April’s Tastiest Treats: A Full Calendar of National Food and Drink Holidays

April isn’t just about blooming flowers, longer days, and spring showers – it’s also a vibrant time for culinary celebrations! Designated as National Food Month, this month invites food enthusiasts everywhere to explore a diverse array of flavors, ingredients, and beloved dishes. From indulgent desserts to comforting classics and refreshing beverages, April’s food holidays offer countless reasons to gather, cook, and savor delicious moments.

This month promises a delightful journey for your palate. Imagine starting your mornings with a warm, crumbly slice of coffee cake, treating yourself to a spoonful of velvety chocolate mousse, or raising a glass to a perfect sunset on Gin and Tonic Day. With tropical notes from Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day and sophisticated brunch options like Eggs Benedict Day, April’s food holidays are carefully curated to satisfy every conceivable craving and inspire new culinary adventures. Get ready to eat, drink, and celebrate all month long as we dive into a calendar brimming with delectable occasions!

🗓️ Monthly Food Holidays – April: A Month-Long Feast

Beyond the daily festivities, April dedicates itself to celebrating several key food categories throughout its entire duration. These month-long recognitions highlight ingredients and culinary traditions that are both versatile and beloved, encouraging deeper appreciation and creative cooking.

• National Food Month: This overarching celebration reminds us of the joy and importance of food in our lives, from farm to table. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore new recipes, support local producers, and share meals with loved ones.
• National Fresh Celery Month: Crisp, refreshing, and incredibly versatile, celery takes the spotlight. Whether you enjoy it as a healthy snack with peanut butter, a crucial aromatic in soups and stews, or a crunchy addition to salads, April is the time to celebrate this humble vegetable.
• National Pecan Month: These buttery, rich nuts are a Southern staple and a culinary delight. From classic pecan pies and pralines to savory salads and crusts for fish, pecans add a distinctive flavor and texture to countless dishes.
• National Soy Foods Month: Dedicated to the versatile soybean, this month celebrates a wide range of products like tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk. Soy foods are not only nutritious but also incredibly adaptable, forming the basis for many plant-based meals worldwide.
• National Soft Pretzel Month: The iconic chewy, salty delight gets its own month of recognition. Perfect for snacking, often paired with mustard or cheese dip, soft pretzels are a beloved comfort food, enjoyed at sporting events, fairs, or as a simple treat.

🗓️ Daily Food Holidays – April: A Culinary Calendar

Every single day in April brings a new reason to celebrate food and drink. Dive into our comprehensive guide to discover what delicious holiday awaits you each morning, offering inspiration for meals, snacks, and refreshing sips.

• April 1: National Sourdough Bread Day – Start the month with the tangy, chewy goodness of sourdough. This ancient bread, known for its distinct flavor and crispy crust, is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside a hearty soup.
• April 2: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day – A timeless classic, this day celebrates the beloved PB&J. Whether you prefer crunchy or smooth, grape or strawberry, it’s a nostalgic treat that transcends generations and is perfect for a quick, comforting meal.
• April 3: National Chocolate Mousse Day – Indulge in the airy, rich delight of chocolate mousse. This elegant French dessert, made with whipped eggs and chocolate, offers a luxurious texture and deep flavor, perfect for a special treat.
• April 4: National Cordon Bleu Day; International Carrot Day – Enjoy the sophisticated flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish featuring chicken wrapped around ham and cheese. Also, celebrate International Carrot Day by incorporating this versatile and healthy root vegetable into sweet or savory dishes, from juice to cake.
• April 5: National Caramel Day; National Deep Dish Pizza Day; National Raisin and Spice Bar Day – A triple treat today! Savor the sweet, buttery taste of caramel in candies or sauces. Dive into a hearty slice of Chicago-style deep dish pizza, famous for its thick crust and generous fillings. And enjoy a comforting, spiced raisin bar.
• April 6: National Caramel Popcorn Day; International Carbonara Day; Fresh Tomato Day; National Twinkies Day – Pop some caramel popcorn for a sweet and salty snack, perfect for movie night. Honor the authentic Italian pasta dish, Carbonara, with its creamy egg, cheese, and cured pork sauce. Also, celebrate Fresh Tomato Day by enjoying the vibrant flavor of ripe tomatoes, and indulge in a nostalgic Twinkies treat.
• April 7: National Coffee Cake Day; National Beer Day – Enjoy a slice of crumbly, sweet coffee cake, the perfect accompaniment to your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up. Later, raise a glass on National Beer Day, celebrating the diverse world of brews, from lagers to IPAs.
• April 8: National Empanada Day – Explore the delicious world of empanadas, savory pastries filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables. These handheld delights are a staple in many Latin American cultures.
• April 9: National Chinese Almond Cookie Day; National Gin & Tonic Day; National Pimento Cheese Day – Delight in the delicate, slightly crunchy Chinese almond cookie. Sip a refreshing Gin & Tonic, a classic cocktail perfect for spring. And savor the creamy, tangy goodness of pimento cheese, a beloved Southern spread.
• April 10: National Cinnamon Crescent Day – Treat yourself to a warm, flaky cinnamon crescent roll. These sweet, spiced pastries are ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack, often enjoyed with coffee or tea.
• April 11: National Cheese Fondue Day – Gather friends and family for a communal experience with cheese fondue. Dip bread, vegetables, or fruit into a bubbling pot of melted cheese for a fun and interactive meal.
• April 12: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day – Celebrate the ultimate comfort food: the grilled cheese sandwich. Crispy bread, gooey melted cheese – it’s simple perfection, often paired with a bowl of tomato soup.
• April 13: National Peach Cobbler Day – Indulge in a warm, fruity peach cobbler. This classic Southern dessert features sweet peaches topped with a biscuit-like topping, perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• April 14: National Pecan Day; National Grits Day – A double celebration! Enjoy pecans in any form – pies, snacks, or savory dishes. Then, dive into National Grits Day, savoring this Southern breakfast staple, often served with butter, cheese, or shrimp.
• April 15: National Glazed Spiral Ham Day – This day highlights the deliciousness of a glazed spiral ham, often a centerpiece for holiday meals. Its sweet and savory flavors make it a crowd-pleleaser, with fantastic leftovers for sandwiches.
• April 16: National Eggs Benedict Day; Day of the Mushroom – Kick off your day with a luxurious Eggs Benedict, featuring perfectly poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin. Also, appreciate the earthy versatility of mushrooms, from button to portobello, in various culinary creations.
• April 17: National Cheeseball Day; National Banana Day; World Malbec Day – Prepare a festive cheeseball for your next gathering. Celebrate the humble banana, a healthy and versatile fruit. And for wine lovers, it’s World Malbec Day, a perfect occasion to enjoy this rich, full-bodied red wine.
• April 18: National Animal Crackers Day – Relive childhood memories with a box of animal crackers. These sweet, crunchy biscuits are a simple, delightful treat perfect for all ages.
• April 19: National Amaretto Day; National Garlic Day; National Rice Ball Day – Sip on an Amaretto liqueur, known for its sweet almond flavor, in a cocktail or on its own. Celebrate National Garlic Day by incorporating this pungent, aromatic staple into all your savory dishes. Also, explore the diverse world of rice balls, from Japanese onigiri to Italian arancini.
• April 20: National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day; National Cheddar Fries Day; National Lima Bean Respect Day – Enjoy the retro charm and tropical sweetness of Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Indulge in crispy fries smothered in melted cheddar cheese. And perhaps surprisingly, pay respect to the often-maligned lima bean, and try incorporating it into a new recipe!
• April 21: National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day; National Tea Day (UK) – Treat yourself to the decadent combination of crunchy cashews enrobed in rich chocolate. For our friends across the pond, it’s National Tea Day in the UK, celebrating the beloved British tradition of tea drinking.
• April 22: National Jelly Bean Day – Bursting with a rainbow of flavors, jelly beans are celebrated today. Pick your favorites or try a new, unusual flavor for a fun candy experience.
• April 23: National Cherry Cheesecake Day – Savor a slice of creamy cheesecake topped with tart, sweet cherries. This classic dessert offers a delightful balance of richness and fruity freshness.
• April 24: National Pigs in a Blanket Day – A quintessential party appetizer, Pigs in a Blanket are celebrated today. These mini hot dogs or sausages wrapped in pastry are simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• April 25: National Zucchini Bread Day – Enjoy a slice of moist, spiced zucchini bread. A wonderful way to use this versatile vegetable, it’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• April 26: National Pretzel Day – Whether you prefer soft and chewy with mustard or crunchy and salty straight from the bag, National Pretzel Day invites you to celebrate this iconic snack in all its forms.
• April 27: National Prime Rib Day – Treat yourself to a succulent, perfectly cooked prime rib. This elegant and flavorful cut of beef is often reserved for special occasions and makes for an unforgettable meal.
• April 28: National Blueberry Pie Day – A beloved American dessert, blueberry pie gets its moment today. Enjoy the sweet and slightly tart filling encased in a flaky crust, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• April 29: National Shrimp Scampi Day – Dive into the garlicky, buttery goodness of shrimp scampi. This Italian-American dish, typically served over pasta or with crusty bread, is quick to prepare and utterly delicious.
• April 30: National Oatmeal Cookie Day – Conclude the month with a warm, chewy oatmeal cookie. Whether you like yours with raisins, chocolate chips, or plain, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to bake and satisfying to eat.

As April draws to a close, we hope this guide has inspired you to embrace the joy of culinary exploration. Whether you tried a new recipe, revisited an old favorite, or simply appreciated the rich tapestry of global flavors, remember that food is a wonderful way to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Happy eating!