Sometimes simple is best. A cheese pizza, with its crisp crust, tangy tomato sauce and bubbling melted mozzarella, is a timeless favorite for kids and adults alike. National Cheese Pizza Day, on September 5, celebrates this classic, the foundation of every other pizza. Whether thin and foldable New York-style, deep-dish Chicago-style or Neapolitan with charred edges, cheese pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.
History of National Cheese Pizza Day
Flatbreads with toppings have been eaten since ancient times around the Mediterranean. Modern pizza developed in Naples, Italy, in the 1700s and 1800s, where it was an inexpensive street food for working people. Tomatoes, brought from the Americas, became a key topping.
According to a popular story, in 1889, pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito made a pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. The pizza Margherita became famous, though historians debate how much of the story is true.
Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States. Lombardi's in New York City, opened in 1905, is often called America's first licensed pizzeria. After World War II, returning soldiers who had tasted pizza in Italy helped boost its popularity, and pizzerias spread across the country. Frozen pizza appeared in the 1950s, and pizza delivery became widespread. In 2017, UNESCO recognized the art of the Neapolitan pizzaiolo as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. Who created National Cheese Pizza Day is not documented.
Why National Cheese Pizza Day Matters
Cheese pizza is one of the most popular foods in America and a staple at parties, school events and family dinners.
Its history shows how a humble street food from Naples became a global favorite through immigration and cultural exchange.
Making pizza at home is also a fun, hands-on cooking project. Stretching dough, spreading sauce and choosing cheese teach basic kitchen skills and let everyone get involved.
How to Celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day
- Make pizza at home: stretch dough, add sauce and mozzarella, and bake hot.
- Try a regional style: compare New York, Chicago and Neapolitan pizza.
- Visit a local pizzeria: support a family-owned shop.
- Experiment with cheese: blend mozzarella with provolone or Parmesan.
- Host a pizza night: let everyone make a personal pizza.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a pizza lunch is a classic team celebration; include gluten-free and dairy-free options. In classrooms, pizza is perfect for fraction lessons, as students divide slices, or for learning about Italian immigration and the history of tomatoes. At home, families can make personal pizzas with store-bought or homemade dough, letting children spread sauce and sprinkle cheese. Bake pizza in a very hot oven for a crisp crust, and let it rest a minute before slicing.
Fun Facts About National Cheese Pizza Day
- Modern pizza developed in Naples, Italy.
- Lombardi's in New York, opened in 1905, is often called America's first pizzeria.
- UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizza-making in 2017.
National Cheese Pizza Day FAQs
When is National Cheese Pizza Day?
National Cheese Pizza Day is September 5.
Where was pizza invented?
Modern pizza developed in Naples, Italy.
What was America's first pizzeria?
Lombardi's in New York City, opened in 1905, is often cited.
What cheese is best for pizza?
Mozzarella is classic; low-moisture mozzarella melts well.