Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day is celebrated on March 14. Just the thought of pies makes our mouths water. Virtually every country has a version of this dish, proving how versatile and delicious pies are. In the U.S., pies are practically a national dessert. A slice of apple pie topped with a scoop of ice cream is as American as the Statue of Liberty or an old Western movie. Pies are symbolic of comfort, love, and unity. On Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day, spread the love by baking and sharing this dish with the people around you.
History of Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day
The earliest examples of pies were first seen around 6000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. Humans started making pies just as soon as we figured out how to cook. The early pies’ ingredients were ground-up grains like barley, oats, and rye, filled with honey and baked over hot coals or ashes. Known as ‘galettes,’ these pies became a popular dish, and this recipe would remain the same for more than 4,000 years.
Egyptians refined their baking techniques over the years, and in 1300 B.C., they began adding other ingredients to their pies, such as fruits and nuts. The Greeks borrowed from the Egyptians and started making galettes too, but they used meat as a filling instead of honey, nuts, and fruits. When the Romans conquered Greece, they adopted this pastry dish and expanded on the filling options by adding fish, oysters, eels, and mussels. Roman pies had lighter, flakier shells, and diners ate them with each meal course.
In the 17th century, pies began to resemble what we consume today. After the arrival of pies in Europe some 400 years ago, they became a popular dish among the rich and poor classes alike. English and Irish laborers loved shepherd’s pie and its cousin, cottage pie. British settlers brought pies to America, modifying the recipe according to the ingredients they found in their new home. As sugar, canned fruits, and finely milled flour became readily available in the 1800s; pies evolved into a dessert pastry. In the U.S., town fairs awarded prizes to the best pie makers. By the 19th century, modern ovens made it possible to mass-produce pies, and soon every town had a bakery stocking these delicious pastries.
Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day timeline
Pies appear in wall paintings in Sumer, now southern Iraq.
Images of pies are seen in hieroglyphics in the tomb of Ramses II.
European crusaders return to England from the Middle East with pies made of meat, fruit, and spices.
Early American settlers make pies out of stewed pumpkin with milk, honey, and spices, baking them in hot ashes on the second Thanksgiving.
Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day FAQs
What were pies initially called?
‘Coffyns’ was the name given to the first pies, referring to their hard crusts, which acted as lids for the filling.
Why is pizza called a pie?
Pizza is similar to pie due to its crust, circular shape, and sliced triangle portions.
Is cheesecake a pie?
Cheesecake is not a pie because it doesn’t have a pastry topping.
Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day Activities
Bake a pie
Roll up your sleeves, knead some dough, choose a tasty filling and bake a pie from the comfort of your home. There are dozens of recipes to choose from online, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Go to a bakery
Maybe you don't want to bake a pie, or you don't have all the things you need to make one at home. Check out your local bakery and explore the options. Try out different pies and see which is your favorite.
Bring a pie to work
Why not make your co-workers part of your celebrations? Bring a pie or pies to work. It can be homemade or store-bought. The important thing is that everyone gets to be part of it.
5 Bite-Sized Facts About Pies
The world's largest pie
The world's most enormous pie weighed a whopping 23,236 pounds; 17 catering students made this mega-size meat pie at Stratford-upon-Avon College.
The most expensive pie
The most expensive pie was served at the Fence Gate Inn in Lancashire, costing $14,260 and containing edible gold leaf, truffles, and wagyu beef.
Americans love pies
More than 186 million pies are sold in the U.S. each year, with apple pies being the most popular, followed by pumpkin and chocolate pies.
Egyptians created pies
The earliest example of pies as we know them today came from ancient Egypt; these pies were filled with honey and covered in a crust made of barley, oats, rye, or wheat.
A slice of humble pie
The term “humble pie” comes from a pastry dish consumed by the lower classes during medieval times; the pie fillings used were leftover cuts of meat such as the heart, kidney, liver, and lungs.
Why We Love Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day
Pies are delicious
Apple or blueberry. Pear or pumpkin. Cherry or chocolate. It doesn't matter, because we love eating these tasty pastries.
They're an American staple
Pies are part of Christmas and Thanksgiving and big family dinners. There's just something wholesome and satisfying about ending a meal with a slice of pie.
Pies are versatile
They work as a dessert or a main dish. If you want a savory pie, you can use meat, cheese, or vegetables. If you're craving something sweet, you can use fruit, honey, chocolate, or jam.
Bake a Pie in Solidarity Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 14 | Friday |
| 2026 | March 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | March 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | March 14 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | March 14 | Wednesday |
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