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National Cold Cuts Day

A food observance on March 3 celebrating sliced cold cuts and deli meats such as ham, salami, turkey, and bologna, enjoyed in sandwiches, on charcuterie boards, or as snacks.

Wednesday

March 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEMarch 3

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYMeat

ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance emerged as an informal celebration with no formal founding.

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INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to satisfy your meat cravings on March 3 by celebrating National Cold Cuts Day! This delicious holiday dates back to the early 1900s, when refrigeration technology allowed for easier preservation of deli meats. From salami to ham to turkey, there are so many tasty options to choose from when it comes to cold cuts. Whether you enjoy them in a sandwich or as a snack, this day is all about indulging in your favorite cured meats and appreciating their convenience and deliciousness. So grab some crackers and cheese and let's celebrate!

DEALS & OFFERS

2026’s deals have wrapped

See who celebrated this year, and browse offers from past years.

Offers wrapped for 2026

National Cold Cuts Day ran on March 3. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

1 brand offered a deal this year

Delta Jubilee

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TIMELINE

National Cold Cuts Day Timeline

Origin of Cold Cuts

The practice of curing meat for preservation dates back to ancient times, with Rome's Lucanian sausage believed to be one of the first cold cuts.

Birth of Delis in America

Immigrants from Europe brought their tradition of delis selling cold cuts and other prepared foods to America, particularly New York City, in the late 19th century.

First Sliced Bread

Invention of sliced bread in the 1920s led to a rise in sandwich making at home, increasing the popularity and consumption of cold cuts.

Rise of Supermarket Delis

With the expansion of supermarkets in the 1950s, on-site deli counters offering a variety of cold cuts became common.

Growth in Gourmet Delis

In the 1990s, the rise of foodie culture led to a surge in gourmet delis offering high-end, artisanal cold cuts.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Cold Cuts Day

Create a cold cut charcuterie board

Gather a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, crackers, and other accompaniments to create a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board. This is a great way to try different types of cold cuts and pair them with tasty combinations.

VISIT

Visit a deli or specialty shop

Take a trip to your local deli or specialty shop and sample different types of cold cuts. Ask the staff for recommendations and learn about the history and origins of different types of cold cuts. You may discover new favorites!

MAKE

Make your own cold cuts at home

For the adventurous foodie, try making your own cold cuts at home! With the right equipment and ingredients, you can create your own unique and personalized versions of classic cold cuts.

HOST

Host a cold cut tasting party

Invite friends over for a cold cut tasting party! Ask each guest to bring a different type of cold cut and have everyone try and compare them. You can also provide various condiments and breads to create different sandwiches.

TRY

Try new recipes featuring cold cuts

Expand your cold cut horizons by trying new recipes that feature cold cuts as the star ingredient. From sandwiches and wraps to salads and pasta dishes, there are endless possibilities for incorporating cold cuts into your meals.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Cold Cuts Day

Perfect for gatherings and parties

Whether it's a picnic, game day party, or casual get-together with friends, cold cuts are always a hit. They're easy to prepare and offer a variety of options for everyone to enjoy. Plus, they can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice!

Endless variety to choose from

There are so many different types of cold cuts to enjoy on National Cold Cuts Day - from sliced ham and salami to prosciutto and mortadella, the options are endless. You can mix and match different flavors and textures to create the perfect sandwich or charcuterie board!

Convenient for busy days

Cold cuts make a great quick and easy meal option on those days when you don't have time to cook. They can be used in sandwiches, roll-ups, wraps, or even as topping for salads. With cold cuts, you'll have a delicious meal in just minutes!