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National Cheese Pizza Day
A Slice of Pure Joy
Nothing beats the simple pleasure of a perfectly made cheese pizza, and that’s exactly what we celebrate on National Cheese Pizza Day, September 5th. As someone who’s spent countless evenings perfecting the art of pizza-making, I can tell you there’s something magical about that combination of melted cheese, tomato sauce, and crispy crust.
The Pizza Story That Started It All
Growing up in a small Italian neighbourhood, my first memory of cheese pizza wasn’t just about the food—it was about the entire experience. The local pizzeria had wooden benches worn smooth by generations of pizza lovers, and the aroma of baking dough would waft through the entire street. That’s where my love affair with cheese pizza began.
Every Friday evening, families would gather at Vittorio’s, where the pizza oven had been burning continuously since 1967. The owner claimed that this unbroken tradition gave his pizzas a distinct flavour that couldn’t be replicated anywhere else. Whether that was true or just clever marketing, those pizzas were indeed something special.
Today, cheese pizza remains the world’s most popular pizza choice, with over 350 slices eaten every second globally. That’s more than 30 million pizzas each day! But these aren’t just numbers—they represent millions of shared meals, celebrations, and memories being made around the world.
From Ancient Times to Modern Slices
The journey of cheese pizza is as rich as its toppings. While many think pizza began in Italy, the story goes much deeper. Ancient civilisations in Greece and Rome had their versions of flatbreads topped with olive oil and spices. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the game-changer arrived—cheese.
The transformation from simple flatbread to modern pizza happened in Naples, where poor workers needed quick, affordable food. Street vendors would sell flatbreads with various toppings, but it was the addition of locally made mozzarella that would forever change the course of pizza history.
In 1889, something extraordinary happened. Pizza maker Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza for Queen Margherita of Italy. He topped it with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—the colours of the Italian flag. This became the famous Pizza Margherita, essentially a cheese pizza with basil, and it set the standard for what we now consider traditional pizza.
The Art and Science of Cheese Pizza
Making the perfect cheese pizza is both an art and a science. Through years of trial and error, I’ve discovered that temperature control is absolutely crucial. Your oven needs to be screaming hot—ideally around 450-500°F (230-260°C). This high heat creates that perfect contrast between the crispy crust and melted cheese.
The cheese itself deserves special attention. While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that affect how it melts. Fresh mozzarella, torn by hand, creates those gorgeous pools of melted cheese that make a pizza truly Instagram-worthy. For extra depth of flavour, I like to add a light sprinkle of aged Parmesan just before serving.
Making Your Own Pizza Magic
The journey to pizza perfection starts with the dough. After countless experiments, I’ve found that the key lies in the fermentation process. A slow, cold fermentation in the fridge for 24-72 hours develops complex flavours and improves the dough’s texture.
Here’s my trusted method for pizza dough:
- Mix 500g strong bread flour with 7g instant yeast and 10g salt
- Add 325ml cool water and 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Knead until smooth and elastic
- Let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour
- Divide into balls and refrigerate
The sauce should be simple but high-quality. I use whole canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand, with just a pinch of salt. Cooking the sauce only happens when the pizza bakes—this preserves the fresh tomato flavour.
Modern Celebrations and Traditions
National Cheese Pizza Day has evolved beyond simple pizza consumption. Many communities now organise pizza-making competitions, where home bakers can showcase their skills. Local pizzerias often offer special deals, and some cities even host pizza festivals around this date.
I’ve started my own tradition of hosting an annual pizza-making workshop for friends. We set up multiple stations with different types of flour, cheeses, and tools, allowing everyone to experiment and learn. The results range from perfectly executed Neapolitan-style pizzas to hilariously misshapen but equally delicious attempts.
The Perfect Pizza Party
Hosting a successful pizza party requires some planning. Here’s how I arrange mine:
The Kitchen Setup:
- Pizza stone or steel preheated for at least an hour
- Multiple pizza peels for efficient transfer
- Prepared dough balls at room temperature
- Various cheeses at different temperatures for optimal melting
The Cheese Selection:
Low-moisture mozzarella forms the base of most pizzas, but don’t stop there. Consider adding:
- Fresh buffalo mozzarella for traditional Neapolitan style
- Aged Provolone for sharp, complex flavour
- Pecorino Romano for a salty finish
- Fresh ricotta for creamy patches
Innovative Gifting for Pizza Lovers
When it comes to pizza-themed gifts, think beyond the obvious. Quality tools make a significant difference in pizza-making. Consider investing in:
For Home Pizza Chefs:
A professional-grade pizza stone or steel is essential. Look for ones that are at least 1.5cm thick for better heat retention. A good pizza peel is also crucial—I prefer wooden ones for launching pizzas and metal ones for retrieval.
For Pizza Enthusiasts:
Consider personalised pizza boards or authentic Italian ingredients. I once gifted a friend a selection of premium Italian olive oils and aged balsamic vinegar—perfect for finishing pizzas.
The Future of Cheese Pizza
The pizza landscape is constantly evolving. We’re seeing a return to traditional methods alongside innovative approaches. Artisanal pizzerias are experimenting with heritage wheat varieties and extended fermentation times, while others are pushing boundaries with new cooking methods.
Some exciting developments include:
- The rise of Detroit-style pizza with its crispy cheese edges
- Sourdough pizza bases becoming mainstream
- High-protein flour blends specifically for pizza-making
- Advanced home pizza ovens reaching professional temperatures
Building New Traditions
Creating pizza traditions helps maintain connections in our busy world. My monthly pizza nights have become a cherished event where friends disconnect from their phones and connect over food. We experiment with different cheese combinations, share techniques, and sometimes spectacularly fail—but that’s part of the fun.
The Global Pizza Community
The internet has created a global community of pizza enthusiasts. Social media groups share techniques, troubleshoot problems, and celebrate successes. I’ve learned as much from pizzaiolos in Tokyo and São Paulo as I have from traditional Italian sources.
Final Thoughts
National Cheese Pizza Day reminds us that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy. Whether you’re crafting your own masterpiece or supporting your local pizzeria, September 5th is your chance to celebrate this timeless comfort food. After all, nothing brings people together quite like a perfectly made cheese pizza.
Remember that great cheese pizza is about more than just the ingredients—it’s about the care, attention, and love you put into making it. So this National Cheese Pizza Day, whether you’re making your own or ordering in, take a moment to appreciate the simple perfection of a well-made cheese pizza.
Remember to mark your calendars for the next National Cheese Pizza Day—it’s an annual celebration you won’t want to miss!
