National Macaroni & Cheese Day
- Christy Lee
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Melty Magic & Good Thyme Feels: Celebrating National Macaroni and Cheese Day with Soul
Hey Good Thyme Fam,
Get ready to stir up some serious comfort!! July 14th is National Macaroni and Cheese Day, and here at Good Thyme Gal, we’re turning up the heat with a golden, gooey recipe that’s both affordable and equitable, honoring the dish’s deep roots in Black culinary tradition.
This isn’t just any food holiday. This is mac and cheese we’re talking about. Creamy. Cheesy. Baked to perfection or stirred stovetop-style. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at Sunday dinners, family reunions, potlucks, and “just because” nights and it always brings people together.
Why Macaroni and Cheese Deserves Its Own Day
Macaroni and cheese is more than a comfort food classic. It’s a dish with a rich cultural legacy. Its origins in American kitchens date back to enslaved Black chefs like James Hemings, who trained in France and brought refined cooking techniques, including baked pasta, to the U.S. The dish was popularized in both Southern soul food and family tables across the country.
Over time, mac and cheese became more than just food; it became a symbol of resilience, creativity, and love, especially in Black and Southern households. National Macaroni and Cheese Day is our chance to celebrate that legacy with gratitude and deliciousness.
Why This Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal
At Good Thyme Gal, we believe in:
Honoring food roots and the people who shaped our kitchens.
Accessibility and joy in every recipe. No need for fancy ingredients to enjoy bold flavor.
Equity at the table, meaning no one should be left out of soulful, nourishing meals.
This day is a beautiful reminder of how something as humble as noodles and cheese can carry so much meaning. It connects deeply to our brand’s values flavor, family, and fairness.
🧀 Equitable Recipe: Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese (No Fancy Ingredients!)
This budget-friendly mac and cheese recipe brings rich flavor with ingredients you likely already have at home. No heavy cream or pricey cheeses here just simple pantry staples and love.
Serves: 4–6Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta on hand)
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 tbsp flour (all-purpose)
2 cups milk (whole, plant-based, or shelf-stable works!)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds soul)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in milk. Stir until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Add shredded cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and melty.
Fold in cooked pasta. Mix until evenly coated and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot, optionally topped with breadcrumbs or hot sauce.
Good Thyme Tips:
Stretch your cheese: Blend cheddar with whatever cheese is in your fridge(mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even American slices).
Make it vegan: Swap in oat milk and vegan cheddar for a dairy-free twist that still hits the spot.
Boost the protein: Stir in cooked lentils, black beans, or finely chopped greens to round out the meal.
Celebrate the Dish That’s Always Been There
Mac and cheese is a dish that’s fed us through lean times and celebrations alike. It’s affordable, flexible, and deeply satisfying, just like the meals we love to cook at Good Thyme Gal.
So this July 14th, let’s celebrate the comfort of home, the resilience of Black culinary tradition, and the beauty of a bubbling pot of mac and cheese. Cook it. Share it. Remember where it came from.
And if you make this dish, don’t forget to tag us @Chrstyleeb on Instagram and use the hashtag #MacWithSoul so we can share the love.
Here’s to melty joy and Good Thyme vibes.
– Good Thyme Gal 🌿
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