National Pie Day: A Slice of American Tradition

As American as Apple Pie

January 23rd is National Pie Day, founded in the mid-1970s by Charlie Papazian, who declared his own birthday a celebration of all things pie. What started as a personal declaration has become a beloved food holiday across America.

Ancient Origins

Pies date back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where they were savory meat dishes with inedible crusts called ‘coffyns’ that simply held the filling. Sweet fruit pies emerged in medieval England. Pilgrims brought pie-making to America, where it became a culinary institution.

Regional Favorites

America developed distinct regional pies: Key lime in Florida, pecan in the South, Boston cream in New England, and huckleberry in the Pacific Northwest. Pennsylvania Dutch country created shoofly pie, while Minnesota claims the unconventional grape pie.

Sweet vs. Savory

While fruit and cream pies dominate dessert menus, savory pies remain popular worldwide. British meat pies, Australian meat pies, and pot pies represent hearty comfort food. Pizza, technically a type of pie, is America’s most-constrained pie variety.

Baking Traditions

Pie-making is a cherished skill passed through generations. The perfect flaky crust—whether achieved with butter, shortening, or lard—remains the holy grail of home bakers. On January 23rd, visit a local bakery, bake your favorite recipe, or simply enjoy a slice. Any way you slice it, pie brings people together.