National Cheesesteak Day

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Feb 16, 2022
Fact-checked by Gowri Rao
Free cheesesteaks, grilled sandwiches, and hot dogs are enjoyed by all on National Cheesesteak Day.

Where is National Cheesesteak Day celebrated?

National Cheesesteak Day is celebrated in the United States.

Who is National Cheesesteak Day celebrated by?

National Cheesesteak Day is celebrated by Americans in different parts of the country.

When did National Cheesesteak Day first start?

National Cheesesteak Day first started in the 1930s.

Who started National Cheesesteak Day?

The credit for the beginning of the cheesesteak era goes to Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor. The cheesesteaks started ruling and led to the birth of the event, National Cheesesteak Day.

History And Timeline

The cheesesteak has humble origins in South Philly. In 1930, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia decided to put some butcher beef on his grill. When a cab driver smelled the delicious beef, he ordered his own steak-filled sandwich.

Birth of a Legend

Pat and Harry Oliveri, hot dog vendors who happened to have steak on the grill, came up with the idea for the Cheesesteak.

1930s

Pat’s Steakhouse opens for business.

Pat’s King of Steaks, the Oliveris’ now-iconic restaurant in South Philly, opened.

1940

Cheesy Whiz

Cheez Whiz was introduced by Kraft Foods, and it quickly became the go-to cheese for cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.

1950s

It All Starts With Beef

Geno’s Steaks was opened across the street from Pat’s, igniting a friendly rivalry that continues today.

1966

Cheez Whiz Connoisueres

New York Times Cheez Whiz as 'sine qua non' of cheesesteak lovers.

1986

Traditions And Customs

While some characteristics of the sandwich during National Cheesesteak Day are debatable, any authentic cheesesteak is made with a long, soft but robust bun, thinly cut ribeye steak, and provolone cheese. When it comes to the authentic cheesesteak, the custom is to use sautéed onions.

Sautéed bell peppers, spicy peppers, or even mushrooms may be added in various sections of the country that have adopted and tweaked the cheesesteak. Along with the red sauce, several restaurants include pickles as well.

Ways To Celebrate National Cheesesteak Day

Take a bite out of a cheesesteak. This may seem self-evident, but to simply eat the steak sandwich sitting in the most comfortable place is sometimes the best way to enjoy this day.

Pay a visit to the birthplace of the cheesesteak. Take a pilgrimage to the mythical country where it all began if you have the time and money.

There are a surprising number of official cheesesteak excursions in Philadelphia. Make a point of stopping at Pat’s and Geno’s. Consider a vegan cheesesteak.

Although cheesesteaks may appear to be the last item that could be made vegan, there are a plethora of easy-to-follow vegan cheesesteak recipes available online. Make a cheesesteak out of mushrooms, vegetables, soy, wheat, almonds, or pretty much anything else you can think of.

Facts And Stats

  • On March 24, National Cheesesteak Day is observed across the US.
  • Different events are organized on the day at different restaurants.
  • National Cheesesteak Day celebrations started in the 1930s

What day is National Cheesesteak Day?

March 24 is celebrated as National Cheesesteak Day.

What is Cheesesteak Day?

On National Cheesesteak Day, we take a few seconds to honor the sandwich with reverence and savor the delicacy.

What are the ingredients and recipes of cheesesteak?

Tender ribeye steak, melted gooey provolone, and grilled onions are wrapped in a toasted garlic butter hoagie bun for a Philly Cheesesteak. This is how a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is prepared in an old-fashioned way!

When is National Cheesesteak Day in 2021?

National Cheesesteak Day in 2021 is on Wednesday, March 24.

What is the Importance or Significance of National Cheesesteak Day?

March 24, National Cheesesteak Day honors an American classic: the cheesesteak sandwich. The sandwich, commonly known as a Philly cheesesteak, was invented in Philadelphia and consists of melted cheese on top of sliced beefsteak inside a long hoagie roll.

How do people celebrate or follow National Cheesesteak Day?

People celebrate this occasion by eating lots of cheesesteaks either homemade or in restaurants with friends and family. Some restaurants also give away steak sandwiches, free cheesesteaks or hoagies.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, March 24, 2020
  • Wednesday, March 24, 2021
  • Thursday, March 24, 2022
  • Friday, March 24, 2023
  • Sunday, March 24, 2024

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Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain picture

Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

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Fact-checked by Gowri Rao

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

Gowri Rao picture

Gowri RaoBachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

With a bachelor's degree in Economics from Krea University, Gowri is a highly skilled data analyst and an expert in regression and causation modeling. Her interests in economic trends, finance, and investment research complement her professional expertise. In addition to her professional pursuits, Gowri enjoys swimming, running, and playing the drums, and she is also a talented tutor.

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