What are phrases like bread and butter macaroni cheese called?

There isn't a single, universally accepted term for phrases like "bread and butter" or "macaroni cheese". However, here are some options depending on the context and desired nuance:

General terms:

* Collocations: This is a common term in linguistics to describe words that often appear together.

* Idioms: If the phrase has a figurative meaning beyond the literal, it can be considered an idiom.

* Fixed expressions: This term emphasizes that the words are used together in a specific order and cannot be easily changed.

More specific terms:

* Food-related clichés: If the phrase is overused and considered unoriginal, it could be called a cliché.

* Cultural references: Some food phrases might be deeply rooted in a specific culture and represent a shared understanding.

* Binomials: This term describes phrases with two words joined by "and", like "bread and butter".

Example:

* "Bread and butter" is a collocation and a fixed expression that can also be considered a cultural reference for basic necessities.

* "Macaroni cheese" is a collocation, but not necessarily an idiom. It is a widely understood and commonly used term.

Ultimately, the best way to describe these phrases depends on the specific context and the message you want to convey.