What is Franco American Mac and Cheese?
Franco American mac and cheese is a classic canned pasta meal that has been around for decades. It consists of elbow macaroni noodles in a creamy cheese sauce all packed into a convenient shelf-stable can.
The Franco American brand was first introduced in the 1880s and its signature canned mac and cheese product hit the market in the mid 1900s. It became popular as an easy, affordable family dinner that could be stored in the pantry and quickly heated up on the stovetop.
While the packaging has been updated over the years, the traditional formula of pasta and gooey cheese sauce remains unchanged. Just open the can, heat it up, and you've got comfort food in minutes.
Ingredients in Franco American Mac and Cheese
Franco American mac and cheese contains the following ingredients:
Elbow Macaroni
The primary ingredient is elbow macaroni pasta made from enriched wheat flour. The short tubular noodles are perfectly suited for holding the creamy cheese sauce.
Cheese Sauce
The smooth, velvety cheese sauce is made using a blend of milk, whey and milk proteins, and cheese products made with milkfat and milk proteins. This makes the sauce rich, gooey and ultra cheesy.
Canola Oil
A small amount of canola oil is added, which contributes some fat to help make the sauce creamy and lend a smooth mouthfeel.
Milk
Dry milk is used to add dairy flavor and nutrients without watering down the thick sauce.
Salt
A modest amount of salt is added for flavor. Franco American mac and cheese has 210mg sodium per serving.
Nutrition Facts for Franco American Mac and Cheese
Here are the basic nutrition facts for Franco American mac and cheese:
Calories
A 1 cup serving contains 380 calories.
Fat
Total fat is 13g per serving, which includes 5g of saturated fat. This comes mostly from the cheese and milk ingredients.
Protein
There are 12g of protein per 1 cup serving, mainly coming from the milk proteins in the cheese sauce.
Carbs
Each serving has 57g of carbs, which accounts for a majority of the calories. A serving has 4g of fiber and 9g of sugar.
Sodium
Franco American mac and cheese contains 210mg of sodium per serving, which provides around 9% of the daily recommended value.
Micronutrients
It offers small amounts of calcium and iron, but minimal other vitamins and minerals. The product is enriched with vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B12.
Flavors and Varieties
Franco American mac and cheese comes in the following flavors and product lines:
Original
The traditional and most popular flavor is the original cheesy and creamy cheddar sauce with elbow macaroni.
Microwave Cups
These convenient single-serve microwaveable cups allow you to cook the mac and cheese in 60 seconds.
SpaghettiOs
This clever mashup combines the pasta rings and sauce from SpaghettiOs with the classic cheese sauce.
Bold Four Cheese
A more indulgent variety with cheddar, Asiago, Romano, and Parmesan for extra cheesy richness.
Bacon Mac & Cheese
Real bacon adds smokiness and salty flavor to the original cheese sauce.
Broccoli Cheese
Includes bits of real broccoli florets in the sauce for some added color and nutrition.
How to Cook Franco American Mac and Cheese
Cooking Franco American mac and cheese is simple:
On the Stovetop
Empty the can into a saucepan and heat on medium, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
In the Microwave
Remove the label, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir at least once. Let stand 1-2 minutes before serving.
On the Grill
For a fun twist, pour the mac and cheese into a foil packet and seal it up. Place on a grill preheated to medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
Tips for Making the Best Franco American Mac and Cheese
Here are some tips and tricks to take this canned staple to the next level:
Spice it Up
Add your favorite spices like paprika, cayenne, mustard powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Mix-Ins
Stir in cooked ground beef, tuna, peas, corn, or diced tomatoes for a heartier meal.
Breadcrumb Topping
For crunch, top with panko or crushed Ritz crackers and bake for 5 minutes.
Cheese Toppers
Make it even cheesier by adding shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan on top.
Texture Boost
Blend in cooked pasta shells, rotini, or potato chips before serving.
Way to Enjoy Franco American Mac and Cheese
Here are some fun and tasty ways to eat this beloved canned pasta:
As a Side Dish
It's the perfect accompaniment to serve alongside ribs, fried chicken, meatloaf or sausage.
As a Main Dish
For an easy lunch or dinner, enjoy a piping hot bowl of Franco American mac and cheese by itself.
As an Appetizer
Scoop into mini phyllo cups and bake for hot and tasty bite-sized snacks.
As a Casseroles and Bakes
Combine with veggies, meat and extra cheese to create a hearty and delicious baked casserole.
As a Dip
Thin it out with milk and turn this cheese sauce into an instant dip for veggies or chips.
Buying and Storing Franco American Mac and Cheese
Here are some tips for purchasing and storing cans of Franco American mac and cheese:
Where to Buy
Look for it in the pasta aisle at most major supermarkets, grocery stores, warehouse clubs and online retailers.
What to Look For
Inspect cans for dents, damage or swelling. Make sure the sell-by date hasn't expired.
How to Store
Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperatures over 85F. Refrigerate leftovers.
How Long Does it Last
An unopened can will stay fresh for 2-3 years. Opened mac and cheese lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
Buy in Bulk
For great deals, buy larger multi-packs. Just divide and freeze portions for later.
History of Franco American Mac and Cheese
Here's a look back at the history behind this iconic canned pasta meal:
1886
The Franco-American Food Company is founded in Jersey City, NJ by the Vail brothers.
1935
The company merges with Van Camps and is called Van Camps Franco-American Food Company.
1965
Franco American SpaghettiOs hit shelves, later followed by the classic mac and cheese product.
2010
The product gets a modern packaging update but keeps the same traditional formula.
Today
Franco American mac and cheese remains a beloved staple that still tastes the same after all these years.
Why Franco American Mac and Cheese is So Popular
There are several reasons why Franco American has stood the test of time:
Nostalgia
It's a hit of nostalgia for many who grew up enjoying this meal as kids.
Convenience
It offers an easy 5 minute meal from your pantry - just heat and eat.
Comfort Food
The cheesy and creamy pasta offers the ultimate comfort food.
Great Taste
The formula delivers the perfect balance of gooey, cheesy, rich indulgence.
Affordable
At under $2 per can, it's an affordable dinner option for families.
Versatility
It's endlessly adaptable - enjoy as-is or enhance with all kinds of add-ins.
Shelf Stable
No refrigeration is required, making it handy to have on hand for quick meals.
Pop Culture
It has made cameos in movies, TV shows, songs and more over the decades.
Common Questions
Is Franco American mac and cheese gluten free?
No, it contains wheat-based elbow macaroni so it is not gluten free.
Is Franco American mac and cheese vegetarian?
The original version with no meat add-ins is vegetarian. Some varieties may contain bacon or other meat products.
Does Franco American mac and cheese need to be refrigerated?
Unopened cans have a long shelf life. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3-4 days.
Where is Franco American mac and cheese made?
It's manufactured at a facility in Toronto, Canada and distributed by the Campbell Soup Company in the U.S.
Is Franco American better than Kraft mac and cheese?
It's a matter of personal taste preference, but many fans insist the creamy texture and cheesy flavor of Franco American is superior.
Give Franco American Mac and Cheese a Try
Franco American has been making the same classic comfort food in a can for generations. This budget-friendly pantry staple offers a quick and delicious cheesy pasta fix.
Heat up a can today and enjoy this beloved mac and cheese on its own or get creative and customize it to suit your taste. Just add spices, vegetables, meat or other mix-ins for endless easy meals.
FAQs
Is Franco American mac and cheese gluten-free?
No, Franco American contains wheat-based pasta so it is not gluten-free.
How long does an unopened can last?
An unopened can will stay fresh for 2-3 years stored in a cool, dry place.
Can you microwave Franco American mac and cheese?
Yes, you can microwave it in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir at least once.
What's the difference between Franco American and Kraft mac and cheese?
Franco American uses a smoother, creamier cheese sauce while Kraft has a more artificial, neon orange look and flavor.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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