National French Toast Day is a celebration dedicated to the beloved breakfast dish made by dipping bread in an egg and milk mixture, then frying it until golden brown. This versatile dish can be enjoyed with various toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruits.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: November 28th
- Tagged as: Food holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalFrenchToastDay
- When was it founded?: While the exact founding date is unclear, it gained popularity around 2016
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History of National French Toast Day
Despite its name, French toast didn’t originate in France. The dish dates back to ancient Rome, where a similar recipe called “Pan Dulcis” or “Aliter Dulcia” was found in the cookbook Apicius from the 5th century. The Romans would soak bread in milk (and sometimes eggs) before frying it.
In France, the dish is known as “pain perdu” or “lost bread,” highlighting its purpose of rescuing stale bread from being wasted. The name “French Toast” may have come from an Albany, New York innkeeper named Joseph French who created the dish in 1724 and advertised it as “French Toast” (without the apostrophe).
Timeline
- 5th century BC: Early version appears in Roman cookbook “Apicius” as “Pan Dulcis”
- 14th century: French chef Guillaume Taillevent includes eggs and sugar in his recipe “tostées dorées”
- 14th century: Similar dish called “Arme Ritter” (Poor Knights) appears in Germany
- 18th century: Joseph French allegedly names the dish after himself
- 2016: National French Toast Day gains significant popularity
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 28 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 28 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 28 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 28 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 28 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 28 | Thursday |
How National French Toast Day is Observed
People celebrate National French Toast Day by enjoying this delicious breakfast dish at home or at restaurants. Many share their favorite recipes and variations on social media using the hashtag #NationalFrenchToastDay. Some restaurants offer special French toast promotions or unique variations of the dish.
Fun Facts About French Toast
French toast goes by many names around the world, including “eggy bread” in the UK, “Bombay toast” in India, and “poor knights’ pudding” in Scandinavian countries. In Italy, there’s even a savory version called “mozzarella en carrozza,” which includes mozzarella cheese between the egg-soaked bread slices.
The dish was originally created as a way to use stale bread, making it both economical and delicious. French toast can be made with various types of bread, though brioche and challah are popular choices for their rich, eggy texture.
Quiz
- Where did French toast originate?
- What is French toast called in France?
- What was the original purpose of making French toast?
(Answers: 1. Ancient Rome, 2. Pain perdu, 3. To use stale bread)
FAQs
Is French toast actually French?
No, despite its name, French toast didn’t originate in France. It dates back to ancient Rome and has variations across many cultures.
What’s the best bread for French toast?
Thick-sliced brioche, challah, or any good egg bread works well for French toast as they absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
Can French toast be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture and even soak the bread overnight for a quick breakfast in the morning.
Importance of National French Toast Day
National French Toast Day celebrates not just a delicious dish but also human ingenuity in preventing food waste. Throughout history, French toast has represented a creative way to transform stale bread into a delectable meal. The holiday encourages people to appreciate simple pleasures and perhaps try new variations of this classic dish.
Related Celebrations
- National Pancake Day
- National Waffle Day
- National Breakfast Day
- National Bread Day
- National Egg Day