National Bagel And Pizza Day

A cheerful group of friends enjoying a pizza picnic in a park, wearing casual summer clothes, surrounded by laughter and good vibes.. — National bagel and pizza day illustration

Ah, the sweet smell of dough and cheese! National Bagel and Pizza Day is upon us, a delightful celebration of two iconic and mouth-watering treats. It's a day where we can all come together and honor the glorious creations that have brought us comfort, satisfaction, and even a few pizza-induced food comas. So, grab a bagel, grab a slice, and let's dive into the history of these beloved culinary delights!

When is Bagel And Pizza Day?

It's national bagel and pizza day on the 9th February.

A Sizzling Slice of History:

Bagels and pizza have a rich history that stretches back centuries. Let's start with the bagel, shall we? This beloved circular bread with a hole in the center originated in Poland in the 14th century. It gained popularity among Jewish communities and quickly spread around the world. Legend has it that the shape of the bagel was inspired by a Polish king who wanted to commemorate his victory by creating a roll that resembled a stirrup. Whether that story is true or not, we can all agree that bagels are shaped perfectly for topping with everything from cream cheese to lox and everything in between.

Now, let's move on to pizza, the ultimate comfort food. The earliest versions of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Egyptians. However, it was the Italians who truly perfected this cheesy, saucy delight. Pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. It started as a simple flatbread topped with tomatoes and cheese, but over time, it evolved into the glorious combination of flavors that we can't resist.

Fast forward to the modern era, and bagels and pizza have become staple foods in countless cultures around the world. From artisanal pizzerias in New York to cozy bagel shops in Montreal, these delicious treats continue to bring joy to people's lives.

A Celebration of Flavor:

On National Bagel and Pizza Day, the possibilities are endless. You can go for a classic bagel and cream cheese combo or experiment with creative toppings like smoked salmon, avocado, or even peanut butter (don't knock it 'til you try it!). As for pizza, you can opt for a traditional Margherita or explore the wide variety of styles, from New York-style thin crust to Chicago deep-dish.

It's a day to indulge in your favorite flavors, share a meal with loved ones, and appreciate the culinary wonders that have become an integral part of our lives. Whether you're a die-hard bagel enthusiast or a pizza aficionado, this is your time to shine.

History behind the term 'Bagel And Pizza'

14th century

The Simits of Turkey

In the 14th century, the precursor to the bagel and pizza emerged in Turkey. Known as simits, these round, doughy treats became popular as a portable and nutritious snack among Ottoman Empire soldiers and civilians alike. Simit bakers would sprinkle sesame seeds on the dough before baking, giving them a deliciously nutty flavor.

17th century

The Birth of the Bagel

Fast forward to the 17th century, and the bagel as we know it today starts to take shape in Eastern Europe. Jewish communities in Poland began making a doughy ring-shaped bread, which they boiled briefly before baking. The boiling process gave the bagel its distinct chewy texture and shiny exterior. Originally called 'beugel' in Yiddish, the term eventually evolved into 'bagel.'

19th century

The Bagel Migrates to North America

During the 19th century, Jewish immigrants brought the bagel recipe with them when they settled in North America, particularly in New York City. Bagel bakeries began popping up in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, catering to the growing Jewish population. Bagels soon became a beloved staple of the city's culinary scene, and their popularity spread across the United States.

Late 19th century

Pizza Makes Its Debut

While the bagel was gaining popularity in North America, pizza was making its debut in New York City. Italian immigrants who settled in the city brought their traditional pizza-making skills from Naples. The first pizzerias in the United States opened their doors in the late 19th century, serving the original Neapolitan style pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil on thin crusts.

20th century

Bagel and Pizza Go Mainstream

By the 20th century, both the bagel and pizza had firmly cemented themselves in American culture. Bagel shops became a common sight in cities across the country, offering a variety of flavors and toppings. Pizza also evolved and adapted, with regional styles like New York, Chicago deep-dish, and Neapolitan gaining their devoted fan bases. Today, both bagels and pizza are beloved worldwide, enjoyed in countless variations and combinations.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's largest bagel weighed a whopping 868 pounds? That's one heavy breakfast! It was made in 2004 in New York City and measured a whopping 5 feet in diameter. Talk about a serious carb overload!