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National Pepper Pot Day

Spice up your day with National Pepper Pot Day! Try out delicious recipes, grab some discounts, and enjoy a flavorful celebration.

Tuesday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 29

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSoups

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to spice up your life on National Pepper Pot Day, December 29! This annual celebration of the classic Philadelphia dish goes back to the 1700s when it was a staple in colonial kitchens. The traditional recipe calls for beef tripe and vegetables cooked with pepper, garlic, and other seasonings. Today you can find variations made with pork or chicken as well as more vegetarian-friendly recipes like lentil pepper pots. Enjoy this flavorful holiday by trying some new recipes or exploring local restaurants that serve up this delicious dish!

TIMELINE

National Pepper Pot Day Timeline

Pepper Pot's Revolutionary Origins

During the harsh winter, Christopher Ludwig, chef to George Washington's revolutionary army, concocted a spicy stew, now known as the Philadelphia Pepper Pot, revitalizing the starving troops.

Pepper Pot Soup Popularity

Throughout Philadelphia's colonial heritage in the 1800s, Pepper Pot Soup became a popular street food comforting locals and visitors with its warm, spicy flavor.

Campbell's Pepper Pot Soup

Campbell’s Soup Company included a Pepper Pot version in its lineup, making the hearty dish accessible nationwide.

Campbell's Discontinues Pepper Pot

Campbell's Soup Company announced the discontinuation of its signature Pepper Pot soup due to decreased consumer demand.

National Pepper Pot Day Celebration

National Pepper Pot Day started to be recognized, and gradually gained traction as a fun cultural holiday, encouraging individuals to enjoy this traditional dish.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pepper Pot Day

Make your own pepper pot

Making your own pepper pot is a great way to celebrate National Pepper Pot Day. You'll need beef, pork, or chicken, potatoes, onions, and peppers. Saute the meat until it's cooked through and then add in your vegetables and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes and enjoy.

Go out for pepper pot

Visit a restaurant that serves pepper pot as part of their menu. Ask for recommendations from friends or search online for reviews to find the best spot in town.

BAKE

Bake a pepper pot pie

Put together a simple pastry crust with some store bought dough and then fill it with your favorite ingredients to make a delicious pepper pot pie. Top off with some cheese and bake in the oven.

THROW

Throw a pepper pot party

Invite your friends over to enjoy some homemade pepper pot dishes. You can make several different kinds so everyone can find something they like.

TRY

Try a new recipe

Search the internet or cookbooks for new recipes to try on National Pepper Pot Day. There are many creative ways to use this traditional dish!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pepper Pot Day

It's full of nutrients

Aside from being incredibly tasty, pepper pot also packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. The combination of vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates provides a balanced meal that can help maintain good health while satisfying hunger pangs. Plus, it contains plenty of vitamins and minerals such as potassium and folate which can help keep your body healthy!

It's a hearty and comforting dish

Pepper pot is a deliciously comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. Loaded with savory vegetables, fragrant spices, and tender chunks of beef or pork, this one-pot meal is the ultimate in comfort food! Plus, it tastes even better as leftovers the next day.

It's easy to make

Making pepper pot is surprisingly simple - all you have to do is toss the ingredients together in a pot and let them simmer! This hearty stew can be on your table within hours, so there's no need to worry about spending all day in the kitchen.

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