NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY | SEPTEMBER 5
On September 5th, National Cheese Pizza Day says, “Hold the toppings!” That’s right, cheese is all you need when celebrating this pizza holiday. Whether the pie is homemade or ordered in, make it cheese only.
Add a variety of cheeses to your pie to celebrate. Smokey gouda or a little gorgonzola might mix it up. If you like a little cheddar, mild or sharp shredded across the top will do. Debates prevail over thin or thick crust. However, that debate is for another day. The cheese holds the spotlight on this occasion. In fact, thin-crust doesn’t even have a day. How did that happen? However, deep-dish does. Check out April 5th for more information about it. And National Pizza Day gets piping hot on February 9th.
We do know a few things about pizza in general, though. In ancient Greece, they covered their bread with oils, herbs and cheese. Many believe this to be the beginning of the pizza. In Byzantine Greek the word was spelled πίτα, or pita, meaning pie. The Romans also developed a version of the pizza pie. Using bay leaves for flavoring, the Romans topped the dough with cheese and honey.
When it comes to the modern pizza, we turn to Italy. Their Neapolitan flatbread created the beginnings of the pizza we know and love today. It was topped with mozzarella cheese made from high-quality buffalo milk.
In the United States, we love our pizzas, especially cheese pizza. In 1997, it’s estimated the United States produced more than 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese. That’s a lot of cheese! Our passion for pizza began in 1905 when the first pizza eaty oped in New York’s Little Italy. It’s been a cheese love affair ever since.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY
Order up or bake up your own cheese pizza to celebrate! Take a pizza poll to find out who makes the best cheese pizza in your state. Test out a new recipe or try one of these below. Have a cheese pizza party. Invite friends over to make their favorite cheese pizzas and enjoy each other’s company. You can even try to break a world record. Make the largest cheese pizza or the thinnest. While you can make the pizza at home (we have recipes, too), don’t forget to give a shout out to your favorite pizzeria. Whether they service it by the slice or you order up a whole pizza, you know they make it with love.
Easy Cheese Pizza
Zucchini Goat Cheese Pizza
Since many foods, including pizza, inspire world records, we decided to explore 5 Amazing Pizza World Records.
Use #NationalCheesePizzaDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY HISTORY
We were unable to find the creator of National Cheese Pizza Day. However, there are several pizza days on the calendar. Be sure to explore them all!
Cheese Pizza FAQ
Q. What types of cheeses go on a cheese pizza?
A. The most common type of cheese on cheese pizza is mozzarella. This meltable, flexible cheese gives cheese pizza stretchy awesomeness. Cheddar cheese also makes for fabulous pizzas. The sharpness adds a punch of flavor. Provolone offers a subtle flavor. Choose smoked provolone to enhance the taste experience. Another option for cheese pizza is adding cheese blends. Add parmesan to mozzarella. Top the mozzarella with goat cheese, also known as Cherve’. Combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Pecorino-Romano for a flavor explosion.
Q. Are there other pizza days on the calendar?
A. You bet there is! Pepperoni Pizza Day, National Pizza Day, National Deep Dish Pizza Day, and National Detroit Pizza Day are just a few.
Q. What cheese days are on the calendar?
A. The calendar is full of cheese days. National Cheddar Day, National Cheese Lover’s Day, National Cheesesteak Day, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, National Cheddar Fries Day, and many more grace the calendar.
September 5th Celebrated History
1774
The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies attended the Congress. Only Georgia remained absent. During the Congress, the delegates spelled out their grievances with the Crown, made decisions regarding the colonies, the Intolerable Act, and how to proceed should King George III fail to act upon their petition to repeal the act.
1836
The first president of the Republic of Texas is elected. Sam Houston won the election over Henry Smith and Stephen F. Austin. Before being elected as President, Houston served as governor of Tennessee and then Texas. He also represented Texas in the U.S. Senate before the state formed its own republic.
1862
Scientist James Glaisher and balloon pilot Henry Tracy Coxwell take a balloon ride 37,000 feet to the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere. The perilous ascent documented temperature, pressure and the effects on their bodies. The nearly deadly trip was not without incident. In order to descend, Coxwell had to climb the ropes to release a tangled valve-line. A 2019 film, The Aeronauts, depicts a fictionalized version of the ascent. While the film features Glaisher, Coxwell is replaced by a female character.
1882
Ten thousand workers marched in New York City in the first Labor Day parade. The celebration led Congress to pass legislation making Labor Day a national holiday.
1889
Freeing women from the constraints of the corset, Christine Hardt of Dresden, Germany receives a patent for a modern brassier.
1898
Sara Edmonds (aka Frank Thompson) died in La Port, Texas. In 1861, she volunteered with an infantry unit in Flint, Michigan for the American Civil War. Under the name of Frank Thompson, she fought in several battles, including the first Battle of Bull Run. She even crossed Confederate lines, collecting intelligence disguised as a woman.
1927
The cartoon character, Oswald the Lucky Rabit, debuts in Trolley Troubles. The animated rabbit would later inspire a famous mouse named Mickey when Walt Disney and Universal Pictures part ways.
1957
Viking Press published Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. The novel depicts Kerouac’s travels across the country during the rise of the Beat generation.
1960
A young Cassius Clay won gold in the light heavyweight division at the Rome Olympics. His final bout against Poland’s Zbigniew Pietrzykowski was his toughest. However, the judges decisions were unanimous, naming Clay the winner. He would go on to a successful boxing career as Muhammad Ali.
1966
Jerry Lewis’s first Muscular Dystrophy telethon airs. The Labor Day event raised $1 million. Throughout the years, the telethon presented a variety of acts to draw viewers and donations. Comedy, musical and dance teams took center stage while stars took calls from generous donors. The annual event took its final bow in 2014.
1976
The Muppet Show debuts. Starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear and several more of Jim Henson’s puppets, the show offered comedy and music with guest appearances from popular personalities from around the world.
1977
Less than a month after the launch of Voyager I, NASA’s Voyager II spacecraft launches on a mission to the outer planets. The mission was possible due to the alignment of the planets. The spacecraft used the gravity of each of the planets to swing on to the next one.
1989
Deborah Norville joins the Today Show as a news anchor. The journalist continued her career as a correspondent and anchor for CBS. During her time at CBS, she earned several Emmys and became the longest-serving female anchor on national television.
1991
The African National Congress elects Nelson Mandela as its president.
2008
The Asthma Foundation of Queensland, Australia hosted a record-breaking number 37,552 people blowing whistles. The simultaneous whistleblowing took place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
2018
Johnny Di Francesco of Australia piled 154 different varieties of cheese onto his pizza pie setting a world record.
September 5th Celebrated Birthdays
Lester Allan Pelton – 1829
Pelton’s water wheel significantly contributed to hydroelectricity and hydropower. His invention was put to work in mines, mills, and other applications.
Jesse James – 1847
The notorious outlaw gained legendary status after the Civil War. James’ gang robbed trains, stagecoaches and banks all over the West.
Amy Beach – 1867
After showing an aptitude for music at an early age, Beach learned from her mother and other talented musicians. As a composer, she would become the first American woman to public success and recognition in the field.
Frank Baldwin Jewett – 1879
Known for his interests and research, Jewett advanced telephone and radio technology. His successful career included work with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company and the first president of Bell Telephone Laboratories.
Arthur Nielsen – 1897
In 1929, the businessman and analyst founded the A.C. Nielsen company to provide market research for television and radio programming. He was also inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.
Helen Creighton – 1899
Creighton is a Canadian folklorist who collected more than 4,000 songs and ballads. Throughout her career, Creighton earned numerous awards and recognitions.
Bob Newhart – 1929
The actor and stand-up comic played many roles throughout his career. From the television sitcom Newhart to films like Elf, Newhart often played soft-spoken characters with comedic results. One of his most recent roles was that of the homely Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon.
Raquel Welch – 1940
The actress and singer has over 70 credits to her name. Since she exploded on the screen in 1960, Welch has performed in numerous films and television shows including One Million Years B.C., The Three Musketeers, and the television series Date My Dad.
Freddie Mercury – 1946
Best known as the lead vocalist for Queen, Mercury’s flamboyant style and range brought him worldwide acclaim. Together with Queen, they produced some of the most recognizable rock anthems ever recorded.
Cathy Guisewite – 1950
The cartoonist is best known for her comic strip, Cathy. Cathy debuted on November 22, 1976, and ran for 34 years.
“Most people think they don’t have time to stop and smell the roses. This day tries to alleviate that factor.”