Swiss Cheese Day is a holiday observed annually on the 2nd day of January, celebrating a mild, sweet, and nutty cheese known for its slightly yellow color and the distinctive holes within it.

This cheese is made using the P. shermanii culture, which not only imparts its characteristic flavor but also creates carbon dioxide gas, resulting in round holes in the finished product.

Everyone who is a fan of this cheese should consider observing this holiday and serving up this cheese in their favorite recipes. We know that we’ll be using Swiss cheese to make some excellent Reuben sandwiches and, perhaps, some ham and Swiss sliders.

The History Of Swiss Cheese Day

Swiss cheese, as we know it today, originated in the 14th century in Switzerland, specifically in a region called Emmental. This alpine-style cheese was produced in high-altitude pastures.

Cows would graze at these high altitudes during the summer months before being returned to lower elevations as fall approached. The cheesemakers would make large batches of this cheese to preserve the “summer milk” from these cows, a tradition that has been maintained for centuries.

During the late 19th century, Swiss immigrants brought their cheesemaking traditions to the United States, particularly to Wisconsin. With the dairy industry’s boom in this state, this “alpine-style” cheese evolved into what is now known as Swiss and Baby Swiss cheeses. In the U.S., these are the most well-known types of Swiss cheese. However, in many parts of Europe, it is not referred to as Swiss cheese but rather as Emmental Cheese.

The origins of Swiss Cheese Day are less clear than those of Swiss cheese itself. We believe it to be a relatively recent holiday, created within the past few years, but pinpointing its exact inception is challenging. If we had to estimate, we would say that this holiday has likely been around since around 2001, but we must emphasize that this is merely a guess.

Observing Swiss Cheese Day

Swiss Cheese Day is celebrated with lots of Swiss cheese, but don’t feel limited to just sandwiches.

It can be transformed into a variety of cheese dips, incorporated into pasta dishes, and even used in soups. The possibilities are endless with this type of cheese, so feel free to get creative with it. Be sure to share your creations by using the hashtag #SwissCheeseDay on social media.