National Cheese Lovers Day (January 20)
National Cheese Lovers Day on January 20th is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite cheeses with fun facts, delicious recipes, and celebration ideas.
Cheese lovers rejoice! Every year on January 20, National Cheese Lovers Day celebrates one of the world’s most beloved foods.
Whether you enjoy it melted, sliced, or crumbled, cheese has a rich history and countless varieties to explore.
From indulging in your favorite cheese dish to learning about its origins, this day is perfect for cheese enthusiasts. And if you love quirky celebrations, this holiday is just one of many wacky holidays in January!
When is the Holiday?
This fun holiday falls on January 20th every year, giving cheese enthusiasts a chance to indulge in their favorite dairy delight.
Who Invented It?
The origins of the weird holiday remain unknown. But it’s likely cheese enthusiasts or food industry promoters created the holiday to honor the centuries-old love for cheese.
The History of the Holiday
The earliest record of cheesemaking dates back to 5000 BC in what is now Poland.
Legend has it that cheese was discovered by accident when milk, stored in sheep’s stomachs, separated into curds and whey. This natural process, aided by the enzyme rennet found in the stomach lining, created a tasty and long-lasting food source.
Over the centuries, cheesemaking evolved into an art, with different cultures developing their own unique varieties. Ancient Egyptians depicted cheesemaking in tomb paintings, while the Greeks and Romans embraced it as a staple food, even offering it to their gods.
By the time of the Roman Empire, cheese had become a valuable trade commodity, with Romans experimenting with aging techniques and spices to enhance flavor.
In medieval Europe, monasteries became centers of cheesemaking innovation, crafting distinct varieties that are still beloved today.
As European settlers traveled to the Americas, they brought their cheesemaking traditions with them, leading to the creation of new regional styles.
Today, there are over 1,400 varieties of cheese enjoyed worldwide, from creamy Brie to tangy Cheddar.
National Cheese Lovers Day offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the diversity and rich heritage of this dairy delight.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Cheese was discovered by accident thousands of years ago—thanks to curious shepherds and some creative storage methods.
- The average American eats about 33 pounds of cheese annually—yes, that’s about the weight of a small toddler!
- Wisconsin once required restaurants to serve cheese with every meal—talk about a cheesy law!
- Pizza Hut uses about 300 million pounds of cheese each year—enough to top more than 2 billion pizzas.
- The world’s largest cheese weighed over 57,000 pounds—imagine the size of that cheese board!
Activities to Celebrate
- Host a cheese-tasting party. Gather friends and family to sample a variety of cheeses from around the world. Pair them with fruit, nuts, and crackers for a delightful experience.
- Get crafty with cheese. Try making your own cheese at home with a simple DIY kit—mozzarella and ricotta are great for beginners!
- Create the ultimate cheese board. Experiment with unique cheese pairings, such as pairing blue cheese with honey or cheddar with apple slices.
- Visit a local dairy farm. Learn firsthand how cheese is made and meet the animals behind the magic.
- Show off your love for cheese online. Snap a pic of your favorite cheesy creation and share it with #NationalCheeseLoversDay.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
- Homemade Macaroni & Cheese. A creamy and comforting classic that brings back childhood memories with its rich, gooey texture and golden, baked topping.
- Three Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. A gooey delight made with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda, delivering the perfect crunch and melt combination.
- Easy Keto Cheese Sauce. Perfect for low-carb diets, this sauce is a velvety blend of cheddar and cream cheese, ideal for drizzling over vegetables or using as a dip.
- Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. A hearty side dish featuring crispy hashbrowns, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping that’s perfect for family gatherings.
- Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. A game-day favorite packed with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a hint of beer for a rich and savory dipping experience.
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Links to Resources
- Treat yourself to a new cheese charcuterie board and start creating a cheese lovers dream.
- Elevate your cheese experience with a high-quality brie baker, perfect for creating warm, gooey Brie topped with honey, nuts, or herbs.
- Track and explore your cheese-tasting adventures with this fun and interactive 100 cheeses bucket list scratch poster featuring iconic cheeses from around the world.
Related Holidays
- National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12)
- National Cheese Day (June 4)
- National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5)
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