Last updated: July 14, 2026
Quick Answer: July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day is an annual American food holiday observed every year on July 14 to celebrate one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, July 14. The day is marked by home cooking, restaurant deals, and a general excuse to eat as much mac and cheese as possible. [1][4]
Key Takeaways
- July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day is observed annually on July 14 in the United States. [1][8]
- Mac and cheese has roots going back to 14th-century Italy, with American popularity surging after Thomas Jefferson reportedly served it at a White House dinner in 1802.
- The dish is not exclusive to America, versions exist across Europe and beyond, but the holiday itself is primarily a U.S. observance. [3]
- Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina are among the best cheeses for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- The most common mistake when making mac and cheese from scratch is adding cold milk to a roux, which causes a lumpy sauce.
- Boxed mac and cheese and homemade versions each have genuine strengths depending on time, budget, and occasion.
- Gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives make mac and cheese accessible to most dietary needs.
- Restaurants and grocery brands frequently offer deals and promotions on July 14 each year. [9]
- The holiday is a great opportunity to experiment with regional styles: Southern baked, New England stovetop, and Southern Italian-American versions all differ significantly.
What Is National Macaroni and Cheese Day?
National Macaroni and Cheese Day is an informal food holiday dedicated entirely to celebrating macaroni and cheese in all its forms. It is observed every year on July 14 and gives home cooks, restaurants, and food brands a shared moment to highlight one of the most universally enjoyed dishes in American cuisine. [1][5]
The day has no formal government recognition, but it is widely listed across holiday calendars and food observance registries. [2][4] Celebrations range from cooking a batch at home to hunting down restaurant specials and sharing recipes on social media. The holiday sits alongside other cheese-focused observances throughout the year, including June 4 National Cheese Day and April 11 National Cheese Fondue Day.
Who it’s for: Anyone who enjoys pasta and cheese. The holiday is particularly popular with families, college students, and comfort food enthusiasts.
When Did National Macaroni and Cheese Day Start?
The exact founding of July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day is not documented with a single verified origin story or founding organization. Like many American food holidays, it emerged organically through food calendars, marketing campaigns, and grassroots celebration rather than a formal proclamation. [5][6]
What is clear is that the holiday has been consistently listed on July 14 across multiple calendar sources for many years, and it shows no sign of moving. [2][8] The date does not appear to be tied to any specific historical event in mac and cheese history.
Where Did Mac and Cheese Originate?
Mac and cheese did not start in America. The earliest documented recipe for a pasta-and-cheese bake appears in a 14th-century Italian cookbook called Liber de Coquina, which described a dish of fermented cheese and pasta. [3]
The dish traveled to England and France over the following centuries. Thomas Jefferson is often credited with popularizing it in the United States after encountering pasta dishes during his time as U.S. Minister to France. He reportedly served a macaroni and cheese dish at a White House dinner in 1802, and his household records include a pasta machine among his belongings. [3]
Kraft Foods introduced its iconic boxed version in 1937 during the Great Depression, selling it for 19 cents and marketing it as a quick, affordable meal. That single product arguably did more to cement mac and cheese as an American staple than any other development in the dish’s history.
Key milestones:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 14th century | Earliest written pasta-and-cheese recipe in Italy |
| 1802 | Thomas Jefferson serves mac and cheese at the White House |
| 1937 | Kraft introduces boxed mac and cheese |
| 1993 | Kraft Deluxe and other premium boxed versions expand the market |
| Present | Mac and cheese is a multi-billion-dollar category in U.S. grocery retail |
Why Is July 14 Macaroni and Cheese Day?
July 14 is the designated date for National Mac and Cheese Day, though no single authoritative source explains why this specific date was chosen. [6][7] The date is fixed and consistent across all major holiday calendars. [4][8]
One practical reason the mid-July timing works well: summer is peak comfort food season for backyard cookouts and family gatherings, and mac and cheese is a natural side dish or main course for those occasions. It also falls close to Bastille Day (also July 14), though there is no confirmed connection between the two.
Is Mac and Cheese Day Only in America?
July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day is primarily an American observance. [3][6] The holiday is listed on U.S.-focused calendar sites and is driven largely by American food culture and marketing. [1][4]
That said, mac and cheese itself is not exclusively American. Versions of the dish exist in:
- Italy (pasta al forno, the ancestor of the modern dish)
- United Kingdom (macaroni cheese, typically stovetop and less sweet)
- Canada (Kraft Dinner is arguably even more culturally embedded there than in the U.S.)
- Germany and Switzerland (Käsespätzle, a close cousin using egg noodles)
The holiday observance, however, remains concentrated in the United States. Canadians sometimes participate informally given their own deep attachment to the dish.
What’s the Difference Between Mac and Cheese Styles?
Mac and cheese comes in several distinct regional and preparation styles, each with different textures, ingredients, and cooking methods. The main styles are stovetop, baked, and Southern-style.
Stovetop mac and cheese uses a bechamel or cheese sauce made separately and tossed with cooked pasta. It stays creamy and saucy.
Baked mac and cheese is assembled in a casserole dish and cooked in the oven, often with a breadcrumb topping. It develops a firmer texture and a golden crust.
Southern-style baked mac and cheese uses eggs and evaporated milk to create a custard-like set. It slices cleanly and is a staple at holiday tables.
Boxed mac and cheese uses a powdered or liquid cheese packet combined with butter and milk. It is fast, consistent, and deeply nostalgic.
Choose stovetop if you want maximum creaminess. Choose baked if you want structure and a crust. Choose Southern-style if you are serving a crowd and need it to hold its shape.
Best Cheeses for Mac and Cheese
The best cheeses for mac and cheese melt smoothly, have strong flavor, and do not turn greasy when heated. Sharp cheddar is the most common choice, but blending two or three cheeses produces a more complex result.
Top cheese picks:
- Sharp cheddar – classic flavor, melts well, widely available
- Gruyere – nutty, creamy, excellent melt
- Fontina – mild, buttery, superb for smooth sauces
- Gouda (young) – sweet and creamy, pairs well with cheddar
- Cream cheese – adds body and tang without overpowering
- Parmesan – use sparingly for depth and saltiness
Cheeses to avoid: Pre-shredded bags coated in cellulose powder resist melting and produce a grainy sauce. Always shred cheese from a block.
For more on cheese varieties and how they perform in cooking, see the June 4 National Cheese Day guide.
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese from Scratch
A proper homemade mac and cheese starts with a well-made roux-based sauce. The process takes about 30 minutes and produces results that no box can match.
Basic stovetop mac and cheese (serves 4):
- Cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 90 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add 2 cups of warm (not cold) whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyere.
- Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of dry mustard powder.
- Fold in the drained pasta. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce is too thick.
For a baked version: Transfer to a buttered casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
Common Mac and Cheese Mistakes to Avoid
Most mac and cheese failures come down to a handful of repeatable errors. Knowing them in advance saves a lot of wasted cheese.
- Using cold milk in the roux: Cold milk shocks the roux and creates lumps. Always warm the milk first.
- Overcooking the pasta: Pasta continues cooking in the sauce or oven. Pull it out 1 to 2 minutes before fully done.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: The anti-caking coating prevents smooth melting. Shred from a block every time.
- Adding cheese over direct heat: High heat causes cheese proteins to seize and turn greasy. Remove the pan from heat before stirring in cheese.
- Skipping the pasta water: The starchy water loosens the sauce without thinning the flavor.
- Under-seasoning: Cheese sauce needs more salt than expected. Taste and adjust before serving.
Homemade vs Boxed Mac and Cheese: Which Is Better?
Neither homemade nor boxed mac and cheese is objectively better, the right choice depends entirely on the situation.
Choose homemade if:
- You have 30 to 45 minutes and want maximum flavor and texture control
- You are cooking for a dinner party or special occasion
- You want to control ingredients for dietary reasons
Choose boxed if:
- You need a meal in under 10 minutes
- You are cooking for children who prefer the familiar taste
- Budget is a primary concern
“Kraft Dinner has its own legitimate place in food culture. Dismissing it entirely ignores why it became a billion-dollar product in the first place.”
Boxed mac and cheese can also be upgraded significantly by swapping the butter for cream cheese, adding a splash of hot sauce, or stirring in shredded sharp cheddar at the end.
How to Celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day on July 14
July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day is best celebrated by cooking, eating, and sharing the dish. Here are practical ways to mark the occasion in 2026.
At home:
- Cook a new recipe you have never tried (lobster mac, truffle mac, or a Southern baked version)
- Host a mac and cheese bar with toppings like bacon bits, jalapeños, caramelized onions, and breadcrumbs
- Involve kids in making homemade pasta shapes
At restaurants:
- Check local comfort food spots, diners, and chain restaurants for July 14 specials
- Many fast-casual chains and grocery brands run promotions on the day [9]
Online:
- Share a recipe or photo using #MacAndCheeseDay
- Try a recipe from a food creator you follow
If you enjoy celebrating food holidays, you might also like National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12 or National Cheese Fondue Day on April 11 for more cheese-forward occasions throughout the year.
Mac and Cheese Day Deals and Discounts
Restaurants and food brands frequently offer promotions tied to July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day. [9] Deals vary by year and location, but common patterns include:
- Fast-casual chains offering discounted or free mac and cheese sides
- Grocery brands running in-store or digital coupons on boxed mac and cheese
- Meal kit services featuring mac and cheese recipes in their July 14 week boxes
- Local restaurants creating limited-edition mac and cheese specials
How to find deals: Check the websites and apps of your favorite restaurants in the days leading up to July 14. Sign up for email lists from brands like Kraft, Annie’s, or Velveeta, as they often send promotional codes around the holiday. The Krazy Coupon Lady and similar deal aggregator sites also track food holiday promotions. [9]
Mac and Cheese for People with Dietary Restrictions
Mac and cheese is adaptable to most dietary needs with the right substitutions. The core dish, pasta, fat, and cheese, has accessible alternatives in every category.
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free pasta (rice, corn, or chickpea-based). Substitute a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux.
Dairy-free/vegan: Use cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk as the sauce base. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. Vegan cheddar shreds (Violife, Daiya) have improved significantly in melt quality.
Lower-calorie: Use evaporated skim milk instead of whole milk, reduce the cheese quantity by 25%, and add pureed butternut squash or cauliflower to the sauce for body without extra calories.
High-protein: Add cooked chicken, tuna, or white beans directly to the finished dish. Chickpea or lentil pasta also boosts protein significantly. For more on legume-based cooking, see the April 21 National Chickpea Day guide.
Best Mac and Cheese Recipes for July 14
These five recipe directions cover the range from quick weeknight to impressive dinner party:
- Classic stovetop cheddar mac – Sharp cheddar, whole milk roux, elbow pasta. Done in 25 minutes.
- Southern baked mac and cheese – Egg-custard base, three cheeses, baked until set. Slices like a casserole.
- Lobster mac and cheese – Stovetop Gruyere sauce with chunks of cooked lobster tail. Restaurant-quality at home.
- Truffle mac and cheese – Fontina and Parmesan sauce finished with a drizzle of truffle oil and crispy shallots.
- Vegan mac and cheese – Cashew cream base, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and gluten-free pasta.
For pasta-focused cooking inspiration beyond mac and cheese, the March 20 National Ravioli Day guide and the April 4 National Ramen Noodle Day guide offer additional pasta-cooking techniques worth exploring.
FAQ
What date is National Macaroni and Cheese Day? National Macaroni and Cheese Day is always on July 14. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, July 14. [1][4]
Is National Mac and Cheese Day a federal holiday? No. It is an informal food observance with no government recognition. Businesses and schools do not close for it. [5]
Who invented mac and cheese? No single person invented mac and cheese. The earliest written recipe appears in a 14th-century Italian cookbook. Thomas Jefferson helped popularize it in America around 1802. [3]
What is the best pasta shape for mac and cheese? Elbow macaroni is traditional, but cavatappi (corkscrew), shells, and rigatoni all hold sauce well due to their ridges and hollow centers.
Can mac and cheese be made ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Why does homemade mac and cheese get grainy? Graininess happens when cheese is added over high heat or when low-quality processed cheese is used. Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, and always shred from a block.
What cheeses should never go in mac and cheese? Fresh mozzarella turns rubbery and watery. Brie can overpower the dish. Very aged hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano do not melt smoothly and are better used as a finishing garnish only.
Are there mac and cheese deals on July 14, 2026? Many restaurant chains and grocery brands run promotions around July 14. Check brand apps, deal aggregator sites, and restaurant social media accounts in the week before the holiday. [9]
Is mac and cheese popular outside the U.S.? Versions of the dish exist in Italy, the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe, but the July 14 holiday observance is primarily American. [3][6]
How long does homemade mac and cheese last in the fridge? Properly stored in an airtight container, homemade mac and cheese keeps for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What is the difference between mac and cheese and pasta al forno? Pasta al forno is the Italian ancestor of baked mac and cheese. It typically uses different pasta shapes, a bechamel sauce, and is less sweet and less heavy on cheddar than the American version.
Can I freeze mac and cheese? Yes, baked mac and cheese freezes well for up to 3 months. Stovetop versions tend to separate when thawed and are better eaten fresh.
Conclusion
July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day is more than a reason to eat pasta. It is a genuine cultural touchstone that connects a 14th-century Italian recipe to a Depression-era pantry staple to the modern comfort food landscape. Whether the plan is a 10-minute box on a Tuesday night or a slow-baked Southern casserole for a summer gathering, the holiday offers a low-barrier way to engage with cooking and food history.
Actionable next steps for July 14, 2026:
- Decide on a style: stovetop, baked, or Southern custard-style.
- Shop for block cheese (not pre-shredded) at least a day ahead.
- Check restaurant apps and brand websites for July 14 deals starting July 10.
- If cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, prep a gluten-free or dairy-free version alongside the classic.
- Share the dish and the holiday on social media with #MacAndCheeseDay to connect with the wider community of mac and cheese fans.
For more cheese-forward food holidays throughout the year, explore the May 18 National Cheese Soufflé Day guide and the April 17 National Cheese Ball Day guide.
References
[1] National Mac And Cheese Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-mac-and-cheese-day/ [2] National Mac And Cheese Day 2252 – https://www.wikidates.org/holiday/national-mac-and-cheese-day_2252.html [3] National Mac And Cheese Day – https://www.remitly.com/blog/lifestyle-culture/national-mac-and-cheese-day/ [4] National Mac And Cheese Day – https://www.calendarr.com/united-states/national-mac-and-cheese-day/ [5] 3293 National Mac And Cheese Day – https://www.calendaroftheday.com/3293-national-mac-and-cheese-day.html [6] National Mac Cheese Day – https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-mac-cheese-day/ [7] National Mac And Cheese Day – https://holidaytoday.org/national-mac-and-cheese-day/ [8] Mac And Cheese Day – https://www.wincalendar.com/Mac-And-Cheese-Day [9] National Mac And Cheese Day – https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/money/national-mac-and-cheese-day
