February 13

National Cheddar Day

Get ready to satisfy your cheesy cravings on National Cheddar Day! From classic mac and cheese to gourmet grilled cheeses, there's no shortage of delicious ways to celebrate.

Yearly Date

February 13

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to indulge in your love for all things cheesy on National Cheddar Day on February 13! This delicious holiday celebrates one of the most beloved and versatile types of cheese – cheddar. Did you know that cheddar has been around since the 12th century and is named after the English village where it was first made? Today, it's a staple in many dishes and snacks, from mac and cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches. So grab your favorite cheesy snack and get ready to celebrate this tasty holiday!

National Cheddar Day Timeline

1170

The Inception of Cheddar

Cheddar cheese was reportedly invented in the English village of Cheddar, hence its name, in the 12th century.

1800s

Growth of Cheddar Cheese

During the 1800s, cheddar cheese production spread from England to many parts of the world, including America, Canada, and Australia.

1940s

Cheddar as WWII Food Staple

During World War II, cheddar was one of a few types of cheese produced in the UK to maintain efficiency and support the war effort.

1981

Cheddar's Protected Designation

The European Union awards West Country farmhouse Cheddar with the Protected Designation of Origin, a mark of quality and tradition.

2019

National Cheddar Day Celebration

Tillamook, a US- based dairy cooperative, declares February 13 as National Cheddar Day, celebrating the popular and versatile cheese.

How to Celebrate National Cheddar Day

1 Create a cheddar cheese board

Gather a variety of cheddar cheeses, crackers, and other accompaniments to create a delicious and visually appealing cheese board. Invite friends over to enjoy and celebrate National Cheddar Day together.

2 Try a new cheddar recipe

Challenge yourself to cook with cheddar in a new way. Look up recipes online or in cookbooks and experiment with different dishes such as cheddar-stuffed burgers or cheddar mac and cheese.

3 Visit a local dairy farm

Celebrate National Cheddar Day by learning more about where this beloved cheese comes from. Visit a local dairy farm to see the cows and production process, and maybe even sample some fresh cheddar cheese.

4 Host a cheddar-themed potluck

Invite friends and family over for a cheddar-themed potluck. Encourage everyone to bring a dish that features cheddar cheese as the main ingredient and enjoy a delicious and cheesy feast together.

5 Attend a cheddar cheese festival

Many cities and towns host cheese festivals, and some even specifically celebrate cheddar cheese. Attend one of these festivals to taste different types of cheddar, learn about its history, and participate in fun activities and events.

Why We Love National Cheddar Day

Cheddar is a classic cheese

Cheddar has been a favorite cheese for decades, and for good reason! Its mild yet distinct flavor makes it perfect for everything from snacking to cooking. Plus, it's easily accessible and affordable in most grocery stores.

There are endless ways to enjoy cheddar

From grilled cheese sandwiches to cheesy casseroles, cheddar can be incorporated into so many delicious dishes. It's also great on its own as a snack with crackers or fruit. The possibilities are truly endless!

It comes in different varieties and flavors

Not all cheddar cheeses are created equal - there are many different flavors and textures to choose from, such as sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, or even horseradish cheddar! This means that there is a type of cheddar cheese for every taste preference.