National Italian Cheese Month
September 1 - September 30
About National Italian Cheese Month
National Italian Cheese Month runs throughout September 2026, celebrating the rich tradition of Italian cheesemaking and the hundreds of varieties it has given the world. From soft, milky mozzarella to hard, nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano, the month invites cooks and cheese lovers to explore, taste, and cook with Italy’s most famous culinary export. It is observed across the United States, where Italian cheeses are a fixture of everyday cooking.
How to Celebrate National Italian Cheese Month
With as many as 450 Italian cheese varieties to discover, there is no shortage of ways to take part across September.
- Build an Italian cheese board – Arrange a selection such as mozzarella, provolone, gorgonzola, and pecorino alongside cured meats, olives, and bread for an easy centrepiece.
- Cook a classic dish – Make a lasagne, risotto, or a simple caprese salad to put Italian cheese at the heart of a meal.
- Try a cheese you have never tasted – Pick up a less familiar variety such as taleggio, fontina, or burrata and discover a new favourite.
- Visit a deli or cheesemonger – Independent Italian delis are a great place to ask for recommendations and sample before you buy.
- Pair cheese with wine – Match a robust pecorino with a bold red, or fresh mozzarella with a crisp white, for a relaxed tasting evening.
- Learn to make fresh cheese – Homemade ricotta or mozzarella is surprisingly achievable and a rewarding weekend project.
- Host an Italian dinner night – Invite friends for a multi-course meal where cheese features in the starter, the main, and even dessert.
- Read the labels – Look for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses to taste the authentic, region-specific versions.
What is National Italian Cheese Month?
National Italian Cheese Month is a month-long food celebration dedicated to Italian cheese in all its forms. It honours both the craft of Italian cheesemaking and the role these cheeses play in kitchens far beyond Italy. The month appeals to home cooks, food enthusiasts, restaurateurs, and anyone who enjoys the variety and quality that Italian dairy traditions offer.
When is National Italian Cheese Month?
National Italian Cheese Month is celebrated throughout the whole of September, and in 2026 that means the entire month from Tuesday, 1 September to Wednesday, 30 September. Rather than a single day, it gives a full month to work through the many cheeses worth trying.
The History of National Italian Cheese Month
National Italian Cheese Month was founded in 2017 by Galbani, one of the best-known Italian cheese brands, to celebrate America’s enduring love of Italian cheese. The observance was registered with the National Day Calendar to be marked annually in September, and it has since been embraced by delis, restaurants, and cheese producers across the United States.
The tradition the month honours stretches back much further. Many believe Italian cheesemaking dates to the Roman Empire, when households kept a dedicated room known as a caseale for making, ageing, and storing cheese. Romans were enthusiastic about their cheese and are credited with helping spread the craft across Europe.
Today, Italy produces an extraordinary range of cheeses, with some 450 varieties and a number protected by PDO status, which guarantees they are made in a specific region using traditional methods. If you enjoy month-long food celebrations, you might also like National Panini Month, which puts many of these same cheeses to delicious use.
Fun Facts About National Italian Cheese Month
- National Italian Cheese Month was founded by Galbani in 2017.
- Italy is home to as many as 450 different cheese varieties.
- Italian cheesemaking is thought to date back to the Roman Empire.
- Romans used a dedicated room called a caseale to make and age their cheese.
- Some Italian cheeses carry Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, tying them to a specific region and method.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged for a minimum of 12 months, and often far longer, to develop its flavour.
Why National Italian Cheese Month Matters
The month celebrates centuries of craft and supports the delis, importers, and producers who keep authentic Italian cheesemaking alive. It also encourages people to slow down and taste with intention, swapping the everyday block of cheese for something made with care and history behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Italian Cheese Month?
It is a month-long celebration of Italian cheese, honouring the craft of Italian cheesemaking and the hundreds of varieties it has produced, from mozzarella to Parmigiano-Reggiano.
When is National Italian Cheese Month in 2026?
It runs throughout the whole of September 2026, from Tuesday, 1 September to Wednesday, 30 September.
Who started National Italian Cheese Month?
It was founded in 2017 by the Italian cheese brand Galbani and registered with the National Day Calendar as an annual September observance.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best Italian cheese boards and recipes on social media with #NationalItalianCheeseMonth and #NationalItalianCheeseMonth2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to try a new variety this September!
Related Awareness Days
- National String Cheese Day – Falls in the same month and celebrates a popular mozzarella snack.
- National Cheese Pizza Day – Another September favourite that puts Italian cheese centre stage.
- National Biscotti Day – Rounds off the month with a classic Italian treat.
Links
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