Patrick Oconnell
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated annually on September 5. It is a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating the classic cheese pizza, which is a combination of cheese, red pizza sauce, and crust. Cheese pizza has cemented its place in American popular culture and is often symbolic of comfort and casual dining. It is loved so much that extra cheese is one of the top 5 pizza toppings. The day is a chance for pizza lovers to indulge in their favourite cheesy slice, with many restaurants offering discounts and specials on cheese pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 September |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Alternative names | National Cheese Pizza Day |
| Purpose | Honouring and celebrating the classic cheese pizza |
| Typical activities | Dining out, making pizza at home, sharing recipes, holding pizza parties, ordering pizza, eating pizza |
| Typical participants | Pizza lovers, pizzerias, restaurants |
| Related activities | Sharing pizza-related hashtags, taking advantage of pizza discounts and specials |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza's origins
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 each year. While the origins of the day itself are unknown, the occasion is dedicated to honouring and celebrating the iconic dish. Pizza lovers unite to indulge in their favourite cheesy slice, with restaurants offering discounts and specials on cheese pizza.
The origins of pizza, however, can be traced back to ancient times. While its exact beginnings are uncertain, many believe that pizza dates back to Ancient Greece, where people topped their bread with oils, herbs, and cheese. This simple combination of ingredients laid the foundation for what we now know as pizza.
Over time, the concept of topping bread with various ingredients travelled and evolved, eventually leading to the creation of the flatbread pizza in Naples, Italy. The Neapolitan pizza, as it is often called, is characterised by its thin and crispy crust, topped with simple yet delicious combinations of ingredients. The classic Neapolitan pizza is the Margherita, featuring tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, representing the colours of the Italian flag.
Pizza made its way to the United States through Italian immigrants in cities like New York and Chicago. Initially, pizza was primarily consumed within Italian communities. However, it gradually gained popularity, and by the 1950s and 1960s, pizza stores and chain restaurants began to spread across the country, making pizza a beloved staple in American cuisine.
Today, pizza is a global phenomenon, with various styles and interpretations found worldwide. From thin-crust New York-style pizza to the deep-dish variety of Chicago, pizza has become a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by people of all ages. The cheese pizza, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of many, with its timeless combination of dough, tomato sauce, and cheese, offering a comforting and customisable dining experience.
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Cheese pizza recipes
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 every year. While the origins of this day are unknown, it is a widely celebrated day, with pizzerias showcasing their innovative and creative cheese pizzas.
Cheese pizza is a classic combination of cheese, red pizza sauce, and crust. The cheese slice is a staple and a standard to which all other pizzas are judged.
The Classic Cheese Pizza
This recipe is for all the pizza purists out there. It features a chewy crust topped with gooey cheese. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, depending on your preference. For the sauce, you can use store-bought pizza sauce or even spaghetti sauce in a pinch. The key to this recipe is using shredded mozzarella (not fresh) for that perfect, classic melt. To add a salty kick, sprinkle on some shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano.
The Grandma Pie
This recipe by World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani is all about that glorious whole-milk mozzarella. It's a celebration of the traditional cheese pizza, with a modern twist.
The Royale with Cheese
This recipe by John Gutekanst takes an elevated approach to the traditional cheese pizza. It uses a blend of five cheeses: Feta, Asiago, Parmigiano, Gorgonzola, and Provolone. It's a royal treat for any cheese lover.
Upside-Down Sicilian Pizza
Also created by Tony Gemignani, this pizza switches things up by applying the mozzarella first and then adding the sauce. It's a unique take on the traditional cheese pizza that's sure to impress.
The Beer Cheese and Nacho Cheese Pizza
This one's for the adventurous souls who like to live on the edge of taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with beer cheese or nacho cheese on your pizza. It might just become your new favourite!
So, there you have it—a cheese pizza for every taste and preference. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and doughs to find your perfect combination. Happy National Cheese Pizza Day!
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Pizza museums
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 every year. While the exact creator and birth date are unknown, it is a day widely celebrated and participated in. The flatbread pizza that is well-known today was first created in Naples, Italy, using the highest quality of buffalo mozzarella.
If you are a pizza lover, you might be interested in visiting a pizza museum. The U.S. Pizza Museum, located in Chicago, was founded in 2015 by Kendall Bruns. The museum's mission is to inspire curiosity and new ways of thinking about the rich history and recent developments in the world of pizza by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting pizza-related items. The collection made its public physical debut at the Chicago Pizza Summit at 1st Ward in Chop Shop from April 3–6, 2016. The museum has hosted several events, including an ASL Slam on National Cheese Pizza Day and a comedy and music variety show with proceeds benefiting Pilot Light.
Pizza Brain, the world's first pizza museum and restaurant, was opened in Philadelphia by Brian Dwyer, the Guinness World Record holder for the largest pizza memorabilia collection. The U.S. Pizza Museum was inspired by Pizza Brain and other museums, including the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and the Chicago Design Museum.
The U.S. Pizza Museum has also been featured in PMQ Pizza Magazine, where founder and director Kendall Bruns discussed how two of America's favorite things, pizza and Star Wars, have been intertwined over the years. The museum has also participated in the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.
So, whether you're celebrating National Cheese Pizza Day or simply wanting to learn more about the world of pizza, be sure to check out the U.S. Pizza Museum and Pizza Brain!
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Pizza toppings
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on the 5th of September. It is a day dedicated to the classic combination of cheese, red pizza sauce, and crust. While the origins of this day are unknown, it is widely celebrated and participated in. After all, who doesn't love pizza?
Now, when it comes to pizza toppings, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Toppings
If you're a traditionalist, you can't go wrong with these timeless toppings:
- Pepperoni: A firm favourite among pizza lovers, pepperoni is a classic topping that packs a punch.
- Mushrooms: Sliced, pre-roasted, or raw, mushrooms add a juicy bite to your pizza.
- Onions: Try them sautéed, caramelized, or thinly sliced to bring a touch of sweetness to your pie.
- Olives: Black or green, olives add a briny burst of flavour.
- Capsicum: Also known as bell peppers, capsicum comes in various colours, adding a crunchy and vibrant touch to your pizza.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon bits take your pizza to the next level.
- Spicy salami: For those who like it hot, spicy salami delivers a kick.
- Jalapenos: These peppers will add a spicy kick to your pizza.
- Pineapple: A controversial choice for some, but pineapple can bring a sweet and tangy twist to your pizza, especially when paired with ham for a Hawaiian pizza.
Cheeses
Cheese is a crucial component of any pizza, and there are numerous varieties to choose from:
- Mozzarella: This classic pizza cheese comes in various forms, from fresh buffalo mozzarella to whole-milk mozzarella.
- Parmesan: Grated or shredded, Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavour.
- Feta: Crumbled feta adds a salty tang to your pizza.
- Ricotta: Dollops of ricotta provide a creamy contrast to other cheeses.
- Provolone: This cheese blends well with other varieties and adds a unique flavour.
- Gorgonzola: For a strong, pungent flavour, add some gorgonzola to your pizza.
Sauces
While tomato sauce is the traditional choice, there are other options to explore:
- Pesto: A basil and pine nut-based pesto sauce adds a fresh, herbal flavour to your pizza.
- BBQ sauce: Perfect for a meaty pizza, BBQ sauce adds a smoky, sweet twist.
- Hot honey: Drizzling honey on your pizza adds a sweet and spicy kick.
Vegetables
For a vegetarian twist, try these veggie toppings:
- Artichoke hearts: Marinated or pre-roasted, artichoke hearts add a unique flavour and texture.
- Spinach: Add spinach under your cheese to prevent burning and enjoy a nutritious boost.
- Arugula: This leafy green adds a peppery bite to your pizza.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: For a burst of intense, sweet tomato flavour, try sun-dried tomatoes.
- Zucchini: Sliced zucchini brings a mild, summery flavour.
Meats
For meat lovers, there are endless combinations to savour:
- Italian sausage: Spicy or mild, Italian sausage adds a savoury punch.
- Ham: From thin slices to cubed chunks, ham is a versatile pizza topping.
- Cabanossi: A type of dry sausage, cabanossi provides a tasty bite.
- Beef mince: For a meaty feast, beef mince is a must-have.
- Prawns: For something different, try garlic prawns with a drizzle of garlic butter.
Finishing Touches
To take your pizza to the next level, consider these final flourishes:
- Herbs: Sprinkle on some fresh oregano, thyme, basil, or minced chives for an extra burst of flavour.
- Flavoured olive oil: From lemon to tangerine, flavoured olive oils add a unique twist.
- Chilli oil: For a spicy kick, drizzle on some chilli oil.
- Kale chips: Bake curly kale leaves with olive oil and nutritional yeast for a crispy, nutritious topping.
Remember, the key to a great pizza is curating a thoughtful combination of toppings that complement each other. Don't overload your pizza, and always use flavour-packed, fast-cooking ingredients that melt or cook quickly. Happy National Cheese Pizza Day, and enjoy crafting your perfect pizza!
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Pizza's cultural impact
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 every year. While no one is sure who started it, the day is widely celebrated and participated in. Pizza, in general, has a fascinating history that reflects the diverse tastes and traditions of different cultures. It has become a cultural phenomenon that has captivated people around the world.
Pizza, as we know it today, traces its roots back to Naples, Italy, where it was initially a humble street food for the working class. The classic Neapolitan pizza, known for its thin crust and simple toppings of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil, was created in the 18th century and soon became a staple in the city's culinary scene. In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States and other parts of Europe, where it gradually gained popularity.
The global expansion of pizza was facilitated by the increasing ease of travel and communication, allowing its popularity to spread rapidly around the world. Today, pizzerias can be found in almost every corner of the globe, from Japan to Brazil to Australia. Each region has put its unique spin on pizza, incorporating local ingredients and flavors to create new and exciting variations. For example, the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, invented by Uno's Pizzeria & Grill founder Ike Sewell, features a thicker crust and unorthodox ingredients like ham and pineapple.
Pizza's global appeal can be attributed to its versatility and adaptability. It can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences and cultural tastes, making it a favorite among people of all ages and backgrounds. In many countries, pizza has become a symbol of globalization, representing the blending of different cultures and cuisines. The ability of pizza to evolve and adapt to changing tastes has contributed to its enduring popularity.
The cultural significance of pizza has also shifted over time. In Italy, pizza's acceptance into the ranks of national cuisine was marked by Italy's Queen Margherita and King Umberto I's visit to Naples in 1889, where they sampled and enjoyed the local pizza. In the United States, pizza became recognized as a quintessentially American food after World War II, influenced by American soldiers' affinity for pizza during their time stationed in Italy, as well as the postwar tourism boom that brought foreign influences to the country.
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Frequently asked questions
National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated on September 5 every year.
National Cheese Pizza Day is dedicated to honouring the iconic combination of cheese, red pizza sauce, and crust. It is an opportunity for pizza lovers to indulge in their favourite cheesy slice.
Many restaurants offer discounts and specials on cheese pizza, so it's a great opportunity to enjoy this classic dish at your local pizzeria. You could also host a homemade pizza party or learn how to make your own cheese pizza.
