At RJ’s Family Restaurant, comfort food is more than a category — it’s a tradition. As the most popular lunch diner in the Linn Creek, Missouri area, we take pride in preparing dishes that bring warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction with every bite. Few dishes embody that spirit more than mac and cheese. Whether served as a creamy side or the main course, mac and cheese is a staple that continues to earn its place at tables across the country. But where did this beloved dish come from? And how did it become a symbol of homestyle cooking in the Midwest and beyond?
To answer that, we need to go back in time…long before it was served in diners, restaurants, or even family kitchens in America.
European Beginnings: The First Layer of Cheese and Pasta
The origin of mac and cheese can be traced back to medieval Europe. Food historians believe that a dish combining pasta and cheese appeared in the 13th century, referenced in an English cookbook known as the “Forme of Cury.” This early recipe featured hand-cut pasta, likely lasagna-like sheets, layered with a mixture of butter and grated cheese.
Thomas Jefferson: Mac and Cheese Comes to America
The leap from Europe to America came thanks, in part, to one of the nation’s founding fathers. Thomas Jefferson, during his travels to France and Italy, discovered the delight of cheesy pasta. He was so taken by it that he brought back a pasta machine and worked with his enslaved chef, James Hemings, to recreate the dish in the United States.
In 1802, Jefferson famously served baked macaroni and cheese at a state dinner. The combination of macaroni pasta and melted cheese, baked until golden, was a hit—but it wasn’t an overnight success. Still, this moment planted the seed for what would become one of the most iconic comfort foods in American culinary history.
At RJ’s, we often reflect on how a simple act of culinary curiosity paved the way for the mac and cheese we serve today. As a dedicated lunch diner in the Linn Creek, Missouri area, we know how much our guests value tradition — even when it stems from unlikely origins.
More Than a Meal: Mac and Cheese in Missouri Culture
In Missouri, food is about connection. It brings families together at the table, marks celebrations, and adds comfort to everyday life. Mac and cheese has long been a part of that experience.
From church potlucks to Sunday dinners, it’s a dish that everyone recognizes and loves. And at RJ’s, we’re honored to be part of those traditions. Our mac and cheese has earned a reputation among regulars and newcomers alike for being creamy, cheesy, and made with care.
As a family-owned lunch diner in the Linn Creek, Missouri area, we understand that food memories matter. Our version of mac and cheese is rooted in those shared moments when a familiar dish makes everything feel just right.
Regional Takes on Mac and Cheese
Across the US, mac and cheese has taken on regional flair. In the South, it’s often baked into a firm, casserole-style dish rich with cheddar and butter. In the Midwest, including Missouri, you might find it made stovetop-style with a smoother, creamier sauce.
Some Midwesterners add smoked sausage or BBQ pork, turning it into a hearty main dish. Others go for variety, mixing in vegetables like broccoli or roasted tomatoes for a balanced touch.
At RJ’s, we’ve embraced that versatility. Our menu includes several mac and cheese options, and our guests can always count on the perfect blend of flavor and nostalgia.
Looking for a Lunch Diner in the Linn Creek, Missouri Area?
RJ’s Family Restaurant is proud to celebrate the long-standing tradition of mac and cheese with every plate we serve. If you’re looking to enjoy this dish at the best lunch diner in the Linn Creek, Missouri area, RJ’s Family Restaurant is the place to visit. Contact us today at 573-346-6133 to get in touch with our staff.