Patrick Oconnell
Is it National Cheese Pizza Day today? Well, that depends on when you're asking. National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated annually on September 5. It's a day to celebrate the classic cheese pizza, which, despite its simplicity, is one of the most popular varieties of pizza. Although the exact origins of this day are unknown, it's widely celebrated by pizza lovers across the nation. So, if it's September 5, go ahead and grab a slice (or two) of that ooey-gooey, melty deliciousness!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 5th of September |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Alternative names | Cheese Pizza Day, National Pizza Day |
| Purpose | To celebrate the cheese pizza |
| Activities | Eating cheese pizza, making cheese pizza, cheese pizza parties |
| Toppings | Hold the toppings! |
| Crust | Thin or thick |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, gouda, gorgonzola, cheddar, provolone, parmesan, goat cheese, pecorino-Romano |
| Restaurants | Pasqually's Pizza and Wings, Stoner's Pizza Joint, Marco's Pizza |
| Related days | National Pepperoni Pizza Day, National Deep Dish Pizza Day, National Detroit Pizza Day, National Cheddar Day, National Cheese Lover's Day, National Cheesesteak Day, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, National Cheddar Fries Day, National Pizza Day, National Pizza Month |
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What You'll Learn
History of Cheese Pizza Day
The history of cheese pizza spans centuries and continents, evolving from a simple Italian flatbread to an iconic American favourite. While the exact origins of pizza are unknown, many people believe it dates back to Ancient Greece, where people would cover their bread with oils, herbs, and cheese. However, the flatbread pizza that is widely recognised today was first created in Naples, Italy, using the highest quality of buffalo mozzarella. Pizza made its debut in the United States in cities with large Italian immigrant communities, such as New York and Chicago. The first pizza establishment in the Western world opened in 1905 in Little Italy, New York.
In the 1950s and 1960s, pizza stores and chain restaurants began to spread across the United States, making pizza accessible to a wider audience. This period marked a transition for pizza, from a niche ethnic food to a mainstream favourite. As pizza gained popularity, regional styles emerged, such as New York's thin crust, Chicago's deep dish, and California's gourmet varieties. Each style reflected regional tastes and culinary innovations, further solidifying the versatility and enduring appeal of cheese pizza.
The basic cheese pizza, often referred to as "plain pizza," combines dough, tomato sauce, and cheese, creating a timeless classic. Cheese was an essential ingredient in early pizza recipes, enhancing the flavour profile with its creamy texture and savoury taste. The plain cheese pizza became a staple in the United States due to its simplicity, allowing for easy customisation while remaining a comforting favourite.
National Cheese Pizza Day, celebrated annually on September 5, honours this iconic dish. The day encourages people to indulge in their favourite cheesy slice, whether it's from a local pizzeria offering specials or a homemade pizza party. It is a day to celebrate the cultural impact of cheese pizza and its journey to becoming an American favourite. While the creator of National Cheese Pizza Day remains unknown, it stands as a testament to the universal love for pizza and its ability to bring people together.
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Cheese Pizza's Cultural Impact
Cheese pizza has a rich history that spans continents and centuries, evolving from a simple Italian flatbread to an iconic American favourite. Its journey from humble beginnings to mainstream success underscores its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
The inclusion of cheese in these early pies was essential, as it added flavour and richness to the otherwise simple flatbread. The dish's popularity spread when Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the early 20th century. What began as a local favourite in cities with large Italian communities, such as New York and Chicago, quickly evolved, and pizza became a beloved dish across the country.
In the 1950s and 1960s, pizza stores and chain restaurants began to spread, making pizza available to a wider audience. This period marked pizza's transition from a niche ethnic food to a mainstream favourite. As pizza gained traction, regional styles emerged, including New York's thin crust, Chicago's deep dish, and California's gourmet varieties. Each style brought a unique twist to the classic, reflecting regional tastes and culinary innovations.
National Cheese Pizza Day, celebrated each year on September 5, is dedicated to honouring this iconic dish. The day is an opportunity for pizza lovers to indulge in their favourite cheesy slice and celebrate the cultural significance of cheese pizza.
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Best Cheese Pizza Recipes
It's National Cheese Pizza Day! A day to celebrate the iconic dish that has cemented its place in American popular culture. Pizza has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Ancient Greece and Naples, Italy, to becoming a mainstream favourite in the US and worldwide.
To celebrate, here are some of the best cheese pizza recipes to try at home.
New York-Style Cheese Pizza
This recipe from Baker by Nature promises to deliver a pizza that's almost identical to the famous slices sold on the streets of New York. The key to this pizza is the chewy crust, which is achieved by using bread flour, a tiny amount of barley flour, and vitamin C to increase the elasticity of the gluten. The sauce is sweet and tangy, and of course, there's plenty of gooey cheese!
Classic Cheese Pizza
This recipe from Preppy Kitchen is a simple and delicious option for pizza night. It features a chewy crust topped with gooey cheese and your choice of pizza sauce. The best part? It's easy to make and only requires a handful of ingredients.
Extra Cheesy Pizza
For those who can't get enough cheese, this recipe from Inspired Taste is a must-try. It uses two types of cheese, shredded mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano, for a classic melt with a salty kick. The key to this pizza is baking it in a very hot oven to ensure the cheese gets nice and gooey.
Creative Cheese Pizza
While the classic cheese pizza is a timeless favourite, you can also get creative with your toppings. Try adding unique cheeses like smoked gouda, gorgonzola, or cheddar. Experiment with blends like parmesan and mozzarella, or cheddar, mozzarella, and Pecorino-Romano for a flavour explosion. The possibilities are endless!
So, there you have it—a celebration of the best cheese pizza recipes. Whether you're a traditionalist or a creative culinary explorer, there's a cheese pizza recipe to suit every taste. Happy National Cheese Pizza Day!
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Best Places to Eat Cheese Pizza
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 each year. It is dedicated to honouring the iconic dish, with many restaurants offering discounts and specials on cheese pizza. While some people prefer to sit down and take their time to enjoy a slice, others grab it on the go.
New York
New York is known for its thin-crust pizza. Pizza Hut, for example, offers a rich, fatty bite with creamy, gooey cheese and a buttery crust. Little Caesars is another option, with its coarse cornmeal base and blend of mozzarella and Muenster cheese.
Chicago
Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza. You can find the United States Pizza Museum here, and the city is sure to have many restaurants offering cheese pizza specials on National Cheese Pizza Day.
California
California is known for its gourmet varieties of pizza. While specific restaurant recommendations are not readily available, you can expect to find creative takes on the classic cheese pizza in this foodie state.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to another pizza museum, Pizza Brain, where you can learn about the history of pizza and possibly find some great cheese pizza nearby.
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How to Make Cheese Pizza at Home
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 each year. It is a day for pizza lovers to indulge in their favorite cheesy slice. Many restaurants offer discounts or specials on cheese pizza, but you can also make it at home. Here is a guide on how to make cheese pizza at home:
First, you will need to prepare the pizza dough. You can make your own basic pizza dough with yeast, flour, water, and salt, or you can use store-bought pizza dough. If you are making your own dough, follow a recipe and prepare it according to the instructions.
Once you have your dough, preheat your oven to 450-475° Fahrenheit (232°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven before preheating. If your pizza dough is cold, let it warm at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
While the oven is preheating, you can prepare your pizza sauce. You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own. If you're short on time, you can even use canned tomato sauce with some Italian seasoning or fresh basil.
Now it's time to assemble your pizza. On a lightly floured surface, stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a non-stick baking sheet or a pizza pan. Spread the pizza sauce onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
Next, it's time for the cheese. You can use shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend of both. You can also add other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, gorgonzola, or goat cheese for extra flavor. Sprinkle the cheese(s) of your choice over the sauce.
Finally, bake your pizza for 10-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
There you have it! A delicious, cheesy pizza to enjoy on National Cheese Pizza Day or any day of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 every year.
Flatbreads with cheese existed long before modern pizza. The ancient Greeks topped their bread with herbs, oil, and cheese. The Persians, around the 6th century BCE, baked flatbreads with cheese on their shields during military campaigns. These early dishes set the foundation for what would later become pizza in Italy.
The best way to celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day is to grab some friends and enjoy a few slices of cheese pizza together. For those who want to try to make their own pizza, it’s simple! All you need is flour, warm water, yeast, and possibly a bit of sugar.
While National Cheese Pizza Day celebrates the classic cheese pizza, other popular pizza toppings include pepperoni, olive, and mushroom.
Many restaurants offer discounts and specials on National Cheese Pizza Day. In the past, Pasqually’s Pizza and Wings has offered a free large cheese pizza with the purchase of a large specialty pizza.
