A little reason to celebrate

National Cheddar Fries Day

Food · April 20

A food day for cheddar fries: hot French fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, a diner and ballpark favorite shared by the basket.

National Cheddar Fries Day falls on Tuesday, April 20, 2027. That is 175 days away.

Cheddar fries are exactly what they sound like. Hot French fries, piled on a plate or in a paper basket, covered in melted cheddar cheese. Some versions use shredded cheese melted under a broiler. Others use a smooth, pourable cheese sauce. Both have loyal fans.

The appeal is mostly texture. A good fry is crisp outside and soft inside, and the cheese adds a salty, slightly sharp layer that softens the edges where it lands. The fries on top get the most cheese. The ones at the bottom stay crunchy. Most people end up eating from both levels on purpose.

You find them at diners, sports bars, ballparks and county fairs, usually as something to split. Toppings vary by place. Bacon bits and sliced green onions are common, and some kitchens add jalapeños, sour cream or a spoonful of chili. Ranch dressing on the side shows up often enough that some people consider it part of the dish.

At home, they are easy to make. Bake or fry potatoes until golden, scatter grated cheddar over them while they are still hot, and give the pan a minute or two under the broiler. Aged cheddar brings more bite, and mild cheddar melts a bit more smoothly. Thin fries crisp up nicely, while thicker wedges hold more cheese without going limp.

Ways to celebrate

Share a basket of cheddar fries with a friend.
Try making them at home with oven fries and grated cheddar.
Compare melted shredded cheddar against a cheese sauce version.
Add a topping you have not tried, like green onions or jalapeños.
Look for the best cheddar fries at a local diner.

Dates

Year	Date
2026	Monday, April 20
2027	Tuesday, April 20
2028	Thursday, April 20
2029	Friday, April 20
2030	Saturday, April 20

All national days on April 20

Also on April 20

Categories: Food days