National Cheeseball Day
National Cheeseball Day celebrates two distinct types of cheesy delights – the bright orange, crunchy corn puff snacks and the creamy, party-favorite cheese spread formed into a ball and typically coated with nuts or herbs.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April 17th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalCheeseballDay
- When was it founded?: Late 1990s
- Who founded it?: Unknown creator
History
The story begins with an extraordinary 1,235-pound cheese ball presented to President Thomas Jefferson at the White House by farmer Elisha Brown Jr. in the early 1800s. Known as “The Mammoth Cheese,” this creation marked the beginning of cheese ball history. The modern cheese ball recipe first appeared in 1944 in Virginia Safford’s cookbook “Food of My Friends,” leading to its popularity as a party staple.
Timeline
- 1801: First mammoth cheese ball created for President Jefferson
- 1886: Term ‘cheese ball’ appears in American newspapers
- 1938: First recorded cheese ball recipe published
- 1944: Virginia Safford publishes modern cheese ball recipe
- Late 1990s: National Cheeseball Day established
Future Dates
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April | 17 | Thursday |
| 2026 | April | 17 | Friday |
| 2027 | April | 17 | Saturday |
| 2028 | April | 17 | Monday |
| 2029 | April | 17 | Tuesday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by making homemade cheese balls, hosting cheese ball-making parties, or enjoying the crunchy snack variety. Many restaurants and food companies offer special promotions and cheese ball-themed events.
Fun Facts About Cheese Balls
- The world’s largest cheese ball weighed 1,235 pounds
- Cheese balls reached peak popularity in the 1950s
- They can be made sweet or savory
- Modern variations include ingredients like blue cheese, smoked salmon, and dried fruits
Quiz
- When was the first mammoth cheese ball created?
- Who received the first recorded cheese ball?
- How much did the largest cheese ball weigh?
(Answers: 1. 1801, 2. President Thomas Jefferson, 3. 1,235 pounds)
FAQs
- Can cheese balls be made ahead of time?
- What’s the best way to store a cheese ball?
- Are there vegetarian options?
- How long can a cheese ball sit out at a party?
Related Celebrations
- National Cheese Day
- National Cream Cheese Day
- National Party Food Day
- National Snack Food Month
- National Appetizer Day
