National Fritters Day

National Fritters Day is observed in the United States on December 2 each year. A delicious holiday for everyone who loves fritters! Whether sweet or savory, made with fruit, meat, or fish, there’s a perfect fritter for every taste.

History

Fritters appear in cuisines worldwide under various names. Some historians trace their origins to 16th-century Spain and Portugal, where frying dough around fillings became popular. In the U.S., corn fritters are especially beloved—served with whipped cream, honey, or savory sides.

Flour has long been a staple ingredient, originally ground by hand with simple graters and millstones powered by animals. The first steam-powered mill in London (1780) revolutionized flour production, making fritters easier to prepare in homes everywhere.

Interesting Facts

• In the Netherlands, tiny buckwheat-and-wheat fritters called poffertjes (about 4 cm across) are made in specialized pans with shallow molds.
• Belgian fritters fried in lard are famously indulgent and very high in calories.
• Fritters lend themselves to endless experimentation—from different flours to creative toppings.

How to Take Part

Make your favorite fritters at home or try a new recipe for National Fritters Day. Invite friends for a tasting, or visit a local restaurant to sample the chef’s special version. Enjoy exploring this versatile dish!

When is National Fritters Day?

National Fritters Day is observed on December 2 each year.

Observations