is that it was brought to the USA from the UK, where it had been popular since the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, a significant migration of Italians to Great Britain brought pasta with them, and consequently, this cheesy recipe followed.
Version 2: The Presidential Request
The second version credits President Thomas Jefferson. In 1793, he instructed the US ambassador in Italy to purchase and ship a pasta machine and a wheel of Parmesan cheese to Washington. Using these, his daughter prepared a “macaroni and parmesan pie,” serving it at a White House dinner in 1802. Over time, the recipe evolved—Parmesan was replaced by the more accessible Cheddar, and other ingredients like bacon, ground meat, or even fish began to be added.
Global Profiles: Sweet vs. Savory
Interestingly, while the dish was first described in an Italian cookbook in the 14th century, it is not particularly popular in Italy today. Furthermore, the way it is enjoyed varies greatly by culture:
| Region | Flavor Profile | Role in the Meal |
| Bulgaria | Sweet (with sugar) | Breakfast or Dessert |
| USA / Canada | Savory | Main Dish |
| United Kingdom | Savory | Side Dish or Main |
The Easiest Authentic Mac & Cheese Recipe
At Spizing, we believe in making gourmet flavors accessible. Here is a simple base recipe that you can enrich however you like:
The Pasta: Half-boil a short pasta variety like macaroni, penne, fusilli, or even smaller shapes.
The Sauce (Béchamel): Prepare a classic Béchamel sauce. While hot, stir in a generous amount of yellow cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, or a good local Kashkaval).
The Mix: Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, season (a hint of nutmeg and black pepper works wonders), and pour into a baking dish.
The Topping: Grate a thick layer of yellow cheese over the top.
The Bake: Bake in a preheated oven until a beautiful golden-beige crust forms.
The Serve: Serve immediately while hot so you can enjoy that irresistible melted cheese pull.