National Cheese Pizza Day • The Wicked Noodle

Calling all pizza fans! National Cheese Pizza Day rolls around every year on September 5th. So if you are one of the people who loves a good cheese pull from your favorite pizza, this day is for you.

While pepperoni is the winner of the most popular pizza topping, cheese pizza is the most popular pizza ordered in the United States. It wasn’t until after World War Two that pizza became a household staple here in the states, but Americans haven’t looked back since.

The next National Cheese Pizza Day will be observed on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Cant get enough? National Pizza Day is February 9th and National Pizza Month is October.

A Brief History Of Pizza

Legend has it, pizza originated in Naples, Italy way back in the 1700s – some say it goes all the way back to Ancient Greece, but we’ll start with Italy for the purpose of the history of modern pizza.

Back in Naples, they covered their pizza in Buffalo Mozzarella and made this an easy and affordable meal. Street vendors began selling it from carts and the rest is, well, history.

Pizza made its way to America in the 1800s, and Italian immigrants began opening small pizzerias on the east coast, the first being in New York City in 1905. Lombardi’s started the American pizza movement, and pizzerias began popping up throughout the United States, but it didn’t really take off until after WWII.

Many soldiers stationed in Italy during the war returned home, but they searched for their new favorite Italian dish here and began frequenting these American pizzerias. Popularity exploded, and today, we have pizza places everywhere you turn.

The Components Of Cheese Pizza

Cheese pizza is simple – dough, sauce, and cheese. It’s easy to make, but it can vary depending on where you get it. Let’s take a look at the parts of a pizza.

Types of Pizza Dough

American style pizza dough generally incorporates vegetable oil or shortening. That’s the primary difference from its Italian counterpart. There is also thick or thin crust, yeasted and flatbread style. Here are the most common types and style of pizza dough in America.

New York Style: Considered the traditional American pizza crust. Medium-thin and slightly chewy.
Chicago Style: Deep dish pizza that is thick and doughy. Crust is buttery and chewy.
Detroit Style: Thick crust deep dish pizza cooked in a rectangular pan. Marinara sauce is usually on top of the cheese.
Neapolitan Style: From the Naples recipe, classic is the margherita pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, basil, and buffalo mozzarella on a thin, crispy crust.
Sicilian Style: Similar in style and texture to focaccia bread, this thick crust pizza is cooked in a rectangle pan with high sides.

Types of Pizza Cheese

Here are the most popular cheeses used on cheese pizza:

Mozzarella – Low moisture mozzarella that is shredded results in melty, stretchy slices. Fresh mozzarella that is sliced and layered over the top is also popular but does not have the same cheese pull as low-moisture.
Provolone – Great smoky flavor that pairs well with mozzarella.
Monterey Jack – A white, melty cheese with a mild taste is a good pizza topper. Try pepper jack if you want something a bit spicier.
Wisconsin Brick Cheese – Commonly used in Detroit-style pizza, very melty and gooey.

Types of Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce on a cheese pizza is generally a red marinara-style sauce with herbs. But here are some other sauces that you can use for your cheese pizza:

Pesto
BBQ Sauce
Garlic Sauce
Buffalo Sauce
Alfredo Sauce
Bechamel Sauce
Romesco Sauce
Vodka Sauce

Ways To Celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day

Celebrate the classic cheese pizza by ordering one from your local pizza parlor or make one yourself at home. Keep and eye out for local freebies and deals for discounted cheese pizza in honor of National Cheese Pizza Day.

Make a build your own mini cheese pizza bar at home and try making small pizzas with different sauces and cheese as listed above. For quick and easy dough, buy store-bought like those from Trader Joe’s, or use canned biscuits.
Celebrate at the office with a pizza party.
Send a pizza to a friend.
Share your pizza creations on social media with #NationalCheesePizzaDay.

And in case cheese pizza is just not enough, take a look at this huge list of pizza topping ideas.

Biggest & Best Pizza Chains

Pizza Hut
Domino’s
Papa John’s
CiCi’s Pizza
Little Caesar’s
Papa Murphy’s
Sbarro
Round Table
Uno Pizzeria
Godfather’s Pizza
Hunt Brother’s Pizza
Marco’s Pizza
Jets Pizza
Costco

Heidi Deal

Heidi Deal is an editor, mother of two, and seasoned home cook who enjoys experimenting with new recipes and teaching her kids how to prepare family meals. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.