National Cheese Pizza Day

A delicious, cheesy pizza with a golden crust and melted mozzarella, surrounded by happy friends sharing a meal, with vibrant, casual summer vibes.. — National cheese pizza day illustration

Happy National Cheese Pizza Day! A day to celebrate the gooey, cheesy deliciousness that is … you guessed it, cheese pizza! If your calendar isn't already marked for September 5, get a notepad right now!

When is Cheese Pizza Day?

It's national cheese pizza day on the 5th September.

Let's delve into the cheesy history

It all started in Naples, Italy back in the 19th century, where pizza began as a homemade dish for industrious workers. But hold on to your cheese grater - it wasn’t until the pizza pie immigrated to America with Italians, that cheese truly took its prominent place on the pizza podium.

It's no mystery why Cheese Pizza Day went viral back on September 5, 2018, with an astounding 15,087 mentions on the web! It's less of a celebration and more of a declaration - cheese pizza is here, and it's here to stay.

A Day for Cheesy Celebrations

National Cheese Pizza Day is the day to be a little extra cheesy. What better way to mark the occasion by hosting a pizza party with your friends and family! Or if you're a believer in 'less is more', simply gliding into your favorite pizzeria for that classic slice.

Joining the Cheesy Extravaganza

Remember, participation doesn’t require culinary expertise! There are countless pizza parlors offering special cheese pizza deals on the day. You can even elevate your celebration by hosting a DIY cheese pizza cook-off.

Your Act of Cheesy Love

Another interesting notion is to share your love of cheese pizza online and join the nation’s collective cheese pizza shoutout. By simply adding the hashtag #NationalCheesePizzaDay to your social media posts, you can connect with fellow cheese pizza lovers around the world.

History behind the term 'Cheese Pizza'

1889

The Birth of Margherita Pizza

In 1889, Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples. The royal chef, Raffaele Esposito, created a special pizza to honor her. The pizza was topped with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza became known as Margherita pizza.

1970

Introduction of American Cheese

In the 1970s, American cheese became a popular choice for pizza makers in the United States. American cheese has a milder flavor and better meltability than traditional mozzarella. Pizzerias started using American cheese as a topping, leading to the birth of the term 'cheese pizza' to differentiate it from other varieties.

1990

Popularity of Plain Cheese Pizza

Towards the end of the 20th century, plain cheese pizza gained immense popularity. It became a staple choice for children and picky eaters, as it offered a simple and familiar flavor profile. The term 'cheese pizza' became synonymous with plain, no-topping pizza, cementing its place in the culinary lexicon.

2000s

Internet Culture and 'Cheese Pizza' Code

In the 2000s, the term 'cheese pizza' took on a different meaning within internet culture. Due to the slang's initial letters, 'CP' became a code for child pornography. This forced websites and online communities to be cautious while discussing or using the term 'cheese pizza.' It introduced an unintended dark twist to the history of the term.

Present Day

Continued Popularity and Versatility

Today, cheese pizza remains a beloved classic and a staple in pizzerias worldwide. It serves as a base for countless variations, with additional toppings ranging from vegetables to different types of meat. The term 'cheese pizza' has become deeply ingrained in the culinary culture, fulfilling the cravings of pizza enthusiasts everywhere.

Did you know?

Did you know that pizza actually started as a dish for the poor in Italy? It only took a yacht, a queen, and some tomatoes for it to gain its royal status!