Thomas Jefferson is known for many things, chief among them being that he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was the nation’s first Secretary of State, the second Vice President under John Adams, and the third President of the United States. Jefferson organized the Democratic-Republican party with James Madison, organized the Louisiana Purchase, and founded the University of Virginia.

Jefferson also was recently thrust into the spotlight from his character in Hamilton: An American Musical, where his rivalry with Alexander Hamilton was set to music. Jefferson’s appearance in the musical begins when he returns from France, where he was an ambassador, and George Washington appoints him as Secretary of State.

These things have caused Thomas Jefferson to practically become a household name, but we also have another thing to thank Jefferson for: macaroni and cheese.

While Jefferson himself did not invent mac ‘n cheese, he’s the one who introduced the dish to America. While serving as an ambassador to France, Jefferson came across many pastas, one among them being macaroni. He drew pictures and wrote detailed notes about the pasta, and eventually served “a pie called macaroni,” also known as baked macaroni and cheese, at a state dinner. Since then, the dish has been a staple of the All-American meal.

Fun fact: July 14th is National Macaroni and Cheese Day!