March 13, 2026
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Photo courtesy of Schreiber Foods

CHEESESTEAK DAY — The melt and coverage are important features for cheeses selected to use in a cheesesteak sandwich. Varieties like American and Provolone work well for a classic Philly cheesesteak, while flavored varieties can help elevate the sandwich.

Photo courtesy of Kerrygold

IRISH CRISP — Kerrygold is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by serving Kerrygold Crisp Sandwiches, a favorite in Irish food culture, at a pop-up in New York City.

By Rena Archwamety

MADISON, Wis. — Sandwiched around other well-known holidays this spring are some lesser-known but very tasty occasions, such as National Cheesesteak Day, celebrated March 24, and National Grilled Cheese Day, which falls the Sunday after Easter this year on April 12.

These cheesy holidays offer a chance for consumers to indulge and for businesses to promote their products through giveaways, recipes and social media spots that range from classic to creative.

The famous Philly cheesesteak originated with a Philadelphia hot dog vendor in the 1930s, and since then has become a favorite from deli counters to restaurant menus across the country.

Dietz & Watson, a premium meat and cheese company based in Philadelphia that also originated in the 1930s, is spotlighting its picks for the best cheeses and flavors to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day this year.

“For a great cheesesteak, meltability is everything,” explains Jeff Kampa, Dietz & Watson’s cheese specialist. “You want a cheese that melts smoothly and evenly into the hot steak, creating that creamy texture that binds the sandwich together without overpowering the meat. A little stretch is ideal too, along with a balanced flavor that complements the beef.”

For a traditional cheesesteak, Kampa says classics like white or yellow American melt beautifully and deliver the creamy, nostalgic cheesesteak experience people expect. Provolone is another classic choice because it also melts well and lets the flavor of the steak shine.

For those looking to elevate their cheesesteak, Kampa says deli cheeses can add personality. Mozzarella offers great melt and stretch with a clean, slightly salty dairy flavor, he says. Roasted Garlic Cheddar adds a punch of savory garlic that works really well with steak, while Steakhouse Onion Cheddar brings a rich onion-forward flavor. For something a little more refined, Premium Swiss melts beautifully and adds a subtle nutty complexity that gives the sandwich a sophisticated twist.

“One of the biggest trends we’re seeing in deli cheeses is a growing appetite for bold flavor and variety,” Kampa says. “Consumers still love the classics, but they’re also excited to try cheeses with added flavor profiles like roasted garlic, onion or other savory twists that bring something new to familiar sandwiches.”

• Flavor and format

As the cheesesteak has grown from a regional specialty into a nationally loved sandwich, in part thanks to social media and viral cheesesteak spots, the right cheese can help shape people’s experience and expectations, according to Michelle Spoerl, brand manager for Cooper, owned by Schreiber Foods.

“When it comes to a great cheesesteak, the cheese isn’t just an ingredient, it’s the moment of truth,” she says. “Miss the melt or the coverage, and the sandwich falls flat. Cooper Sharp cheese is the differentiator, delivering a cheesesteak experience diners think, ‘Ooo yeah ... I need to come back for that again.’”

Cooper recently expanded its lineup with new formats designed to support today’s busy foodservice kitchens while maintaining its signature flavor and melt. Its latest products include Cooper Sharp White American Shredded and Cooper Sharp White American Cheese Sauce, both developed to help operators move faster in high-volume environments while maintaining consistency and sharp flavor across menu items.

Additionally, Spoerl notes Cooper Sharp Black Pepper American, a longtime favorite among Northeast grocery shoppers, now is making waves in the culinary world.

“This cheese is appearing on highly desirable menu items, including pepper-infused cheesesteaks, influencer-backed briskets and richly seasoned grilled sandwiches,” she says, adding that the excitement this cheese is generating on menus and social media suggests this flavor is poised for a national breakout.

• Crisp promotions

Bold and novel flavors also are taking the spotlight with National Grilled Cheese Day coming up in April. In anticipation of this holiday, Borden Cheese has launched a nationwide search to crown “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese.” Through March 24, fans can visit WinFreeBordenCheese.com to vote for one of four contenders, ranging from classic to spicy to crispy.

The contenders include “The Classic” grilled cheese sandwich, featuring Borden American and Extra Sharp melts on buttery white bread; “The Spicy Big Dill,” tapping into the 2026 pickle trend and featuring Borden American Singles and Provolone Slices paired with hot and spicy dill pickles, whipped cream cheese and ranch seasoning; “The Crispy Onion & BBQ” built with Borden Swiss Slices, crispy fried onion strings and a tangy BBQ sauce kick; and “The Mad Scientist” where bread is replaced with cheesy waffles filled with even more cheese.

Each vote will count as an entry to win a full year’s supply of Borden Cheese and kitchen supplies. Voters also will have the chance to win one of 100 instant-win swag packs featuring Borden coupons and fun branded merchandise.

“With over 25 distinct flavors and types, Borden is the authority on grilled cheese no matter how you slice it,” says Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America, which uses the Borden Cheese brand under license. “That’s why we’re kicking off National Grilled Cheese Day early, with a national call to help us name ‘America’s Favorite’ and continue the celebration by declaring our first-ever ‘Grilled Cheese of the Year.’ We can’t wait to see what our fans think.”

While St. Patrick’s Day may be known more for corned beef than sandwiches, Irish butter and cheese brand Kerrygold is hosting a promo for the holiday with a trending cheese-and-onion potato chip and butter sandwich, a favorite from across the pond.

In New York City on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors will get the chance to try the Kerrygold Crisp Sandwich on St. Patrick’s Day at the Kerrygold sandwich pop-up at Wildair, located at 142 Orchard St.

Kerrygold’s New York City event spotlights the flavors and cherished memories of a crisp sandwich and invites the entire city to celebrate with the brand on St. Patrick’s Day by indulging in one of the Emerald Isle’s simplest pleasures, made special by the brand’s signature butter.

“Born in the quiet heartland of Irish food culture, the iconic crisp sandwich has long been a ‘locals only’ legend in Ireland — an afterhours hero and the chef’s stolen moment snack,” says Neil Rogers, Kerrygold’s senior global brand manager. “Seeing the intrigue and interest across social media over the last few months, Kerrygold is excited to let the rest of the world in on the secret this St. Patrick’s Day.”

The crisp sandwich is a beloved staple of Irish culture, often enjoyed at home or on the go, and for many chefs, it’s the perfect midnight snack after a long day, Kerrygold officials say. At its heart, it’s a celebration of three simple ingredients: soft white bread, cheese and onion potato crisps, and generous layers of Kerrygold butter. It’s a beloved secret among Irish locals and A-list celebrities alike, and Kerrygold is on a mission to share this tasteful joy with the world, the company says.

To help share this piece of Irish culture, Kerrygold, in collaboration with award-winning Irish actress and “Stranger Things” star Amybeth McNulty, also is launching “Made the Irish Way,” a global campaign, alongside the Kerrygold Crisp Sandwich. For McNulty, a crisp sandwich transports her back to the comfort and familiarity of her hometown. Together, Kerrygold and McNulty are inviting the world to share a Kerrygold Crisp Sandwich to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, whether at a pop-up in major cities across the globe, or from the comfort of their own homes, to truly understand its growing status as a cultural phenomenon.

Kerrygold’s “Made the Irish Way” campaign launches across the United States, Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Africa and beyond through social, digital, PR and retail channels throughout March. For those celebrating at home, Kerrygold presents a collection of authentic Irish recipes, championing simple ingredients and real flavor, all brought to life with Kerrygold’s grass-fed Irish butter and cheese.

To commemorate the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in New York City, Kerrygold has partnered with renowned Irish illustrator Hephee to design exclusive merchandise. Attendees at the Wildair pop-up will have the chance to receive free, limited-edition T-shirts, which will be given out to a lucky few at the start of every hour, beginning at 11 a.m., while supplies last.

CMN