National Cheeseball Day

Cheeseball lovers unite! It's National Cheeseball Day, the cheesiest day of the year. Grab your crackers and get ready for a taste bud extravaganza. Whether you love them gooey or crispy, savory or sweet, this day is all about celebrating these little balls of cheesy goodness.

When is Cheeseball Day?

It's national cheeseball day on the 17th April.

The Cheesy Origins

National Cheeseball Day may seem like a modern invention, created by cheese enthusiasts who couldn't get enough of this cheesy delight. But did you know that cheeseballs actually have a long and storied history? It's true! The origins of the cheeseball can be traced back to ancient times when people discovered the magical powers of cheese.

Legend has it that the first cheeseball was accidentally created by a clumsy cheese-maker who dropped a blob of cheese into a bowl of breadcrumbs. Instead of letting it go to waste, the cheese-maker decided to roll it up into a ball and voila! The cheeseball was born.

Since then, cheeseballs have been enjoyed by people all over the world. From creamy and tangy to spicy and flavorful, there's a cheeseball out there for every palate.

Cheeseball Day Celebrations

On National Cheeseball Day, people come together to celebrate their love for these delectable balls of cheesy goodness. Here are a few ways you can join in on the fun:

Host a cheeseball party: Invite your friends and family over for a cheeseball extravaganza. Ask everyone to bring their favorite kind of cheeseball, and prepare to indulge in a cheeseball feast.
Get creative in the kitchen: Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique cheeseball recipes. From bacon-wrapped to chocolate-covered, the possibilities are endless.
Visit a cheeseball festival: Check if there are any cheeseball festivals happening in your area. These festivals often feature a wide variety of cheeseballs from different vendors, along with live music and entertainment.

The World's Largest Cheeseball

Did you know that the world's largest cheeseball weighed a whopping 1,235 pounds? It was created in Wisconsin, the cheese capital of the United States. Imagine the amount of cheese that went into making that giant cheeseball!

History behind the term 'Cheeseball'

1886

The Birth of 'Cheese Ball'

In 1886, the term 'cheese ball' first appeared in American newspapers. It was initially used to refer to a round-shaped mound of cheese that was often served as a centerpiece or as a novelty item at parties and social gatherings.

1920s

The Rise in Popularity

During the 1920s, cheese balls gained significant popularity in the United States. They became a staple at picnics, cocktail parties, and holiday celebrations. The simplicity of combining various cheeses, herbs, and seasonings into a ball shape made them a convenient and visually appealing appetizer.

1938

Cheese Ball Recipes in Cookbooks

In 1938, the first recorded cheese ball recipe was published in the 'Five O'Clock Tea' cookbook by Ethelind Fearon. This cookbook featured a recipe that called for mixing cream cheese, grated cheddar, and Worcestershire sauce. The recipe soon became popular and sparked many variations of cheese ball recipes.

1950s

Cheese Balls Become a Retro Party Trend

During the 1950s, cheese balls reached their pinnacle of popularity. They were considered a retro party trend and a symbol of mid-century Americana. The cheese ball became a quintessential part of the social and culinary culture of the time.

1970s

Evolution of Cheese Ball Variations

The 1970s marked an era of creativity and experimentation with cheese ball recipes. People started incorporating new ingredients such as nuts, herbs, dried fruits, and even bacon bits into the cheese mixture. This period saw the birth of countless creative variations of the classic cheese ball.

2000s

Cheese Balls as Party Staples

In the 2000s, cheese balls remained a beloved party staple. They continued to evolve, with modern variations featuring jalapeños, smoked cheese, or even sweet versions with chocolate and cream cheese. Cheese balls persisted as a nostalgic and versatile appetizer, bridging generations with their classic charm.

Did you know?

Did you know that cheeseballs were once considered a fancy delicacy and were often served at high-end parties? Today, they're enjoyed by people from all walks of life, from cheese connoisseurs to casual snackers.