National Cheddar Day - February 13, 2027

National Cheddar Day is celebrated on February 13 to honor the rich, versatile, and beloved cheese variety known as cheddar, recognizing its widespread popularity, distinctive production process, and endless culinary possibilities across countless dishes. Created by the Tillamook County Creamery Association, this observance invites cheese enthusiasts to appreciate cheddar's unique history, flavor profile, and role in elevating everyday meals from simple snacks to gourmet creations.

National Cheddar Day History

Cheddar cheese traces its origins to the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, where natural limestone caves in Cheddar Gorge provided ideal consistent humidity and cool temperatures for aging, allowing early cheesemakers to develop a product with exceptional flavor and shelf life. These caves, still used today for some traditional production, contributed to the cheese's distinctive sharpness and texture that set it apart from other varieties.

The cheese gained royal favor early on, reportedly purchased by English monarchs and nobility, with legends suggesting Roman soldiers may have introduced similar techniques from the Cantal region of France during their occupation of Britain, influencing local methods that evolved over centuries into the cheddar we recognize today.

In the 19th century Joseph Harding, often called the "father of cheddar cheese," revolutionized production by introducing scientific principles, strict hygiene standards, and standardized techniques that improved consistency, quality, and safety. His innovations, including the "Joseph Harding method," helped transform cheddar from a regional specialty into a widely replicable cheese produced on a larger scale.

The signature "cheddaring" process, unique to this cheese, involves cutting the curd after heating, salting, kneading, cubing, draining whey, then stacking and turning the slabs repeatedly. This labor-intensive step expels moisture, develops acidity, and creates the characteristic dense, crumbly texture that distinguishes cheddar from other pressed cheeses.

In 1894 Peter McIntosh, a skilled cheesemaker from Scotland, brought advanced techniques to Tillamook County, Oregon, earning the nickname "Cheese King of the Coast" and inspiring local farmers to form a cooperative. The Tillamook County Creamery Association, established through this collaboration, grew into a renowned producer that founded National Cheddar Day in 2019 to mark its 110th anniversary and share passion for cheddar with cheese lovers nationwide.

Why National Cheddar Day Matters

Inspire culinary creativity and experimentation

Cheddar's adaptability invites cooks to explore new recipes, from classic comfort foods to innovative twists like cheddar-stuffed jalapeños, potato cheddar soup, apple-cheddar tarts, or breakfast strata. The day motivates trying unfamiliar preparations, sharing homemade dishes, and discovering how this single cheese can transform ordinary ingredients into memorable meals.

Provide the perfect excuse to indulge without guilt

While mindful eating encourages moderation, this day offers joyful permission to savor cheddar abundantly, whether through a generous slice atop crackers, melted into a comforting dish, or enjoyed in creative combinations. The celebration reminds us that life's simple pleasures, like a perfectly aged cheddar, deserve appreciation and that occasional indulgence enhances happiness and connection.

Celebrate the unmatched versatility

Cheddar elevates countless dishes, adding creamy sharpness to burgers, golden melts to grilled cheese, rich depth to macaroni, savory notes to casseroles, and satisfying bite to charcuterie boards. Its range from mild to extra-sharp allows customization for every palate and recipe, making it an indispensable kitchen staple that brings warmth and flavor to meals shared with family and friends.

How to Celebrate National Cheddar Day

Experiment with new recipes

Search for and prepare innovative dishes featuring cheddar, such as cheddar herb biscuits, broccoli cheddar soup, cheddar-crusted chicken, apple-cheddar scones, or cheddar-stuffed mushrooms. Host a tasting with friends, comparing mild versus sharp, or different regional styles, turning the day into a shared culinary adventure.

Visit a cheesemaker or creamery if possible

Plan a trip to a local artisanal cheesemaker, dairy farm, or specialty shop to observe cheddar production firsthand, learn about aging processes, sample different varieties, and purchase fresh blocks. If near Tillamook County, visit the Tillamook Creamery itself for tours, tastings, and direct insight into the cooperative's craft.

Incorporate cheddar into favorite meals

Prepare dishes that showcase cheddar's range, such as a classic grilled cheese with extra-sharp variety, a loaded baked potato topped with melted cheddar and chives, a hearty macaroni and cheese bubbling with multiple cheddar types, or a burger crowned with gooey cheddar slices. Enjoy each bite mindfully, appreciating the cheese's contribution to flavor and texture.

Facts About Cheddar Cheese

Origin location

Cheddar cheese originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, where natural caves in Cheddar Gorge provided ideal conditions for aging.

Royal favor

Early cheddar gained popularity among English royalty, who purchased and enjoyed it, helping establish its reputation as a premium cheese.

Joseph Harding's contributions

In the 19th century Joseph Harding standardized production with scientific methods, hygiene improvements, and the "cheddaring" process that defines cheddar's texture.

Unique cheddaring technique

Cheddaring involves stacking, turning, and kneading curd after heating and salting, expelling moisture and developing the cheese's characteristic density and crumbly quality.

U.S. consumption dominance

Cheddar accounts for more than one-third of all cheese sold in the United States, making it the most popular variety nationwide.

National Cheddar Day Dates