National Cheese Lover’s Day is the perfect excuse to revel in the goodness of gooey, crumbly, sharp or creamy cheese. Whether you’re a brie aficionado, a cheddar loyalist or someone who would happily dive into a pool of melted nacho cheese, this day is for you. From creating decadent dishes to giving back to your community, the possibilities to salute cheese are as endless as the varieties of this savory treat.
Why We Love Cheese
Most of us can agree that cheese is the superstar of the food world — crowd-pleasing, versatile and capable of stealing the show. In fact, Americans eat about 42 pounds a year, which is more than yogurt, butter and ice cream consumption combined! Here are a few reasons we love it so much:
- Comfort food royalty: Whether melted on pizza, tucked inside a sandwich or layered in lasagna, cheese delivers instant coziness.
- A flavor for every mood: Craving something smoky, nutty or tangy? There’s a cheese for that.
- A culinary chameleon: From topping burgers to starring in dessert — hello cheesecake — cheese makes every dish better.
- Packed with nostalgia: From a classic grilled cheese sandwich to macaroni and cheese, this food is as comforting as a warm hug.
- Science says so: Cheese contains casein, a protein that stimulates dopamine, the happy hormone.
Let us know in the comments why you think cheese is the undisputed champion of snacks!
When Is National Cheese Lover’s Day?
While every day is a good day for cheese, January 20 is the official day for a full celebration.
10 Ways to Celebrate National Cheese Day
January 20 will be here before we know it. To help you prepare for this scrumptious event, here are 10 ideas to help you nibble the day away and have some fun:
1. Host an Un-brie-lievable Party
Transform your living room into a fromage fiesta. Lay out an array of cheeses from around the globe, including classics like gouda and Parmesan, alongside adventurous picks like Limburger or Humboldt Fog. Bonus points if you make it a blind tasting and let guests guess which cheese is which!
2. Create a Stringy Situation With Cheese-Making
Why buy cheese when you can make your own? Kits for do-it-yourself ricotta or mozzarella are widely available and surprisingly simple. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for this magical dairy product.
3. Get Cultured With a Cheese-Themed Movie Night
Pop in a cheesy movie — think rom-coms or over-the-top action flicks — and pair it with cheesy snacks. Sophisticated sausage and cheese ravioli puttanesca bites, informal cheese puffs and legendary pizza all qualify. It’s pun-tastic fun and deliciously on theme. Pair classics like “Nacho Libre” or “Cheeseheads: The Documentary” with snacks like nachos, popcorn with Parmesan and gooey mozzarella sticks.
4. Be the Big Cheese With a Wine Pairing
Channel your inner charcuterie artist and mix textures, colors and flavors that complement the wine or other drinks you’re serving. Add tasty extras like marinated olives, chocolate-covered pretzels, spicy mustards and some classic chorizo with chili and garlic spice to cover all bases. Share your creation with us because #PremioCheeseBoardGoals is always trending!
5. Melt Someone’s Heart With a Cheesy Gift
Make someone’s day by putting together a gourmet gift basket. Include an assortment of cheeses, crackers, meats, wine and fun extras like a cheese knife or cutting board. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who needs a pick-me-up.
6. Have a Cheese Cook-Off With Your Feta-Half
Challenge your partner, gather your friends or entertain your family by seeing who can create the best cheese-centric dish. Anything goes. You’ll get to taste test and learn some new recipes for your arsenal. Pro tip — bring stretchy pants.
7. Pull Someone Along on a Cheese Crawl
Treat yourself to a cheese adventure by visiting local cheese shops, gourmet stores or delis. Sample their selections, learn about unique varieties and discover a new favorite. You might even find some shops offering special events for the day. You can also visit a cheese factory or farm to see the cheese-making process up close. Many dairy farms and factories offer tours and tasting sessions.
8. Be Legend-Dairy With a Fondue
Cheese fondue is retro and undeniably fun, and our Bangin’ Beer Brat Fondue recipe is exactly what you need. Melt a mix of cheeses with beer and garlic, then dip sausages, bread cubes or veggies. Just don’t lose your bread in the pot. It’s bad luck!
You can use a double boiler or a slow cooker if you still need a fondue pot.
9. Spread the Gouda-ness With Cheese for Charity
Give back while indulging. Organize a cheese bake sale or donate a cheese platter to a local shelter or food bank. Nothing says “I care” like sharing the gift of cheese.
10. Host a Grate Cheese Trivia Night
Host a trivia night and find out how much you really know about cheese. Have everyone bring a cheese or cheese dish to share and include quirky questions like “Which country produces the most cheese?” or “What cheese is traditionally used in tiramisu?” You can also turn board games into a cheese adventure for the family. Let’s hear it for Cheeseland — similar to Monopoly, except you buy cheese instead of properties!
Family-Favorite Cheese Recipes
If your way of celebrating is a delicious homemade meal, or you need some more ideas to go with any of the events to salute the day, we’ve got you covered. Consider these tried-and-tested cheesy sausage recipes:
- Cheese dip: Grab some dipping chips and try our quick recipe for Italian cheese dip — a dreamy combo of broccoli, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and sweet Italian sausage. It’s perfect for movie nights, bring-and-share occasions and parties.
- Winning pasta: Win the cook-off with our sweet Italian sausage with four cheese tortellini dish.
- Finger food: These Premio pinwheels are the ideal snack to bring to a cheese and wine pairing, sell to raise funds for charity or enjoy with your family.
- Delicious nostalgia: Whether you’re baking a meal to bring to a local shelter or dinner for the kids, this buffalo chicken sausage tater tot casserole recipe will make everyone feel at home.
Celebrate National Cheese Lover’s Day With Premio Foods
If you’ve ever needed a reason to indulge in some cheesy goodness, National Cheese Lover’s Day is it. Whether you’re nibbling on a wedge of manchego or diving headfirst into a vat of queso, the goal is simple — celebrate with cheese.
Fill out your cheese board, recipes or donation box with Italian sausage. Premio Foods has been making fine Italian sausage for over 40 years, following our family tradition. We offer traditional Italian favorites and classic and ethnic varieties like bratwurst and kielbasa. Our commitment to quality, our customers and our employees allows you to enjoy sausage the way it should be.
Find Premio products at a store near you or browse our selection online today!
