From sharp cheddar and creamy brie to stringy mozzarella and crumbly feta, cheese comes in hundreds of varieties. National Cheese Day, on June 4, celebrates this beloved food that tops pizzas, fills sandwiches, stars on snack boards and melts into comforting dishes like macaroni and cheese. It's a great day to try a cheese you've never tasted before or visit a local cheesemaker.
History of National Cheese Day
Cheesemaking likely began thousands of years ago, after people domesticated sheep, goats and cattle. Archaeologists have found evidence of cheesemaking in pottery from Poland about 7,000 years old. One legend says that cheese was discovered when milk stored in a pouch made from an animal's stomach curdled because of enzymes, the same process used today with rennet.
The Romans spread cheesemaking across Europe, and monasteries developed many famous varieties in the Middle Ages. Regions became known for their cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano in Italy and Roquefort in France.
In the United States, Jesse Williams opened the first cheese factory in Rome, New York, in 1851, pooling milk from local farms. Factory production spread quickly. Today, Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, though California also produces large amounts. Americans eat more cheese than ever. Who started National Cheese Day is not documented.
Why National Cheese Day Matters
Cheese is part of cuisines around the world, and learning about it is a delicious way to explore different cultures and regions.
Cheesemaking also supports dairy farmers and small artisan producers, many of whom have revived traditional methods.
Cheese provides protein and calcium, and pairing it with fruits, nuts and whole grains makes a satisfying snack. For those who avoid dairy, plant-based cheeses offer new options to explore.
How to Celebrate National Cheese Day
- Build a cheese board: include hard, soft and blue cheeses with fruit and crackers.
- Try a new variety: sample a cheese from another country.
- Cook with cheese: make fondue, quesadillas or mac and cheese.
- Visit a creamery: tour a local cheesemaker.
- Pair it: match cheese with fruit, honey or jams.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a cheese tasting or a grilled cheese lunch can bring the team together; include lactose-free or plant-based choices. In classrooms, students can learn how milk becomes cheese, make simple ricotta with adult help, or map famous cheeses from around the world. At home, families can make a cheese board with different textures and flavors, letting everyone vote for a favorite, or bake a cheesy casserole together. Keep soft cheeses refrigerated and check labels for pasteurization if pregnant.
Fun Facts About National Cheese Day
- Evidence of cheesemaking about 7,000 years old has been found in Poland.
- The first U.S. cheese factory opened in Rome, New York, in 1851.
- Wisconsin is famous for its cheesemaking.
National Cheese Day FAQs
When is National Cheese Day?
National Cheese Day is June 4.
How is cheese made?
Milk is curdled, the curds are separated from whey, then pressed and aged.
What was America's first cheese factory?
Jesse Williams' factory in Rome, New York, opened in 1851.
Which state is famous for cheese?
Wisconsin.