National Cheddar Day is celebrated every February 13, honoring one of the most beloved cheeses worldwide. This day invites us to appreciate cheddar’s bold flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and historical significance. Melted in a gooey grilled cheese, shredded over nachos, or paired with apples for a snack, cheddar’s unique taste and texture have made it a staple in American households and kitchens everywhere.
The Background of Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese originated in the English village of Cheddar, Somerset, over 800 years ago. Local legend has it that a milkmaid accidentally left a pail of milk in a cave, which eventually curdled into the first cheddar. Since then, this cheese has grown into a global favorite, with American cheddar production thriving in places like Wisconsin and Vermont. Today, cheddar cheese comes in various forms, from sharp to mild and aged to fresh, reflecting its widespread appeal and adaptability.
Fun Facts About Cheddar Cheese
The story of cheddar cheese goes beyond its creamy texture and tangy taste. From its unique production method to its popularity across the United States, there’s much to discover about this beloved cheese. Here are some fun facts that highlight what makes cheddar so special:
- Cheddar is one of the most consumed cheeses in the United States.
- The cheese-making process involves “cheddaring,” a unique technique where curds are repeatedly stacked and pressed to remove moisture.
- Aging cheddar changes its flavor and texture, with sharper cheddars often aging for several years.
- Some cheddars are dyed with annatto, a natural coloring that gives them the classic orange hue many associate with the cheese.
When Is National Cheddar Day Celebrated?
If you’re planning to celebrate National Cheddar Day, you might want to know the upcoming dates. Here’s a table that lists National Cheddar Day through 2030:
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February 13, Thursday |
| 2026 | February 13, Friday |
| 2027 | February 13, Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13, Sunday |
| 2029 | February 13, Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 13, Wednesday |
How to Celebrate National Cheddar Day
National Cheddar Day offers endless ways to appreciate cheddar’s many forms. Try creating a cheddar-themed charcuterie board, featuring a range of cheddar varieties, or bake a classic cheddar-infused dish like mac and cheese. Many people also celebrate by supporting local cheesemakers, sampling artisanal cheddars to savor the craft that goes into each wheel.
National Cheddar Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a cheese that has won hearts around the world. From its humble beginnings in a small English village to its status as an American staple, cheddar cheese is more than just a tasty addition—it’s a piece of culinary history worth savoring every February 13.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
