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Ask people to name classic American foods and chances are, you’ll hear macaroni and cheese repeated often. A lunch staple or delicious side, this gooey, creamy casserole is a comfort food for people of all ages. But how exactly did this beloved dish find its way into the hearts and stomachs of Americans? Here’s a closer look.

How Mac n’ Cheese Came to America

Despite being much adored in the U.S., this classic wasn’t homegrown. Casserole recipes featuring pasta and cheese first appeared in 14th-century cookbooks, including the Italian Liber de Coquina and the French Forme of Cury. 

american foodSome sources attribute the dish’s American origins to President Thomas Jefferson, who reportedly sampled the meal in Paris and brought the recipe back home. There are even claims that he attempted to design a machine for creating macaroni, but ended up importing noodles and Parmesan cheese to serve the creamy casserole at a state dinner in 1802. 

Over the years, macaroni and cheese gained popularity with the masses.

How the Recipe Has Changed 

While it used to be cooked with a puff pastry lining, a sauce of cream and egg yolks, and grated cheese, today’s most famous recipes ditch the pastry. Some places also use other types of short-cut pasta, such as conchiglie, gnocchi, penne, or fusilli.

When it comes to the cheese, this American food works with many flavors, too. Most recipes call for cheddar, but some modern iterations use brie, Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyere, and other sharp-flavored cheeses.

Some restaurants top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. This adds texture and prevents the upper part from drying out when baked in the oven.

 

Are you craving for some good, ole’ mac and cheese? Head over to Buffalo Wild Wings in College Point, NY, or any of their 19 locations throughout New York and Connecticut. A popular chain of sports bars, they offer an extensive selection of delicious American food, including the best wings in the country. They make a variety of sides that will pair perfectly with your meal. Explore their menu online or call (718) 353-9453 to reach the College Point location.

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