National Cheese Pizza Day – September 5, 2026

National Cheese Pizza Day
Categories:
Tags:
CheeseCookingFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September 5
Holiday emoji:
🍕

National Cheese Pizza Day celebrates the ultimate comfort food every September 5. This day honors the simple, satisfying delight of a classic cheese-only pizza, a staple loved by millions. Grab a slice, share with friends, and rediscover why sometimes, less is truly more.

Want to sponsor National Cheese Pizza Day? Learn how

Expected National Cheese Pizza Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Cheese Pizza Day often brings delicious deals from major pizza chains. Expect Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, and Little Caesars to offer discounts on cheese pizzas, BOGO deals, or combo specials. Local pizzerias like Joe’s Pizza or Grimaldi’s might also feature special pricing on their classic cheese pies. Look out for grocery store brands like DiGiorno and Red Baron to have sales on frozen cheese pizzas. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 5 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Cheese Pizza Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCheesePizzaDay. Share mouth-watering photos or videos of your favorite cheese pizza slices, from classic New York style to deep dish.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCheesePizzaDay. Film a quick video reviewing different cheese pizzas, showing off your pizza-making skills, or participating in a cheesy pizza challenge.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCheesePizzaDay. Share your favorite local pizzeria, post a picture of your family enjoying pizza night, or ask friends about their go-to cheese pizza toppings.

Social Media Tips for National Cheese Pizza Day

Individuals

Order a classic cheese pizza from your favorite local spot, try making one from scratch, or host a simple pizza party with friends and family to celebrate the day.

Creators

Create content showcasing the versatility of cheese pizza – from gourmet cheese blends to unique crusts. Review different pizzerias' cheese slices or share a 'how-to' on making the perfect homemade cheese pizza.

Brands

Run a 'build your own cheese pizza' contest, offer a special discount on cheese pizzas for the day, or partner with a local charity to donate cheese pizzas to those in need.

Top Brands for National Cheese Pizza Day

  1. Domino's

    Founded in 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Domino's is one of the largest pizza delivery chains worldwide. They are known for their efficient delivery service and a wide range of customizable pizzas, including their classic cheese.

  2. Pizza Hut

    Established in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, Pizza Hut is famous for its pan pizza and iconic red roof. They offer a variety of crusts and toppings, with their simple cheese pizza remaining a consistent customer favorite.

  3. Papa John's

    Founded in 1984 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Papa John's prides itself on 'better ingredients, better pizza.' Their cheese pizzas feature fresh, never-frozen dough and a signature blend of mozzarella.

  4. Little Caesars

    Known for its 'Hot-N-Ready' pizzas, Little Caesars was founded in 1959 in Garden City, Michigan. They offer affordable, quick-service cheese pizzas, making it a popular choice for families.

  5. DiGiorno

    Launched in 1995, DiGiorno is a leading brand in the frozen pizza market, owned by Nestlé. Their tagline 'It's not delivery, it's DiGiorno' emphasizes the quality of their home-baked cheese pizzas.

  6. Grande Cheese Company

    A Wisconsin-based company founded in 1941, Grande Cheese is a premium producer of Italian cheeses, widely recognized by pizzerias for its high-quality mozzarella and provolone blends that are essential for a perfect cheese pizza.

  7. California Pizza Kitchen

    Founded in 1985 in Beverly Hills, California, CPK is known for its innovative, gourmet pizzas. While famous for unique toppings, their classic cheese pizza offers a high-quality, flavorful experience.

National Cheese Pizza Day Hero

Gennaro Lombardi

Gennaro Lombardi is widely credited with opening the first pizzeria in the United States in 1905, located on Spring Street in New York City. His establishment, Lombardi's, initially began as a grocery store but soon started selling coal-oven baked pizzas. Lombardi's laid the foundation for pizza culture in America, making the simple cheese pie a beloved staple.

History of National Cheese Pizza Day

You may be familiar with National Pizza Day on February 9: it’s an iconic day for everyone to celebrate their favorite pizza dish. But to give special appreciation to the well-loved cheese pizza, National Cheese Pizza Day was born to be celebrated every year on September 5.

Let’s be honest, every pizza deserves its own day for love — the Margherita, pepperoni, olive, and mushroom — which is most likely the reason for National Cheese Pizza Day being created. Although the exact creator and birth date are unknown, it’s still a day that is widely celebrated and, of course, participated.

The beginnings of pizza aren’t exactly known either, but many people date it back to Ancient Greece when people would cover their bread with oils, herbs, and cheese. That sounds like a pizza, right? However, the kind of flatbread pizza that is well-known now was first created in Naples, Italy, and it used the highest-quality of buffalo mozzarella to create the origins of the cheese pizza that is loved today. Yum!

Eventually, travel and discovery led to pizza making its way to the Western Continent. The first pizza establishment in the Western world opened in 1905 in Little Italy in New York. It wasn’t until 1939 that the D’Amore family introduced pizza to Los Angeles and the dish had officially made it across the country. The popularity of pizza in the U.S rose dramatically following World War II. Veterans returning from the Italian Campaign, who has been introduced to Italy’s native cuisine, led the increase in pizza consumption at the time.

It was during the second half of the 20th century that pizza became an iconic dish in North America. It was in 1958 that two men, Dan and Frank Carney, borrowed $600 from their mom and opened the first-ever Pizza Hut Kansas. By the 1960s they were coming up against some stiff competition and introduced the iconic red thatched roof that we still associate with them today.

An organized industry association, the Pizza Industry Council, was even set up with the purpose of addressing issues specific to pizza operators. Today the pizza industry in the U.S is worth over $40 billion per year.

Cheese Pizza has also had an impact on pop culture, with the dish famously being Kevin Mccallister’s preferred choice in the Home Alone movies. Although perhaps nobody loves pizza as much as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who became a global phenomenon in the 1990s. Joey Tribianni, the iconic Friends character, also introduced the Joey special in the 1990sm which consisted of two pizzas.

There’s no doubting it, pizza has become a U.S and Canadian favorite, and cheese pizza is at the heart of it. It’s a popular dish at any party or friend gathering, and that’s not about to change anytime soon!

National Cheese Pizza Day timeline

1889
The Margherita Pizza is created

King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visit Naples, and she requests pizza topped with cheese, red tomatoes, and basil. It's still a popular dish in Italy!

1905
The first U.S. documented pizzeria opens

It was called G. Lombardi’s in New York.

1943
The Chicago deep dish is born

It was created by Ike Sewell in a restaurant called Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, and is forever delicious.

1957
The first frozen pizzas available to buy

They were first released in supermarkets in the U.S. — something we’re all thankful for.

National Cheese Pizza Day By Numbers

3 billion – Pizzas sold every year in the U.S.
350 – Slices of pizza sold every second
41% – American’s eating pizza every week
70,000 – Pizzerias in the U.S.
$40 billion – The size of the pizza industry in the U.S.
46 – Slices of pizza eaten each year by the average person.
6,600 – Pizzerias in California, more than any other state.
59% – Adults who prefer pizza as a dinner option
51,000 pounds – The weight of the largest pizza ever made
93% – Americans who will eat pizza at least once in the next 30 days.

National Cheese Pizza Day FAQs

When is National Cheese Pizza Day?

National Cheese Pizza Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 5. It’s the perfect weekend opportunity to indulge in your favorite cheesy slices.

How much pizza cheese is produced in the U.S. annually?

According to industry reports, over 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese is produced in the U.S. each year. This staggering amount highlights the immense popularity and demand for cheese pizza nationwide.

How many Americans eat pizza regularly?

Pizza is a beloved food in the United States, with surveys indicating that roughly 93% of Americans eat pizza at least once a month. This makes it one of the most widely consumed dishes in the country.

What is the most popular cheese for pizza?

Mozzarella is overwhelmingly the most popular cheese for pizza, prized for its excellent melt, stretch, and mild flavor. It’s often used in combination with other cheeses like provolone for added depth.

National Cheese Pizza Day Activities

  1. Pizza party!

    In this crazy world, if one thing is certain, it's that everyone loves a slice of hot, steaming pizza. Invite some of your best pizza-lovin' friends over to celebrate this special holiday.

  2. Get your hands on the best cheese pizza

    They all might be delicious, but one of them has to be the crème de la crème. Maybe New York has it? Chicago? Ask your friends, ask your nearby Italian restaurant owner, or ask Yelp to start your quest on obtaining the best slice of cheese pizza glory right now.

  3. Find a pizza museum near you

    Pizza so good it belongs in a museum? You heard it right. The United State Pizza Museum is located in Chicago, and another pizza museum — Pizza Brain — operates in Philadelphia. See if there's a similar pizza palace or point of pizza interest near you!

5 Facts About Pizza

  1. Americans order a lot of pizza

    In fact, they order an average of 350 slices per second.

  2. People prefer thin crust

    61% of people prefer to order thin crust pizza over thick or deep-dish.

  3. Pizzerias use a lot of cheese

    They purchase more than 4 billion dollars worth of cheese every year!

  4. A lot of boxes per day

    The average pizzeria goes through roughly 55 pizza boxes per day.

  5. It can be a breakfast food, too!

    36% of people say pizza is the perfect breakfast.

Why We Love National Cheese Pizza Day

  1. It's not good or healthy for you

    We live in a time when health-conscious food options pop up every day. That's great — healthy food options certainly have their importance — but sometimes you just want to grab something filled with grease and cheese. Hello, cheese pizza!

  2. Cheese is universal

    Cheese is universal, cheese is magical — there are so many varieties, each one more sensual than the last. As a meal, cheese pizza epitomizes the classic everyday pizza for the everyday person. What's not to love about cheese pizza, and National Cheese Pizza Day?

  3. It’s a great meal on-the-go

    While some people love sitting down and taking their time to enjoy a snack, some just simply have a fast-paced lifestyle. For those people always on the go, a slice of that cheese pizza is always a great idea. Plus, you can fold it into a taco-like shape for maximum pleasure.

National Cheese Pizza Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 5 Saturday
2027 September 5 Sunday
2028 September 5 Tuesday
2029 September 5 Wednesday
2030 September 5 Thursday

Let’s get social

Here are some special hashtags for the day.

#NationalCheesePizzaDay #CheesePizzaDay #PizzaDay #CheesePizza #CheesePizzaParty #NationalPizzaParty #PizzaPizzaPizza #Pizza