National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day - Beef in brine and sliced crunchy cabbage, this day is here to stay!

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day 2025 – March 17, 2025

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day celebrated on March 17 is dedicated to the simplicity of cured meat on a budget. The corned beef and cabbage combination was created decades ago by Irish immigrants. The meal has since become a flavorful favorite in the United States and other parts of the world as well.The dish was created to fit the budget of Irish Americans who could not afford their homeland’s favorite pork and potatoes. The beef component was used to substitute for pork while the cabbage served as the vegetable replacement. The corned beef and cabbage combination is easy to make and is enjoyed with sour bread, wine or beer.

History of National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

Ever imagined how Corned Beef and Cabbage came to exist?Once upon a time, long ago, Irishmen immigrated to the U.S. They found simple jobs and earned little, which changed their lifestyle. When it came to food, naturally, they preferred to eat their native dishes like pork and potatoes before adapting to other food in the states.Unfortunately, the price of food differed drastically. In their homeland, beef was always more expensive than pork, but it was quite the opposite in the U.S. After seeing Jewish immigrants replace bacon and pork with corned beef, the Irish did the same, commenting that the two were very similar.Corned beef is made using the same salt curing method the Irish used to prepare pork. This is the main reason for their similar texture and taste. By now, you must be wondering, how did cabbage come into the pot? After moving to the U.S, the Irishmen had to be economical, so they removed some food staples from their platter, potato being one of them. Cabbage became the more affordable option. Thus, it took center stage next to corned beef.The corned beef and cabbage dish is made by boiling corned beef, spices, cabbage, and other affordable vegetables together. The meal has become popular worldwide, with some restaurants even serving it as a starter or main.National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day was adopted by Irish Americans on the same day as St. Patrick’s Day, making the day all about Ireland. The day is celebrated with Irish parades and eating frenzies where corned beef and cabbage are among the main dishes.

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day timeline

17th Century
No Irish Cattle

The import of cattle from Ireland is banned.

1737
Boston's Parade

Boston celebrates the first St.Patrick Day in the U.S. with a parade.

19th Century
The Men from Ireland

Irishmen immigrate to the U.S.

1862
The Inauguration Dinner

Corned beef and cabbage are served as a dish during President Lincoln's inauguration dinner.

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day FAQs

Is National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day celebrated in Ireland?

No, it is not. Since Irishmen created the meal in the U.S., it is not native to Ireland.  

Who created the dish?

The exact person is not known, but we are sure he was Irish.

Why do we eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on New Year's Day?

Eating this meal at the beginning of the year is believed to bring luck and fortune throughout the year. We are not sure how true that is, but what’s the harm in trying?

How to Celebrate National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

  1. Cook the dish

    Have some fun in the kitchen, create this tasty meal at home. You can source a recipe online and even play up flavors by adding your own unique ingredients to this classic dish.

  2. Eat out

    Don’t have time to make this dish? Try local eateries that serve the dish. It'll be fun to try as many as you can! Many restaurants have different recipes for the dish, which results in unique flavors and tastes.

  3. Share the meal with loved ones

    Whether you buy this dish or make it at home, share it with family, friends, and neighbors to create a memorable breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

5 Amazing Facts About Corned Beef And Cabbage

  1. Not a native Holiday

    National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day is not recognized in Ireland.

  2. New food

    Corned beef that is mixed with spices and then smoked makes pastrami.

  3. Made from convenience

    The dish was made to save money as pork and potatoes were unaffordable.

  4. The President's favorite

    Corned Beef and cabbage was one of former U.S President Grover Cleveland's favorite meals.

  5. Ready to eat

    Unlike other meals, which require long preparation times, corned beef comes in a ready-to-eat form, making the dish easy to prepare.

Why We Love National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

  1. We love Ireland

    Anything Irish fascinates us. Have you seen the parade? This day allows us to celebrate another thing we enjoy about the Irish.

  2. The dish is tasty

    Of course, it is! Corned beef and cabbage ticks the tasty, healthy, and affordable option box, making it ideal for everyone.

  3. It's fun

    We have fun when we try out new versions of the dish or create ours instead. So on this day, we explore taste and enjoy it to the fullest.

National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 March 17 Friday
2024 March 17 Sunday
2025 March 17 Monday
2026 March 17 Tuesday
2027 March 17 Wednesday