National Meatball Day

National Meatball Day is a food holiday celebrated annually on March 9th in the United States. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating one of America’s most beloved comfort foods – the meatball. These tasty balls of goodness have become a favorite worldwide, crossing borders and winning hearts everywhere.

Quick Facts

When is it?: March 9th
Tagged as: Food holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalMeatballDay
When was it founded?: Unknown
Who founded it?: No records of who created this unofficial holiday

History of National Meatball Day

While the origins of National Meatball Day remain unclear, the history of meatballs themselves is rich and diverse. Meatballs are one of the oldest foods known to mankind, with historians estimating they first appeared in the 2nd century BC in China, specifically in the Shandong region during the Qin dynasty.

From China, meatballs traveled to Rome, Persia, Iran, and eventually to the rest of Europe. Each culture developed its own version, resulting in a global variety of meatball recipes. Today, almost every country has its own unique take on meatballs.

Interestingly, the popular spaghetti and meatballs dish wasn’t originally Italian but was invented by Italian-Americans in the United States, who later introduced it to Italy. This dish became a staple of Italian-American cuisine and is now recognized worldwide.

Timeline

221 BC: Earliest documented meatball recipes appear in China
Ancient Rome: Meatballs featured in “Apicius,” a collection of Roman recipes
19th-20th centuries: Italian immigrants introduce spaghetti and meatballs to Americans
20th century: The meatball sandwich, an Italian-American fusion, is created

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 9	Sunday
2026	March 9	Monday
2027	March 9	Tuesday
2028	March 9	Thursday
2029	March 9	Friday
2030	March 9	Saturday

Observed

National Meatball Day is celebrated by meatball enthusiasts across the United States. Many restaurants offer special deals on meatball dishes on March 9th. People celebrate by enjoying various meatball recipes, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to Swedish meatballs, meatball subs, or even meatball pizza.

Fun Facts About Meatballs

Swedish furniture giant IKEA sells approximately one billion meatballs every year.
Meatballs are known as “kofta” across the Middle East and Asia, with vegetarian versions particularly common in India.
In Turkey, meatballs are called “köfte” and have many different variations.
The technique of “gilding” (coating or glazing meatballs) originated in Persian cuisine.
Most American meatballs are made with pork, beef, or a combination, but healthier alternatives using turkey, chicken, or vegetarian ingredients have become increasingly popular.

Quiz

When is National Meatball Day celebrated?
Where did meatballs originate?
What is the Swedish word for meatballs?
Which furniture store is famous for its meatballs?
What is the Middle Eastern term for meatballs?

(Answers: 1. March 9th, 2. China, 3. Köttbullar, 4. IKEA, 5. Kofta)

FAQs

Q: What are traditional meatballs made of?
A: Traditional meatballs are typically made with ground meat (beef, pork, veal, or a combination), mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, spices, and sometimes cheese.

Q: Are spaghetti and meatballs originally Italian?
A: No, spaghetti and meatballs is an Italian-American creation, not a traditional Italian dish.

Q: How can I celebrate National Meatball Day?
A: You can celebrate by making homemade meatballs, trying different meatball recipes, dining at restaurants offering meatball specials, or hosting a meatball-themed dinner party.

Q: What are some ways to celebrate National Meatball Day?
You can celebrate by hosting a meatball potluck, trying new recipes, visiting local restaurants offering special deals on meatballs, or simply enjoying your favorite meatball dish at home.

Q: Is National Meatball Day recognized officially?
While it is a popular food holiday in the U.S., it is not an official national holiday.

Importance of National Meatball Day

National Meatball Day celebrates more than just a food item; it honors a dish that represents comfort, family traditions, and cultural heritage. Meatballs have the unique ability to bring people together around the dinner table, creating moments of shared joy and connection. The day also recognizes the versatility of meatballs, which can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and cultural tastes, making them a truly universal food.