National Hoagie Day Date in the current year: May 5, 2025

The hoagie sandwich appeared in Philadelphia during World War II and was introduced by Italians who worked at the shipyard known as Hog Island. They made sandwiches on a long roll, usually Italian or French bread, and made layers of different cold meats, cheeses, and vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. The sandwich was called Hog Island, which later evolved into the hoagie.

Hoagie is also known in Europe as ciabatta or baguette, referring to the type of bread used. The original hoagie called for a variety of traditional Italian meats such as salami, capicalla, mortadella and provolone, vegetables, light vinegar and oil dressing. Today, most hoagies are single-meat sandwiches, such as ham or salami hoagies. You can also find cheese-only hoagies, where the meat is replaced with extra slices of cheese.

Did you know that the hoagie was declared the "Official Sandwich of Philadelphia" by Ed Rendell, former mayor of Philadelphia? Celebrate National Hoagie Day by making your favorite hoagie. You can use any kind of meat and cheese to make your own special Hoagie of the Day.