Kamil Perry
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated annually on September 5th. Although the creator of this holiday is unknown, it is a day to celebrate the classic combination of cheese, red pizza sauce, and crust. It is a day to hold the toppings and celebrate the humble cheese pizza pie in all its glory. It is a day to indulge in a delicious dish and enjoy it with friends and family.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 5th of September |
| Occurrence | Annual |
| Purpose | To celebrate the cheese pizza |
| Toppings | Only cheese |
| Crust | Thin or thick |
| Cheese Types | Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, gorgonzola, parmesan, provolone, feta, asiago, goat cheese, pecorino-romano |
| Other Names | National Cheese Pizza Day |
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What You'll Learn
History of cheese pizza
Cheese pizza has a long history, with flatbreads with toppings consumed by ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. The ancient Greeks topped their bread with herbs, oil, and cheese, while the Persians, around the 6th century BCE, baked flatbreads with cheese and dates on their shields during military campaigns. These early dishes set the foundation for what would later become pizza in Italy.
The modern birthplace of pizza is southwestern Italy's Campania region, home to the city of Naples. Naples was founded around 600 BCE as a Greek settlement and in the 1700s and 1800s was a thriving waterfront city. Technically an independent kingdom, it was known for its large population of working poor. These Neapolitans required inexpensive food that could be consumed quickly, and so pizza was born.
The word 'pizza' was first documented in 997 CE in Gaeta and successively in different parts of central and southern Italy. The Etymological Dictionary of the Italian Language explains the word 'pizza' as coming from the dialectal 'pinza', meaning 'clamp' in English. Their origin is from the Latin 'pinsere', meaning 'to pound, stamp'.
Pizza made its way to the United States in the early 20th century, with the first pizza eatery opening in New York's Little Italy in 1905. The popularity of pizza in the US rose dramatically following World War II, when veterans returning from the Italian Campaign increased pizza consumption as they had grown to love Italy's native cuisine while fighting overseas. Pizza became popular in Italy after World War II as well, brought over by Italian immigrants.
Today, pizza is enjoyed all over the world, with various toppings reflecting local tastes. More than 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese is produced in the US alone each year, and National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5th annually.
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Cheese pizza in pop culture
Cheese pizza has become a staple in pop culture, with numerous appearances in film, television, and music. Its universal appeal has made it a symbol of friendship, comfort, and community. Here are some notable examples of cheese pizza in pop culture:
Film
The 1982 teen comedy "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" features an iconic scene where Sean Penn's character orders a pizza during class, capturing the feeling of independence and the joy of sharing a meal with friends. The Home Alone movies also come to mind, with Kevin McCallister's preference for cheese pizza being a pivotal part of his newfound freedom when left home alone.
Television
The sitcom Friends has several memorable pizza moments, including "The One with Ross' Wedding," where Phoebe and Rachel order the "Joey Special"—two pizzas—in honour of their friend Joey Tribbiani, who is away in London. This scene represents the strong bonds of friendship and the comfort found in sharing a meal together.
Animated Series
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are known for their extreme appetite for pizza, with their love for this cheesy treat becoming a core part of their identity. Pizza symbolizes youthful enthusiasm, and the scenes of the turtles sharing a pizza after fighting crime showcase the role of food in bringing people together.
Music
Pizza has even inspired music projects, such as Macaulay Culkin's band, "The Pizza Underground," which parodied classic songs by replacing the lyrics with pizza references. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' song "Pizza Party" is another example of how pizza has transcended cultures, appealing to people worldwide.
Cheese pizza's prominence in pop culture reflects its enduring popularity and the special place it holds in our social experiences and collective imagination.
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Cheese pizza recipes
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated annually on September 5th. While the origins of this holiday are unknown, it is dedicated to celebrating the classic cheese pizza in all its glory.
Cheese pizza is a beloved dish that has had an impact on pop culture, with appearances in movies and TV shows. It is also a popular choice for many, with over 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese produced in the US alone each year.
To celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day, you can either order a cheese pizza or make one at home. Here are some recipes for a delicious, gooey cheese pizza:
Recipe 1: Homemade Cheese Pizza
This recipe uses homemade pizza dough and is topped with two different types of cheese. It is a simple recipe that is perfect for a weekend project with the family.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Cheese: shredded mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza steel or stone, place it in the oven before preheating.
- If using cold dough, let it warm at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and transfer it to a non-stick baking sheet or a pizza pan.
- Spread the pizza sauce onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
Recipe 2: Classic Cheese Pizza
This recipe uses a simple, satisfying tomato sauce and your choice of cheese. It is an easy and quick recipe that can be made with store-bought or homemade dough.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Tomato sauce: Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce, grated garlic, olive oil, and fresh oregano
- Cheese: shredded mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the tomato sauce by mixing the canned sauce, grated garlic, olive oil, and fresh oregano in a bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) or higher, if comfortable.
- Roll out the dough and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a thin edge for the crust.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Bake for 6-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve.
Variations and Tips:
- You can use a variety of cheeses on your pizza, such as mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, gorgonzola, or parmesan.
- For a special touch, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt before baking.
- If using fresh mozzarella, opt for fior di latte (made with cow's milk) or mozzarella di bufala.
- For a Detroit-style pizza, use brick cheese, and for a St. Louis-style pie, use Provel cheese.
- To achieve the perfect bake, consider using a pizza steel, pizza stone, or a cast-iron pizza pan.
- Let the pizza cool before slicing to prevent the cheese from melting back and sticking the slices together.
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Cheese pizza world records
While the origins of National Cheese Pizza Day are unknown, it is celebrated annually on September 5th. This day is dedicated to celebrating the classic cheese pizza, with its gooey, stretchy cheese and simple yet delicious combination of dough, sauce, and cheese. It is a day to indulge in this beloved comfort food, whether it be from a pizzeria or homemade.
Cheese pizza has had a significant impact on pop culture, with notable appearances in movies and television shows. It is also a popular dish at parties and gatherings, contributing to its status as a favourite in the United States and Canada. The first pizza eatery opened in New York's Little Italy in 1905, marking the beginning of the United States' love affair with pizza, especially cheese pizza.
To honour this day, people are encouraged to enjoy a slice or two of cheese pizza with their friends. Some pizza chains even offer deals, discounts, or free pizzas to mark the occasion. It is also an opportunity to try making your own cheese pizza at home, experimenting with different types of cheese, or attempting to break a world record!
Speaking of world records, here are some fascinating ones related to cheese pizza:
- Most Varieties of Cheese on a Pizza: In February 2020, French chef Benoît Bruel of Déliss' Pizza in Lyon, France, officially set the Guinness World Record for "Most Varieties of Cheese on a Pizza." He managed to put 254 different types of cheese on a single pizza, though in the video, he added 257 cheeses. However, the last three were not included in the final count for technical reasons. This record took him several months to prepare, and he believed it was important for France, known for its cheeses, to hold this record.
- Previous Record: Prior to Bruel's achievement, the record for the most varieties of cheese on a pizza was held by Australian chef Johnny Di Francesco, who piled 154 different cheeses onto his pizza pie.
- Most Expensive Pizza: While not specifically a cheese pizza, it is worth mentioning that the world's most expensive pizza was created at the Pizza Luis XIII restaurant in Salerno, Italy. This luxurious pizza costs a staggering $12,000!
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Where to find the best cheese pizza
While it is unclear when National Cheese Pizza Day began, it is celebrated annually on September 5th. This day is dedicated to celebrating the classic cheese pizza, with its gooey, stretchy cheese and warm, comforting taste. It's a day to indulge in this beloved comfort food, whether it's a thin crust or a deep-dish from Chicago or an authentic Italian thin base.
So, where can you find the best cheese pizza? Well, it depends on your preferences! If you're looking for a classic, traditional cheese pizza, mozzarella is the most popular choice. Its excellent meltability and stretchiness make it the perfect cheese for a classic pie. It has a mild flavour that mixes well with other toppings, and it's the top choice for a reason! If you want to elevate your pizza experience, try using fresh mozzarella, which has a creamy, rich flavour and more moisture. However, if you're looking for something that will give you that desirable stretchy cheese layer, go for low-moisture mozzarella, which is denser and saltier.
If you're feeling adventurous, there are other cheese options that can take your pizza to the next level. Provolone, for example, is a solid runner-up and is often blended with mozzarella. It has a subtle flavour and offers both stretch and meltability. Cheddar cheese is another popular option, adding a sharp punch of flavour to your pizza. Just be aware that it might not be the best choice as the only cheese on your pizza, as its fats and solids can separate at high temperatures. Instead, try blending it with other cheeses for extra depth of flavour. Smoked Gouda, pepper Jack, fontina, Muenster, and raclette are other unique cheeses to experiment with.
When it comes to finding the best cheese pizza, it's not just about the type of cheese but also the quality. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it doesn't taste as good or melt as well as block cheese that you shred yourself. If you're making pizza at home, take the time to shred your own cheese for the best results. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect blend!
Finally, if you're looking for a great cheese pizza deal on National Cheese Pizza Day, keep an eye out for specials at pizza chains. In the past, places like Pasqually's Pizza and Wings and Stoner's Pizza Joint have offered free large cheese pizzas with the purchase of a large speciality or regular pizza. Marco's Pizza, with over a thousand stores, has also joined in on the celebrations by offering a free medium cheese pizza with the purchase of a larger pizza. So, check out the deals and gather your cheese-loving friends to celebrate this delicious day!
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Frequently asked questions
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated annually on September 5th.
The origins of National Cheese Pizza Day are unknown. However, the flatbread pizza that is well-known today was first created in Naples, Italy, using high-quality buffalo mozzarella.
The most common type of cheese used on cheese pizzas is mozzarella due to its meltability and flexibility. Other popular options include cheddar, provolone, parmesan, and goat cheese.
You can celebrate by ordering a cheese pizza from your favourite pizzeria or making one at home. Many pizza chains offer discounts or free pizzas on this day. Alternatively, you can host a cheese pizza party and invite your friends to make their own pizzas.
Cheese pizza has made several notable appearances in movies and TV shows. For example, in the Home Alone movies, Kevin Mccallister prefers cheese pizza, and Joey Tribianni from Friends created the "Joey Special," which consists of two pizzas.
