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National Eat a Hoagie Day

Food · September 14

A food day for the hoagie, the long sandwich of cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion on a split roll, closely tied to Philadelphia.

National Eat a Hoagie Day falls on Tuesday, September 14, 2027. That is 322 days away.

A hoagie is a long sandwich built on a split Italian roll. The classic version stacks cold cuts like salami, capicola and ham with provolone, then adds shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, a drizzle of oil and a shake of oregano. The name is most closely tied to Philadelphia and the surrounding region, where people will tell you a sub and a hoagie are not the same thing.

Much of the argument comes down to the roll. A good hoagie roll has a crust with a little resistance and a soft inside that can soak up oil without falling apart. Hot peppers, sweet peppers and a choice of mayonnaise or no mayonnaise open further debates, usually settled by whoever is holding the sandwich.

Marking the day is simple. People pick one up from a favorite deli, build one at home, or split a long one with coworkers at lunch. Italian is the usual order, though turkey, tuna and vegetable hoagies all have loyal fans.

If you make one yourself, slice the roll most of the way through so it hinges like a book. Layer the meat and cheese first, then the vegetables, and dress it just before eating. Wrapping it tightly in paper for a few minutes lets the oil settle into the bread, which many hoagie eaters consider the whole point.

Ways to celebrate

• Try a classic Italian hoagie from a neighborhood deli.
• Build a hoagie at home with oil, oregano and shredded lettuce.
• Share a long hoagie cut into pieces with friends or coworkers.
• Compare hoagie rolls from two local bakeries.
• Look for hot or sweet peppers to add on top.

Dates

All national days on September 14

Also on September 14

• National Cream-Filled Donut Day
• National Coloring Day

Categories: Food days