How to Celebrate National Cheese Day in the UK: Ideas, Recipes & Cheesy Delights

Celebrate National Cheese Day with style! Discover cheesy recipes, UK-made favourites, cheese and drink pairings, and fun ways to mark the occasion.

Say Cheese! Celebrate National Cheese Day the British Way

If there’s one thing that deserves its own holiday, it’s cheese. Rich, creamy, sharp, nutty, or tangy – cheese comes in all shapes, textures, and flavours. That’s why 4th June is a day to celebrate dairy’s most delicious gift: it’s National Cheese Day!

Whether you're a dedicated cheesemonger or a casual cracker-topper, this day is the perfect excuse to explore new varieties, try cheese-based recipes, or simply indulge. Here’s how to celebrate National Cheese Day in true cheesy style – with a UK twist.

1. Sample British Cheeses You Haven’t Tried Yet

Sure, we all love a good cheddar, but the UK has an extraordinary range of artisan and traditional cheeses worth celebrating:

Wensleydale – Light and crumbly, ideal with fruit cake or chutney

Red Leicester – Mild and nutty, perfect for melting

Cornish Yarg – Wrapped in nettles for a unique flavour

Stilton – Britain’s iconic blue cheese, strong and salty

Tunworth – A creamy British Camembert-style soft cheese

Top tip: Visit a local cheesemonger or farmer’s market to support small producers and discover regional gems.

2. Host a Cheese Tasting Night

Turn your love of cheese into a social event! Set up a cheeseboard with a selection of styles: hard, soft, blue, and bloomy rind. Add crackers, fruits, nuts, chutneys, and honeys.

Pair with wine (like a classic red with mature cheddar), craft beer (try an IPA with blue cheese), or even English cider for a rustic combo.

Don’t forget plant-based guests – there are some amazing vegan cheeses from British brands like Honestly Tasty and I AM NUT OK.

3. Cook Something Cheesy

From comfort food to classy nibbles, cheese takes recipes to the next level. Here are a few ideas:

Welsh Rarebit – A posh cheese toastie with ale and mustard

Macaroni Cheese – Make it luxe with Gruyère or Red Leicester

Cheese Soufflé – Impress with this light, fluffy delight

Cheddar Scones – Perfect for a picnic or afternoon tea

Halloumi Skewers – Great on the BBQ if the sun’s out

Share your cheesy creations on Instagram with the hashtag #NationalCheeseDay – and tag us for a shout-out!

4. Visit a UK Cheese Festival or Farm

Why not make it a cheesy day out? Many dairies and farms offer tours, tastings, and events. Look for:

The British Cheese Weekender (usually in May–June)

The Cheese and Chilli Festival (various UK locations)

Tours at places like Quicke’s (Devon) or The Courtyard Dairy (Yorkshire)

You’ll learn how cheese is made, meet passionate producers, and stock up on incredible artisan finds.

5. Make a Cheese-Themed Hamper

Create a gift (for a friend or yourself!) with:

A selection of 3–5 cheeses

Chutney and crackers

A small bottle of wine or ale

A cheese knife or board

A little guide to each cheese

Perfect for a summer picnic or a cosy night in.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're nibbling on a wedge of creamy brie or baking a bubbling dish of cheesy goodness, National Cheese Day is your chance to indulge in one of life’s finest pleasures. So go on – treat yourself to a wheel, a wedge, or a whiff – and celebrate all things cheesy!

What’s Your Favourite Cheese?

Drop a comment below or tag @ThatsFoodAndDrink on social media with your cheesiest celebration yet. We’d love to see your boards, bakes, and bites!

Celebrating National Cheese Day: A Tribute to the World's Favourite Dairy Delight

As June unfolds, cheese enthusiasts across the globe prepare to indulge in one of the most delectable celebrations of the year: National Cheese Day. 

This annual homage to cheese, observed on June 4th, provides the perfect excuse to explore, taste, and appreciate the myriad varieties of this beloved dairy product. 

Whether you're a casual consumer or a connoisseur, National Cheese Day offers a delightful opportunity to revel in the rich history, diverse flavours, and culinary versatility of cheese.

A Historical Feast

Cheese has a storied past that dates back over 7,000 years, making it one of humanity's oldest and most treasured foods. From the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia to the rolling hills of the French countryside, cheese has been a dietary staple, a symbol of cultural heritage, and a culinary cornerstone. The art of cheese-making has been passed down through generations, evolving and diversifying into the vast array of cheeses we enjoy today.

A World of Flavours

One of the most exciting aspects of cheese is its incredible diversity. With over 1,800 varieties globally, there's a cheese for every palate. From the sharp tang of a mature cheddar to the creamy smoothness of brie, the pungent allure of blue cheese to the mild sweetness of gouda, the options are endless. Each cheese carries the unique imprint of its origin, reflecting the geography, climate, and traditions of its region. Exploring different cheeses can be a culinary adventure, offering a taste of the world from the comfort of your kitchen.

Culinary Versatility

Cheese is not just a standalone treat; it's a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. It can be melted into a gooey topping for pizzas, grated into salads for a flavourful twist, or baked into sumptuous casseroles. A cheeseboard, with a selection of cheeses paired with fruits, nuts, and wines, can transform any gathering into a gourmet experience. On National Cheese Day, why not experiment with new recipes or create a themed meal around your favourite cheeses?

Health Benefits

Beyond its delightful taste, cheese also offers several health benefits. It is a rich source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth. Cheese contains valuable nutrients like protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, and phosphorus. While it’s important to consume cheese in moderation due to its fat content, integrating it into a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.

A Celebration for All

National Cheese Day is an inclusive celebration that welcomes everyone, from casual nibblers to passionate aficionados. It’s a day to appreciate the artisans who craft cheese, the farmers who produce the milk, and the rich cultural tapestry that cheese represents. Whether you’re hosting a cheese-tasting party, visiting a local dairy, or simply enjoying a slice of your favourite cheese, this day is about savouring and sharing the joy of cheese.

In conclusion, National Cheese Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of a beloved food that has been a part of human culture for millennia. So, mark June 4th on your diary, gather your friends and family, and raise a toast to the marvellous world of cheese. Here's to the creamy, the crumbly, the stinky, and the sweet – Happy National Cheese Day!