National Day
National French Toast Day
Celebrated on 11/28/2026
Quick Fact
Despite its name, French toast actually originated in ancient Rome, where a recipe called 'Pan Dulcis' involved soaking bread in a milk and egg mixture before frying. The term 'French toast' first appeared in 17th-century England, not France, and the dish is known as 'pain perdu' (lost bread) in French, referring to using stale bread that might otherwise be thrown away.
Origins and Establishment of National French Toast Day
National French Toast Day is celebrated on November 28th each year. The exact origins of this food holiday are unclear, but it is believed to have been established by a restaurant chain or food industry group to promote the dish. Unlike many national food days, there is no known congressional proclamation or presidential decree behind it. Instead, it likely emerged from the trend of celebrating specific foods on designated days, popularized in the late 20th century.
Evolution and Modern Commemoration
Over time, National French Toast Day has grown in popularity, especially with the rise of social media and food blogging. Restaurants often offer special deals or creative variations of French toast, such as stuffed versions with cream cheese or fruit, or savory twists with bacon and cheese. Home cooks also participate by sharing their recipes online. The day has become an opportunity to celebrate this versatile breakfast dish, which can be enjoyed with sweet toppings like maple syrup, berries, and whipped cream, or savory accompaniments.
Facts & General Observations
- French toast is known by many names worldwide, including 'eggy bread' in the UK, 'Bombay toast' in India, and 'Arme Ritter' (poor knights) in Germany.
- The earliest known recorded recipe for French toast dates back to the 4th or 5th century AD in the Roman cookbook 'Apicius'.
- Americans consume approximately 1.2 billion slices of French toast annually, with peak consumption on National French Toast Day and Mother's Day.