National Cheese Day (June 4)
Cheese lovers rejoice, June 4th is National Cheese Day, a celebration of all things creamy, tangy, aged, and delicious.
From Brie to blue, this is your excuse to eat your favorites or try something new.
Whether you’re a seasoned cheesemonger or simply a fan of cheese fries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Get ready for tastings, pairings, and cheesy puns galore. This is one of the most delicious weird holidays in June.
When Is The Holiday?
National Cheese Day is observed annually on June 4th.
Who Invented It?
No one knows for sure who invented the holiday, it wasn’t tied to any official organization. Like many food holidays, it likely emerged from the internet era of unofficial observances.
But the mystery fits the charm. It’s a day where cheese takes center stage, with or without a founding document.
The History of the Holiday
Though the day itself has unclear origins, the tradition of cheesemaking goes back over 7,000 years.
Early cheesemaking likely began by accident, with milk stored in animal stomachs naturally curdling into something edible.
Cultures like the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks began refining the process.
Cheese became a Roman staple, was preserved by monks in medieval Europe, and spread globally through colonization and trade. In the modern era, cheese ranges from mass-market slices to small-batch artisan wheels.
This holiday simply gives cheese lovers a reason to indulge and share the joy.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Over 1,800 types of cheese exist worldwide.
- The average American eats 40+ pounds of cheese annually.
- The oldest known cheese was found in an Egyptian tomb, over 3,000 years old.
- Wisconsin alone produces over 600 types of cheese.
- Cheese has its own awards, The World Cheese Awards is like the Oscars of dairy.
Activities to Celebrate
- Host a cheese tasting with global varieties.
- Create a DIY cheeseboard with fresh fruit, nuts, and bread.
- Visit a local creamery or cheese shop to try something new.
- Try cooking a cheesy dish you’ve never made before (mac and cheese upgrades welcome).
- Pair different cheeses with wines, teas, or jams.
- Share your favorite cheese facts or recipes online with #NationalCheeseDay.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
Whether you’re planning a cheese board or a full meal, these recipes are perfect for celebrating National Cheese Day:
Cheese Fondue with Beer – A classic Swiss-style fondue with a flavorful twist—beer! This recipe combines Gruyère and Emmental for a melty, shareable dip that’s perfect with bread cubes, apples, or veggies.
Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Take your grilled cheese up a notch with this decadent recipe that layers multiple cheeses and a buttery, crispy crust. Great with tomato soup or on its own.
Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy and comforting, this scratch-made mac and cheese is a family favorite. It uses real cheese (no processed blocks here) and offers a smooth, rich flavor.
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice – Looking for a low-carb option? This cheese cauliflower rice is loaded with flavor and makes a perfect side dish or vegetarian main that still delivers big cheesy satisfaction.
Baked Brie with Fig Jam and Walnuts – This elegant appetizer pairs creamy Brie with sweet fig jam and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in puff pastry. It’s ideal for entertaining or a fancy treat at home.
Cheese Tartlets – These mini cheese tartlets are easy to prep and bake, with a flaky crust and savory cheese filling that works for brunch, lunch, or party trays.
Creamy Brie & Gouda Mac and Cheese – This no-bake version blends two rich cheeses into a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. It’s luxurious without being fussy.
Cheese & Wine Soup – A cozy bowl of cheese and wine soup is just the thing for a chilly night—or a cheese holiday. This recipe is indulgent, smooth, and full of depth thanks to white wine and a mix of cheeses.
String Cheese Snowman Caprese Salad Appetizer Recipe – A playful, kid-friendly appetizer that layers string cheese snowmen with cherry tomatoes and basil for a whimsical twist on a caprese salad. Fun, festive, and full of flavor.
Smoked Mac and Cheese – If you’ve never had smoked mac and cheese, this is the recipe to try. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that subtle smoky flavor that makes it next-level delicious.
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Links to Resources
Make the holiday more engaging with these creative tools, craft ideas, and cheesy reads for kids and adults:
- For fine grating, especially of Parmesan and harder blocks, this professional stainless-steel cheese grater is a durable and efficient kitchen tool.
- Slice your favorite cheeses with ease using the adjustable cheese slicer, which lets you control thickness and is great for prepping a cheeseboard.
- Want to take your presentation skills to the next level? That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life is a stunning guide to building cheese boards that look as good as they taste.
- For kids learning about food groups, The Big Cheese is a fun and informative picture book that explains dairy in a playful way, making it a great addition to your family library.
Related Holidays
National Cheese Day isn’t the only food-themed celebration this season. Here are some other quirky and delicious observances you might enjoy:
National Cheese Lovers Day (January 20) is another perfect excuse to celebrate your favorite dairy indulgence—more about personal cheese obsessions than culinary history.
National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5) zooms in on the classic slice—sauce, crust, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for the purists.
National Cheese Steak Day (March 24) is your excuse to enjoy a Philly-style sandwich piled high with thin-sliced beef and gooey cheese.
National Cheesecake Day (July 30) celebrates one of the richest, creamiest desserts around. Whether you go New York-style or add toppings, it’s always a hit.
National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12) highlights the simplest cheesy sandwich that never goes out of style. Celebrate with a twist on the classic.
National Pizza Day (February 9) may not say “cheese” in the name, but let’s be honest—cheese is the star of the show on most pizzas.
Each of these cheesy celebrations gives you another reason to appreciate this beloved ingredient all year long.
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