National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5)

One weird holiday on September 5th is National Cheese Pizza Day. Check out the other weird September holidays!

Every year on September 5th, pizza lovers unite to celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day, a day dedicated to the joys of the classic cheese pizza. With its perfect blend of melted cheese on a traditional tomato base, cheese pizza serves as the foundation of one of the world’s favorite comfort foods. This day offers an opportunity to indulge in your favorite slice, explore different cheese combinations, and even try your hand at making your own.

When is National Cheese Pizza Day?

National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5th every year.

Who Invented National Cheese Pizza Day?

The specific originator of National Cheese Pizza Day is not well-documented. Like many food-themed observance days, it likely originated from food industry groups, pizza restaurants, or marketing teams looking to promote cheese pizza consumption. These types of celebratory days are often established as promotional tools to engage consumers, boost sales, and encourage the celebration of popular foods, in this case, the beloved cheese pizza.

National Cheese Pizza Day serves as a marketing opportunity for pizzerias and food retailers to offer special deals and to highlight the simplicity and universal appeal of cheese pizza, encouraging both new and returning customers to indulge in a slice.

History of Pizza

Pizza, in its most basic form, has been a staple for centuries, but the modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. Initially a dish for poor residents, it was sold in the streets and wasn’t considered a kitchen recipe for a long time. The classic cheese pizza, or “Pizza Margherita,” was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy after she praised the simplicity and taste of the pizza prepared with just mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, reflecting the colors of the Italian flag.

From Italy, pizza quickly became popular across the world, evolving into various styles and forms in different countries. The United States embraced pizza post-World War II, with cities like New York and Chicago developing their own iconic takes on the classic pie.

Why Cheese Pizza?

Cheese pizza represents the pure essence of what makes this dish universally beloved. By focusing on the cheese, the pizza is reduced to its core elements: bread, sauce, and cheese. This simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through and provides a baseline from which countless variations can be explored.

Cheese pizza holds a place in the heart of popular culture, often appearing in movies, television shows, and songs. It’s a symbol of gatherings, parties, and comfort eating. The simplicity of cheese pizza makes it a favorite choice for both young and old.

Varieties of Cheese in Pizza

There are four different varieties of cheese that are typically found in pizza.

Mozzarella: The classic choice for pizza, known for its mild flavor and excellent meltability.
Provolone: Offers a sharper taste and often used alongside mozzarella for a deeper flavor profile.
Ricotta: Used in white pizzas, providing a creamy texture and rich taste.
Parmesan: Grated over the top for a salty, umami boost before serving.

While pizza can be indulgent, cheese pizza offers some nutritional benefits such as calcium from the cheese and lycopene from the tomato sauce. Options for healthier versions include using whole wheat dough, low-fat cheeses, or adding a variety of vegetable toppings.

Celebrating National Cheese Pizza Day

Pizza Party: Host a pizza-making party where guests can create their own cheese pizzas with a variety of cheeses. Scroll to the bottom of this post for delicious cheese pizza recipes.
Visit Local Pizzerias: Explore different pizzerias in your area to taste their unique takes on the classic cheese pizza.
Pizza Discounts: Many pizzerias offer deals or discounts in celebration of National Cheese Pizza Day. Take advantage of these promotions to enjoy your favorite pies.
Cooking Classes: Attend a pizza cooking class to learn how to make artisanal cheese pizza from scratch.
Social Media Sharing: Share photos of your favorite cheese pizza on social media using the hashtag #NationalCheesePizzaDay to engage with other pizza enthusiasts.

Fun Facts About Cheese Pizza

Record-Breaking Pizza: The world’s largest cheese pizza was made in Rome in 2012, measuring over 1261 square meters.
Cheese Consumption: Over 25% of all cheese produced in the U.S. is used in pizza making.
Popular Food Item: Pizza is one of the most photographed foods on Instagram.

National Cheese Pizza Day is a wonderful occasion to rediscover the joy of simple, delicious cheese pizza. Whether you’re a die-hard pizza enthusiast or just enjoy a casual slice now and then, today is the day to celebrate this global culinary treasure. Indulge in the gooey, cheesy goodness of a slice (or several) and remember why cheese pizza has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world.