Holidays mean food. Do you belong to a turkey-eating family or a ham-eating family? A family that cooks up green bean casserole, sweet potato pie, mashed potatoes . . . or all of the above? And what about . . . macaroni and cheese? Does that popular dish get a spot on your Thanksgiving table?

A 2023 survey shows that baked mac and cheese is the number one side dish in Louisiana. But mac and cheese isn’t just for the bayou. Most states rank the creamy comfort food amongst the top five sides for Thanksgiving.

Mac and cheese is a famous comfort food in the United States. Its popularity goes back a long, long way. Mac and cheese got started in 14th-century Europe. In America, it turned into the version we know and love today.

Many credit Thomas Jefferson for mac and cheese’s popularity in the United States. Mr. Jefferson tried a macaroni dish in France and loved it. He brought the dish to Virginia in the late 18th century. He served it at a state dinner.

Over time, macaroni and cheese became more accessible for the average American. It didn’t cost much to make. It filled the belly fast during hard times. It became a popular choice during the Great Depression. American manufacturer Kraft introduced boxed mac and cheese in the 1930s. 

People tend to have strong preferences about how they take their mac. What are yours? Homemade or boxed? Crunchy breadcrumb top or creamy? What do you add? Mustard? Pepper? Hot sauce? Bacon? Ketchup on the side?

Why? Food brings people together. In a diverse country like America, a dish develops many variations.

From the editor:
Send us your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Better yet, include a picture of you cooking or enjoying your creation too. We’ll share the recipes online and even taste test our favorites! Email WORLDkidseditor@gwnews.com.