Events Calendar

National Great American Pot Pie Day

Celebration

Celebration

Annually, on September 23rd.

Notes

Notes

You sit down for dinner, and there it is—a flaky, golden crust hiding a bubbling, savory filling that smells like pure happiness. Pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, like that old sweater you won’t give up because it just feels right. With every forkful, you’re met with a perfect balance of buttery crust, tender meat, and vegetables swimming in rich gravy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget your worries, even if just for a little while. Because really, who could stress when there’s a piping hot pot pie in front of them?

Discover the rich history and delicious varieties of pot pies, from their ancient origins to the celebration of National Great American Pot Pie Day.

National Great American Pot Pie Day
National Great American Pot Pie Day
Mark The Day

A Slice of Comfort History

Imagine a world without pot pies. A tragic, soulless existence where creamy chicken, tender vegetables, and flaky golden crusts are nowhere to be found. Fortunately, that bleak dystopia doesn’t exist because someone—some culinary genius—gifted the world with the pot pie, and now we get to celebrate National Great American Pot Pie Day every year on September 23rd. So grab your fork, adjust your appetite, and prepare to dive into this delicious celebration of a savory pie that is as American as, well, pot pie!

A Brief (But Delicious) History of Pot Pie

The origins of the pot pie are a bit like the fillings inside—full of variety and a little mystery. While Americans have perfected the art of pot pie, its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece. These early versions were filled with all sorts of meats (sometimes more exotic than we’d like to imagine—think birds or rabbits) and enclosed in a pastry shell. Romans even had a version where live birds would fly out upon cutting the crust. Thankfully, modern pot pies have left out that particular feature—though it might add an unexpected twist to your dinner party.

The Great American Pot Pie.Pot pie, in its more familiar form, really began to take hold in America during the 19th century. Pioneers and early settlers, always on the lookout for hearty, filling meals that used readily available ingredients, embraced pot pies as a practical way to stretch limited supplies of meat and vegetables. Add in the fact that you could slap a crust on top, and it would stay warm longer in those pre-microwave days, and you’ve got yourself a hit!

The Anatomy of a Great Pot Pie

The beauty of a pot pie lies in its deceptive simplicity. On the surface, it’s just a pie. But open up that golden-brown crust, and you’ve unleashed a world of possibility. Every great pot pie has three key elements:

  1. The Filling – This is where the magic happens. Chicken is the traditional hero of the pot pie world, but beef, turkey, and even vegetable-only versions have entered the spotlight. The filling typically consists of meat, peas, carrots, potatoes, and a velvety, savory gravy that ties it all together. Think of it as comfort food you can eat with a spoon.
  2. The Crust – Ah, the crust, the literal and figurative topper of it all. Flaky, buttery, and golden, this pastry armor protects the filling and, when baked just right, provides that satisfying "crack" when your fork dives in. Some say the crust is what sets a good pot pie apart from a great one. And those people are absolutely right.
  3. The Personal Touch – The thing about pot pies is that no two are alike. Some prefer puff pastry, others go full double crust, and still, others will slide a biscuit top right on there. It's a blank canvas for customization, where you can let your kitchen creativity shine.

While pot pie is often associated with rural and homestyle cooking, it has become a national treasure across all 50 states. In Pennsylvania, you’ll find a regional twist known as the “Pennsylvania Dutch pot pie,” which eschews the crust for a thicker noodle-like dough cooked in a stew. Other regions have played around with the recipe, adding local flavors and ingredients like seafood on the coasts or spicy green chilies in the Southwest.

The TV Dinner Connection

We can’t talk about pot pie without giving a shoutout to its role in the rise of the American TV dinner. In the 1950s, when everyone was busy watching the latest episodes of “I Love Lucy,” frozen pot pies were there to save dinner time. Thanks to brands like Swanson, Americans could enjoy pot pie without spending hours in the kitchen. Just pop it in the oven and wait for that familiar golden glow.

Of course, not all TV pot pies are created equal. Some are a flaky, comforting dream, while others may require a second round in the microwave and a little forgiveness when the middle is still cold. But hey, even a slightly soggy pot pie is better than no pot pie, right?

Fun Facts (And You Thought Pot Pies Were Just Dinner)

  • Pot Pie Weight Champion: The world’s largest chicken pot pie, weighing in at an astonishing 10,540 pounds, was baked in 2005 in Marion, Ohio. This beast of a pie was enough to feed a small town—or one very hungry lumberjack.
  • Food Fight or Pie? The word “pie” might stir images of cream pies smashed into someone’s face during a food fight, but the pot pie takes itself too seriously for such frivolities. No self-respecting person would waste a pot pie in a pie-tossing contest—unless it was directed at someone who doesn’t appreciate comfort food.
  • Pot Pie in Pop Culture: While pot pies may not be a frequent feature in Hollywood blockbusters, they’ve made their mark in American pop culture. In the TV show Friends, Joey Tribbiani once declared his love for pot pie with a simple “What’s not to like? Custard? Good. Jam? Good. Meat? Good.” Clearly, he was mixing up his foods, but his enthusiasm? Spot on.

How to Celebrate National Great American Pot Pie Day

  1. Bake Your Own – What better way to celebrate than by making your own pot pie from scratch? It’s an all-in-one meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you stick with a traditional chicken filling or get wild with beef, turkey, or even veggie varieties, there’s no wrong way to pot pie.
  2. Support Local Bakeries – Don’t have time to bake? No worries! Many bakeries and restaurants have pot pies on the menu, especially in honor of this comforting day. Pick one up and give your oven a break.
  3. Have a Pot Pie Party – Gather your friends, bring out the rolling pin, and have a pot pie bake-off. Different fillings, different crusts—the possibilities are endless, and it’s the ultimate comfort food showdown.
  4. Go Frozen – For those pressed for time, frozen pot pies are still a classic option. You can find them in nearly every grocery store, and while they may not rival homemade, they do come with the convenience of being ready to eat with minimal effort.

National Great American Pot Pie Day is celebrated on September 23rd.National Great American Pot Pie Day is the perfect reminder that sometimes the best things in life come wrapped in a flaky crust. Whether you’re a purist who loves a classic chicken pot pie or an adventurer who’s willing to try lobster-filled versions, there’s no denying that pot pies hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Americans.

So this September 23rd, grab your fork and dive into the warm, savory, deliciousness that is pot pie. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience—no matter how you slice it!

Please Share our Content

Today's Marks

A selection of The Marks that share this day.

From Our Catelog

Curated choices from our "Marks" collection to spark your curiosity