- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- AmericanBakingCooking
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September 23
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥧
National Great American Pot Pie Day arrives every September 23, inviting us to indulge in the ultimate comfort food. From its ancient origins to its modern American variations, pot pie offers a hearty, satisfying meal for any occasion. Bake your own, try a new recipe, or visit a local eatery to celebrate this delicious day!
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History of National Great American Pot Pie Day
Pot pies are one of the best solutions for a savory tooth, and the best excuse to eat some carbs without any guilt would be on a day created just for it. These meat-filled pastries have been around for longer than you might think, and have been eaten in nations all across the world since their inception.
The history of pot pies can be traced back to the Neolithic Age around 9500 B.C. by discoveries made by archaeologists. At the time, the Greeks cooked meats mixed with other ingredients in open pastry shells, which were called ‘artocreas.’ This treat then spread to the Romans, and was prepared with various meats, oysters, mussels, lampreys, and fish and included a crust made of a flour and oil mixture, which was served at banquets. After this, pot pies spread across medieval Europe during the Crusades and were even nicknamed by the royalty.
In the 16th century, the English gentry revived the custom of serving pot pies and called them meat pies. This obsession soon spread to the New World when the first American settlers took their pot pie recipes with them when they moved westward.
Pot pie can be prepared in a number of ways; in a skillet, baking dish, or pie oven. There are also many recipes and ingredients that can be used to fill and make this dish, including turkey, ham, seafood, potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas. Finally, the gravy and seasonings make this flaky pastry irresistible.
National Great American Pot Pie Day was created in 2002 by Marie Callender’s, the pot pie and frozen food company. It has ever since been celebrated annually on September 23.
National Great American Pot Pie Day timeline
Pot pies originate in the Neolithic Age by discoveries made by archaeologists.
In the 16th century, the English gentry revive the custom of serving pot pies.
The first frozen pot pie is created by the C.A. Swanson company and was made with chicken.
National Great American Pot Pie Day is created by Marie Callender's, the pot pie and frozen food company.
National Great American Pot Pie Day FAQs
When is National Great American Pot Pie Day?
National Great American Pot Pie Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 23, offering a mid-week opportunity to enjoy this beloved comfort food. It’s the perfect occasion to gather ingredients and bake a fresh pie.
How many pot pies are consumed annually in the U.S.?
While exact figures vary, millions of frozen and homemade pot pies are consumed across the U.S. each year. This enduring popularity highlights its status as a go-to comfort meal, especially during cooler months.
What are the most popular types of pot pie?
Chicken pot pie reigns supreme as the most popular variety, often filled with creamy chicken, peas, carrots, and potatoes under a golden crust. Beef pot pie, with its rich gravy and tender chunks of meat, is another perennial favorite.
What is the history of pot pie in America?
Pot pies boast a long history, with savory filled pastries dating back to ancient times. In America, they became a staple, evolving from colonial-era recipes to the convenient frozen versions popularized by brands like Marie Callender’s, reflecting a rich culinary heritage.
How To Celebrate National Great American Pot Pie Day
Cook up some pot pies
There are so many pot pie recipes available for you to try out. Today will be the perfect day to learn a new recipe, and also enjoy the savory fruits of your labor.
Enjoy a pot pie
If you need an excuse to get some carbs in, this day sets you up perfectly for that purpose. You can purchase frozen pot pies, eat some of your homemade ones, or go out for a meal with family and friends. However you choose to do it, don’t let the day go by without enjoying the satisfaction of a freshly made pot pie.
Share your tasty adventure
Head to any platform of your choice to share recipes, fun facts, or anything relevant to the day. Use the hashtag #GreatAmericanPotPieDay to join in the conversation.
5 Facts About Pot Pie You Should Know
It used to be a very lively dish
According to Smithsonian magazine, cooks from the Roman Empire era would sometimes make pot pies with a living bird that would burst through the pie shell when cut and fly out.
They were once called sea pies
There was a version of pot pies called sea pies, which typically included pigeons, turkey, veal and mutton, and was made aboard ships.
They were originally crustless
Originally, pot pie referred to a crustless mixture of meat pie ingredients and noodles, stewed in a pot on the stovetop.
It was renamed by Americans
Pot pies, as we now know them, were called different names at different points in history, including ‘artocreas,’ sea pies, meat pies, and even coffins.
You can use almost any protein of choice
Pot pies are not just for chicken, or even meat, there are also pot pies made from fish products.
Why We Love National Great American Pot Pie Day
It’s a historic celebration
Pot pies have had a long history with us. Its name has been changed one too many times, some might say, and its recipes change with various traditions and cultures. This day allows us an opportunity to celebrate one of the oldest savory dishes known.
There is no one way to make pot pies
The possibilities are numerous when it comes to making pot pies. This gives room for the creation of various recipes that vary in terms of stuffing choices, cooking choices, and even eating choices.
Pot pies made a major comeback
After being in the ancient eras and history, pot pies almost became a thing of the past. That was until the 16th century when the English gentry revived the custom of serving pot pies and called them meat pies. Ever since then, it came to stay and spread across the entire world.
National Great American Pot Pie Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 23 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 23 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 23 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 23 | Sunday |
| 2030 | September 23 | Monday |
