National Macaroni Day, celebrated yearly on July 7, is a day dedicated to honoring one of America’s favorite pasta varieties, macaroni. It’s a day devoted to embracing the simplicity and versatility of this beloved ingredient, used in a myriad of dishes, from the classic Mac ‘n’ Cheese to sophisticated pasta salads.
Laden with nostalgia and comfort, macaroni has had a profound culinary impact worldwide, and National Macaroni Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the manifold interpretations that have arisen out of this humble, curved pasta.
History of National Macaroni Day
Originating from Italy, specifically from the regions of Liguria and Campania, macaroni is a type of pasta made out of grain flour, usually wheat, combined with eggs or water. ‘Macaroni’ is coined from the Italian term ‘maccheroni’, which possibly stems from ‘makaria’, a Greek word that means food made from barley.
During the 18th-century, macaroni was introduced to England, where it became well-liked. Though initially, it was a dish reserved for the wealthy, mass production during the industrial revolution of the 19th-century made it accessible across all socio-economic classes.
Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President, was responsible for bringing macaroni to America after encountering it as an ambassador in France. He imported a macaroni machine and the recipe quickly gained traction across the U.S.
Fast forward to the present day, macaroni is now extensively used in various meals worldwide, with macaroni and cheese being the most common in America. Macaroni’s versatility and affordability have made it a fundamental food product in several cultures around the globe.
National Macaroni Day is a time to acknowledge and enjoy this historic dish. People are urged to indulge in the many forms of macaroni, whether it’s a traditional macaroni cheese dish or a delectable pasta salad. Despite the uncertain beginnings of this day, there’s no doubt about the wide-spread adoration of macaroni, which this day represents.
National Macaroni Day Timeline
First Written Record
The earliest known mention of a recipe for macaroni and cheese appears in the Liber de coquina.
Thomas Jefferson's Introduction
Thomas Jefferson introduces macaroni to the United States after tasting it in France and Italy.
Macaroni & Cheese Debut
Kraft Foods introduces its boxed macaroni and cheese product during the Great Depression.
Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese
The 1990s marked the era of gourmet macaroni and cheese, featuring high-end ingredients such as truffle oil and lobster.
Macaroni Day Established
National Macaroni Day is celebrated on July 7th by noodle enthusiasts and foodies.
Ideas to Celebrate National Macaroni Day
Mac n' Cheese Cookoff
Host a competition where friends and family come over to showcase their best macaroni and cheese recipe. This will bring out the creativity and add a lot of fun to the event.
Dine Out at a Pasta Place
Pick a local Italian restaurant specializing in pasta dishes to celebrate. Try different varieties of macaroni dishes, like lasagna, mac and cheese, or carbonara.
Pasta Making Workshop
Arrange a pasta making workshop to learn how to make fresh macaroni at home. Invite a professional chef or caterer to guide through the process.
Macaroni Recipe Exchange
Gather up friends and family for a macaroni recipe exchange party. Everyone can bring a different kind of macaroni dish and their recipe to swap.
Macaroni Food Marathon
Invite your friends and family for a macaroni food marathon where you can watch movies or series and eat different types of macaroni dishes.
Picnic with Pasta
Celebrate the day by going on a picnic with family and friends. Don't forget to pack various pasta salads and macaroni dishes for everyone to share.
8 Interesting Facts About Macaroni
A Popular Pasta
Macaroni is one of the most popular types of pasta in the United States. It's especially known as the main ingredient in the classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese.
First Factory
Thomas Jefferson is said to have introduced macaroni to America after an extended stay in France. He missed the pasta so much that he imported a pasta making machine and established the first 'macaroni factory' in the United States.
Forks vs Spoons
Although it can be a topic of debate, macaroni is traditionally eaten with a fork, not a spoon. This is due to macaroni's tubular shape, which is designed to hold sauces and toppings within the pasta.
Macaroni Sculpture
Macaroni is not just for eating! It has long been used in arts and crafts, especially for creating children's macaroni art masterpieces.
Association with Wealth
In the 18th century, due to its expensive import status, macaroni was associated with wealth and sophistication. This led to 'macaroni' also being a slang term for a fashionable person.
No Standard Size
There is no standard size or length for macaroni. It can be short, long, thin, thick, or come in a variety of other sizes. However, it must be tubular to be considered macaroni.
Eggless Pasta
Unlike many other types of pasta, traditional macaroni is made without eggs. The main ingredients are usually just durum wheat and water.
Macaroni Penguin
There's a species of penguin known as the 'Macaroni Penguin'. It got its name from English explorers due to its distinctive, decorative crest that reminded them of the 'Macaroni' fashion trend in the 18th century.
National Macaroni Day FAQs
Next National Macaroni Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 7th | Friday |
| 2024 | July 7th | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 7th | Monday |
| 2026 | July 7th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 7th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 7th | |
National Macaroni Day Word Search
- Macaroni
- Cheese
- Pasta
- Sauce
- Italy
- Recipe