National Bacon Day

National Bacon Day is celebrated every year on December 30. This food holiday honors one of the most popular salt-cured meats in the world, encouraging fans to enjoy its distinct smoky flavor in creative and traditional ways. International Bacon Day is also celebrated in September.

History of National Bacon Day

Danya Goodman and Meff Leonard established National Bacon Day in 1997. Their goal was to create a specific day for bacon enthusiasts to unite and share their love for the food during the end-of-year holiday stretch. They specifically designed it as a non-denominational celebration that could include gift-giving and social gatherings, using the fictional, bacon-loving character Homer Simpson as a source of inspiration for the date’s playful atmosphere.

The consumption of bacon itself dates back thousands of years to ancient China, where early populations preserved pork bellies with salt as early as 1500 B.C. The practice spread to the Roman Empire, where a version called petaso was made from pig shoulder boiled with dried figs. By the 17th century, the term began to specifically refer to the salted and smoked pork belly common in modern kitchens. In 1924, Oscar Mayer received the first patent for sliced, packaged bacon, which made the product a staple in grocery stores across the United States.

Why is National Bacon Day important?

This day highlights the significant cultural and economic impact of the pork industry, which processes millions of pounds of bacon annually. Bacon has evolved from a simple breakfast side dish into a versatile culinary ingredient used in everything from desserts to beverages. Its chemical composition, particularly the presence of the nutrient choline, has been studied for its role in supporting brain health and memory, adding a nutritional dimension to its popularity.

The holiday also serves as a point of historical reflection regarding the resourcefulness of previous generations. During World War II, the United States government urged citizens to donate excess bacon grease to the military, as the fat was used to create glycerin for explosives and gunpowder. By celebrating this day, people acknowledge the long-standing relationship between agricultural production and society, while also enjoying the sensory appeal of a food that has become a global pop culture phenomenon.

• The average American consumes approximately 18 pounds of bacon every year
• The holiday provides a break between the major religious observances of December
• Bacon fat played a vital role in manufacturing munitions during World War II
• Curing and smoking techniques preserve traditional family and regional recipes
• Scientific research into flavor profiles helps chefs pair bacon with unexpected ingredients

How to Celebrate National Bacon Day

The most common way to celebrate is by incorporating bacon into every meal of the day. For breakfast, many people prepare classic dishes like thick-cut slices with eggs or pancakes. For lunch and dinner, common choices include BLT sandwiches, bacon-wrapped scallops, or adding crispy crumbles to a salad. To fully embrace the holiday spirit, some adventurous cooks experiment with sweet and savory combinations, such as bacon-topped donuts, chocolate-covered strips, or maple bacon ice cream.

Social celebrations often involve hosting bacon-tasting parties where guests sample different varieties like applewood-smoked, hickory-smoked, or peppered bacon. Since the founders suggested a cinematic theme, many fans spend the day watching movies starring Kevin Bacon or films featuring the food in their titles. If cooking at home, using an oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the bacon cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy without the mess of a stovetop frying pan.

• Host a potluck where every guest brings a dish featuring a bacon ingredient
• Try a new variety of the meat such as turkey, beef, or Canadian-style bacon
• Bake a batch of cookies or brownies that include small bits of candied bacon
• Watch a marathon of movies or documentaries that highlight the history of pork
• Support a local butcher or specialty meat shop by purchasing artisanal slabs

National Bacon Day Dates Table