Come September 5th, cheese pizza aficionados have a great reason to celebrate - it’s National Cheese Pizza Day! Think of this day as a tip of the hat to one of the most popular and classic pizza choices out there. Imagine biting into a slice of pizza topped with nothing but rich, melted cheese stretched over a warm, baked crust, potentially with a layer of zesty tomato sauce underneath.
It’s the day when the spotlight shines on a dish in its simplest yet most alluring form: just cheese and crust. It’s the starting point for countless other pizza creations, but on National Cheese Pizza Day, it’s all about that original blend of gooey cheese atop a perfect base. No matter if your crust preference leans towards the thin and crunchy or the deep and doughy, this is the day to appreciate it in all its glory.
History of National Cheese Pizza Day
Going back in time, the roots of pizza are found in ancient civilizations that enjoyed flatbread-based delicacies. The pizza we’re more acquainted with began to emerge in Naples, Italy, after the late 18th-century innovation of adding tomatoes to flatbread. Soon after, cheese made its grand entrance, and from there, the pizza started to morph into the dish we love today.
With Italian migrants settling in America in the 19th and 20th centuries, they introduced their pizza craft to new shores. Following World War II, pizza really hit its stride in the American food scene. It wasn’t long before pizzerias popped up nationwide, turning pizza into a communal, shareable feast.
Recently, National Cheese Pizza Day gained traction because it honors the uncomplicated joy found in a slice of pizza with just cheese—stripping away all the fancy toppings. Though often overshadowed by more complex varieties, the classic cheese pizza is claimed by some to be the best way to appreciate the magic created by melty cheese on top of a beautifully baked crust and tangy tomato sauce.
Promotions by pizza shops, social media campaigns, and of course, the making and eating of cheese pizzas characterize how this day is observed. Some pizza joints might offer special discounts on cheese pizzas on this day, while others take the chance to introduce new cheese pizza recipes to their menu.
National Cheese Pizza Day Timeline
Cheese Production
Cheese is believed to have been discovered in the Middle East or by nomadic Turkic tribes, leading to early cheese production.
Early Pizza Concept
Evidence of flatbreads with toppings found in the remains of Pompeii, similar to what we might now recognize as pizza.
Pizza in Naples
The modern pizza takes shape in Naples, Italy, where poor people began topping their flatbreads with tomatoes, forming an early version of today's pizza.
Margherita Pizza
Chef Raffaele Esposito creates the Margherita Pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, to represent the Italian flag.
First US Pizzeria
Gennaro Lombardi opens the first documented pizzeria in the United States, Lombardi's, in New York City.
Pizza Popularity Boom
After World War II, pizza becomes widely popular in the United States and then globally, with cheese pizza becoming a staple dish.
Globalization of Pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular and widely recognized foods in the world, with cheese pizza being a beloved classic in many countries.
Ideas to Celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day
Cheese Pizza Cook-off
Invite friends and family over for a cheese pizza baking challenge. Each person or team can make their version of the ultimate cheese pizza using different cheeses and crust recipes. End the night by voting for the best creation!
Pizzeria Crawl
Gather a group of your cheese-loving friends and go on a pizzeria crawl. Hit up several local pizza spots to try their signature cheese pizzas. Don't forget to rate each one and crown the king of cheese pizza in your town at the end of the day.
Pizza and Movie Marathon
Celebrate by hosting a pizza-themed movie marathon. Watch films like 'Mystic Pizza,' 'Pizza My Heart,' or 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.' Enjoy them while munching on classic cheese pizzas straight out of the oven.
Pizza Making Workshop
Learn the art of pizza making by signing up for a pizza workshop. Enhance your skills in dough tossing, sauce making, and of course, cheese spreading. Take this knowledge home to make every day a potential National Cheese Pizza Day!
Cheesy Pizza Deals
Many pizzerias offer special deals on National Cheese Pizza Day. Take advantage of these promotions to treat yourself to some of the best cheese pizzas at a fraction of the price. It's a perfect excuse to indulge without breaking the bank.
8 Interesting Facts About Cheese Pizza
Pizza Margherita: The Classic Cheese Pizza
The classic cheese pizza, Pizza Margherita, dates back to 1889 when it was created in Naples, Italy for Queen Margherita of Savoy. The colors of the pizza—red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil)—were chosen to represent the Italian flag.
The Mozzarella Staple
The most popular cheese used on pizza is mozzarella, prized for its excellent melting properties and mild flavor. It's a stretchy cheese when melted, giving pizza that characteristic stringy, gooey texture that cheese lovers adore.
Cheese Pizza's Global Impact
Cheese pizza has influenced global cuisine, with many countries adding their own local twists. For instance, in Brazil, it's common to find cheese pizza with slices of cream cheese or curd, and in India, paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a popular topping.
The Largest Cheese Pizza Ever Made
The world record for the largest cheese pizza ever made goes to a pizza created in Los Angeles, California, by Airrack in 2013. It measured 1,296.72 m² (13,957.77 ft²).
Cheese Pizza as a Canvas
Cheese pizza is often viewed as a blank canvas, ideal for adding a variety of toppings to suit different tastes. However, purists argue that a true cheese pizza should feature only cheese, tomato sauce, and a dough crust, to fully savor the simplicity and perfection of the combination.
A Versatile Comfort Food
Cheese pizza is considered a comfort food in many cultures due to its satisfying texture, rich flavors, and the emotional connections many people have with it. It is a go-to meal for parties, late-night studies, family dinners, and whenever quick, delicious nourishment is needed.
Artisanal Cheese Pizza
With the rise of artisanal food movements, cheese pizza has been elevated beyond its humble roots. Gourmet versions use a variety of cheeses, including Gorgonzola, chèvre, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and may include luxury ingredients like truffles or gold leaf.
Cheese Pizza's Nutritional Balance
When made with whole food ingredients and consumed in moderation, cheese pizza can provide a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nutrients. The cheese offers calcium and protein, while the tomato sauce provides vitamins and antioxidants.
National Cheese Pizza Day FAQs
Next National Cheese Pizza Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 5th | Tuesday |
| 2024 | September 5th | Thursday |
| 2025 | September 5th | Friday |
| 2026 | September 5th | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 5th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Every September 5th | |
National Cheese Pizza Day Word Search
- Cheese
- Pizza
- Dough
- Sauce
- Slice
- Toppings