National Cooking Day – Sep. 25, 2026

National Cooking Day
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Food
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September 25
Holiday emoji:
🍳

National Cooking Day ignites culinary passion every September 25. This day encourages us to step into the kitchen, experiment with new recipes, and rediscover the joy of preparing homemade meals. Explore fresh ingredients, master new techniques, and share delicious creations with family and friends.

Want to sponsor National Cooking Day? Learn how

Expected National Cooking Day Deals

As National Cooking Day approaches, expect a smorgasbord of culinary deals designed to inspire your inner chef. Last year, retailers like Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table offered discounts on cookware, bakeware, and small kitchen appliances. Grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market and Kroger often feature sales on fresh produce, specialty ingredients, and meal kit components. Keep an eye out for promotions from meal delivery services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron, offering introductory discounts for new subscribers. Even appliance brands like KitchenAid might roll out special bundles or rebates. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 25 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Cooking Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCookingDay. Share photos or short videos of your culinary creations, kitchen hacks, or favorite recipes.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCookingDay. Film quick recipe tutorials, cooking challenges, or ‘what I eat in a day’ featuring home-cooked meals.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCookingDay. Start a discussion in a local food group about favorite comfort foods or cooking tips.

Social Media Tips for National Cooking Day

Individuals

Challenge yourself to cook a new recipe from scratch. Host a potluck with friends where everyone brings a homemade dish.

Creators

Create a series of 'beginner-friendly' cooking videos, focusing on fundamental techniques or simple, delicious meals. Share your personal cooking journey.

Brands

Host a virtual cooking class or a recipe contest, encouraging user-generated content. Partner with a local food bank to highlight the importance of nourishing meals.

Top Brands for National Cooking Day

  1. KitchenAid

    Founded in 1919, KitchenAid is an American home appliance brand owned by Whirlpool Corporation. Best known for its iconic stand mixers, KitchenAid also produces a wide range of cookware, bakeware, and major appliances, empowering home cooks worldwide.

  2. All-Clad

    Established in 1971 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, All-Clad is a manufacturer of high-end cookware. Renowned for its bonded metal construction, the brand is a favorite among professional chefs and serious home cooks for its superior heat conductivity and durability.

  3. HelloFresh

    Founded in Germany in 2011, HelloFresh is a leading global meal-kit company. It delivers pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes directly to customers' doors, simplifying the cooking process and inspiring home chefs to try new cuisines.

  4. Williams-Sonoma

    Founded in 1956 by Chuck Williams in Sonoma, California, Williams-Sonoma is a premier specialty retailer of high-quality kitchenware, home furnishings, and gourmet food. It offers a curated selection of tools and ingredients to elevate the home cooking experience.

  5. King Arthur Baking Company

    America's oldest flour company, established in 1790, King Arthur Baking Company is a 100% employee-owned company. Beyond premium flours, it offers baking mixes, ingredients, tools, and extensive recipes, fostering a love for baking and cooking from scratch.

  6. Le Creuset

    Founded in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France, Le Creuset is famous for its colorful enameled cast-iron cookware. Its durable, high-quality Dutch ovens, casseroles, and skillets are cherished by cooks for even heat distribution and timeless design.

  7. Food Network

    Launched in 1993, Food Network is an American pay television channel dedicated to food and cooking. It features a variety of culinary programs, celebrity chefs, and cooking competitions, serving as a major source of inspiration and education for home cooks.

National Cooking Day Hero

Julia Child

Julia Child (1912–2004) was an American cooking teacher, author, and television personality who brought French cuisine to the American public. Her groundbreaking cookbook, 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking,' and her television show, 'The French Chef,' demystified gourmet cooking and encouraged millions to embrace the joy of home cooking with confidence and enthusiasm.

National Cooking Day timeline

1810
Canned Food

The tin can is patented by Englishman Peter Durand.

1963
Bon Appetit

Julia Child's "The French Chef" debuts on Boston public television

2009
Julie & Julia

"Julia & Julia," a film about a NYC-based writer who decides to cook all of Julia Child's recipes, premieres.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Cooking Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Cooking Day by hosting cooking demonstrations or workshops for customers, showcasing easy-to-make dishes using their products. Restaurants might offer special ‘cook-at-home’ meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and recipe cards. Kitchen supply stores can run promotions on essential cooking tools and offer expert advice. Consider partnering with local food bloggers or chefs for in-store events or social media collaborations to inspire the community to get cooking.

National Cooking Day FAQs

When is National Cooking Day?

National Cooking Day 2026 falls on Friday, September 25, offering a perfect opportunity to unwind with a delicious home-cooked meal as the weekend begins.

How many Americans cook at home regularly?

According to recent surveys, roughly 80% of Americans report cooking at home at least a few times a week, highlighting the enduring role of home-prepared meals in daily life.

What are the benefits of home cooking?

Home cooking offers numerous benefits, including greater control over ingredients and nutrition, often leading to healthier eating habits. It can also be more cost-effective than dining out and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

What is the difference between cooking and baking?

Cooking generally refers to preparing food using heat, encompassing methods like frying, boiling, roasting, and sautéing, often with more flexibility in ingredient ratios. Baking, a subset of cooking, specifically involves dry heat, typically in an oven, and relies on precise measurements and chemical reactions for structure.

National Cooking Day Activities

  1. Cook your favorite meal

    We all have one dish that speaks to us, whether it’s our grandmother’s meatloaf or the first dish we learned to cook. So put your twist on the recipe and make it yours. And don’t forget to post your meal on social media!

  2. Throw a potluck party

    But don’t let anyone pass off store-cooked food as their own—have everyone bring their own favorite home cooked dish. It’s a great opportunity to share recipes and cooking tips, and you’ll learn just how talented all your friends are in the kitchen.

  3. Cook with a friend

    Celebrate this tasty holiday with a friend and cook a meal together. You’ll get to hang out, bond, and enjoy a delicious meal. What could be better?

Why We Love National Cooking Day

  1. You can experiment with new recipes

    Is there a new chicken recipe you’ve been dying to try? Have you been dying to recreate your favorite dish from your favorite restaurant? Today’s the perfect day to experiment, since National Cooking Day is designed to inspire cooks to try something new.

  2. You get to connect with family and friends

    Family time is so important, but with everyone's bustling schedules, connecting with family has become harder than ever before. That’s why National Cooking Day is a great opportunity to gather the family or friends and catch up while someone chops the onions and another stirs the sauce.

  3. Home cooking is healthier

    Home-cooked meals tend to be healthier and have less sugar, which can result in higher energy levels and better mental health. So next time you’re craving your favorite restaurant food, see if you can duplicate it at home! You’ll know exactly what you’re putting in your body, and you’ll feel good about it.

National Cooking Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 25 Friday
2027 September 25 Saturday
2028 September 25 Monday
2029 September 25 Tuesday
2030 September 25 Wednesday