2026

MEDIA ALERT | NEW DAY PROCLAMATION | NATIONAL PEPPER JACK CHEESE DAY | September 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spicing Up the Calendar: Announcing National Pepper Jack Cheese Day

[NEW ULM, MN & MANDAN, ND] — Cheese lovers and flavor seekers officially have a new reason to celebrate. Today marks the official proclamation of National Pepper Jack Cheese Day, a brand-new holiday recognized by National Day Calendar to honor one of America’s most popular, zesty dairy creations.

Celebrated annually on September 21, National Pepper Jack Cheese Day pays tribute to the bold, kick-in-the-bite flavor of Pepper Jack—a derivative of traditional Monterey Jack blended with sweet peppers, chilies, jalapeños, and herbs.

Originating as a distinctly American innovation, Pepper Jack has grown from a regional favorite into a staple on sandwich lines, burger joints, and cheese boards nationwide. Known for its creamy meltability and signature heat, Pepper Jack brings the perfect balance of smooth texture and fiery spice to kitchens across the country.

How to Join the Celebration

Foodies, restaurants, and home chefs are encouraged to turn up the heat on National Pepper Jack Cheese Day by participating in the festivities:

  • Melt It Down: Upgrade classic dishes like grilled cheese, nachos, quesadillas, or gourmet burgers with a slice of spicy Pepper Jack.

  • Pair It Up: Feature Pepper Jack on charcuterie boards paired with crisp crackers, fresh fruit, and bold craft beverages.

  • Share the Spice: Show off your favorite spicy cheese creations on social media using the official hashtag #NationalPepperJackCheeseDay.

For over a century, Pepper Jack remained a small-batch secret—until 2001, when Wisconsin cheesemaker Richard “Whitie” Wold perfected large-scale commercial production. Widely regarded as the "Father of Pepper Jack." Wold learned to balance heat from sweet peppers, jalapeños, and occasionally habaneros or habanero extract, while creating a high-melt cheese that yields smooth spice in every bite.

About the Founder

National Pepper Jack Cheese Day was submitted by Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) to celebrate 25 years of large-scale Pepper Jack production. Headquartered in New Ulm, Minn., it is owned by dairy farm families from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota.

About National Day Calendar

National Day Calendar® is the premier destination for tracking, creating, and celebrating national days, weeks, and months. With over 1,500 recognized celebrations, National Day Calendar helps millions of followers around the globe "Celebrate Every Day."

Media Contact:
National Day Calendar
Marlo Anderson
[email protected]
(701) 204-6674

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