Mac and cheese, short for macaroni and cheese, is a popular dish consisting of cooked macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar. The dish is often baked with a breadcrumb topping or simply prepared as a stovetop dish. Mac and cheese is widely recognized as a comfort food in the United States and Canada. In Hebrew, it is known as מקרוני עם גבינה (makaronim im gavina). In French, the dish is called pâtes au fromage, while in Spanish, it is referred to as macarrones con queso. The dish has various regional and cultural adaptations, with some versions incorporating additional ingredients like bacon, vegetables, or different types of cheese. Historically, mac and cheese has been a staple in American cuisine since the 18th century, with early recipes dating back to the colonial era. It gained widespread popularity in the 20th century, becoming a common household meal and a staple in school cafeterias.