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Melba Toast Day

A food observance on March 23 celebrating thin, crispy Melba toast and its historical culinary origin at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Tuesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 23

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSnacks

ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The holiday commemorates the first serving of Melba toast on March 23, 1897, created by chef Auguste Escoffier for opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, with origins of the holiday itself described as unknown.

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INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate a crunchy and delicious snack on March 23 for Melba Toast Day! This special day is dedicated to the beloved toast that was created by an Australian chef named Auguste Escoffier in the late 1800s. It's believed that he made the toast for opera singer Nellie Melba, who was trying to lose weight at the time. Ever since then, Melba toast has become a popular snack all around the world, perfect for dipping into soups or spreads. So let's raise our toasts (Melba ones, of course) and enjoy this tasty holiday!

TIMELINE

Melba Toast Day Timeline

Birth of Nellie Melba

Dame Nellie Melba, the celebrated Australian opera singer for whom the toast is named, was born on May 19th, 1861.

Creation of Melba Toast

Melba toast was first created by Nellie Melba's chef, Auguste Escoffier, when she fell ill and needed a light diet.

Popularization of Melba Toast

Melba toast gained popularity in the 1920s as a diet food for weight loss, often served with salads and soups.

Wide Distribution

In the 1960s, Melba toast began to be sold in supermarkets in pre-packaged boxes, allowing it to be enjoyed by consumers at home.

Modern Use in Cooking

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay popularized Melba toast again in 2012 by using it in several dishes on his TV show, "Hell's Kitchen".

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Melba Toast Day

Make your own Melba toast

Homemade Melba toast is a delicious and easy snack to make. Simply slice bread into thin pieces, toast in the oven until crispy, and top with your favorite spread or toppings.

HOST

Host a Melba toast tasting party

Invite friends over to try different types of Melba toast and toppings. You can even have a competition for the most creative and delicious combination.

CREATE

Create a Melba toast charcuterie board

Add Melba toast to your next charcuterie board for a unique and tasty addition. Pair with cheeses, meats, fruits, and spreads for a delicious snack or appetizer.

TRY

Try different flavors of Melba toast

Melba toast comes in a variety of flavors, such as garlic, sesame, and cinnamon sugar. Pick up a few different types to try and see which one is your favorite.

Share Melba toast recipes on social media

Spread the love for Melba toast by sharing your favorite recipes on social media. Use hashtags like #MelbaToastDay and #HomemadeMelbaToast to join in on the celebration.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Melba Toast Day

It's a nostalgic treat

Many people have fond memories of eating Melba toast as a child, whether it was spread with peanut butter or used as a topping for classic party appetizers. National Melba Toast Day is the perfect chance to revisit those memories and enjoy this classic snack once again.

It's a versatile snack

Melba toast may seem like a simple, plain cracker, but it can be enjoyed in so many different ways. It's the perfect base for toppings like cheese or hummus, and also pairs well with dips like spinach artichoke or salsa.

It's a healthier option

Compared to other types of crackers or chips, Melba toast is a healthier option. It's low in calories and fat and has no added preservatives. So you can enjoy this tasty snack without feeling guilty!