Happy Hobbit Day: A Meal Plan for Middle-Earth

Last updated on Aug 1, 2023
Rachel Jenkins

While J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings novels are full of delightful, fantastic creatures, none are as beloved as the unexpectedly brave, food-loving hobbits. As Bilbo Baggins remarks, a hobbit's true passion lies in their fondness for food and ale demonstrated in their traditional seven daily meals. If you're hosting a Lord of the Rings movie marathon or planning a themed catered event in honor of Hobbit Day, check out our suggestions for a menu right at home in the Shire.

How Many Times a Day Do Hobbits Eat?

hobbit hands cutting bread with a knife on a table of assorted foraged foods

According to the books, there are six traditional hobbit meal times. However, Bilbo eats a second breakfast in The Hobbit novel. The film version of The Fellowship of the Ring also mentions second breakfast, suggesting hobbits eat seven meals throughout each day.

Hobbit Meal Times

Resembling traditional English meal times, hobbits enjoy up to seven meals roughly every two to three hours. When they're home in the Shire, hobbits keep a strict schedule revolving around food. If you want to dine like a hobbit, these are the names and meal times of each feast:

  • Breakfast - 7 a.m.
  • Second Breakfast - 9 a.m.
  • Elevenses - 11 a.m.
  • Luncheon - 1 p.m.
  • Afternoon Tea - 3 p.m.
  • Dinner - 6 p.m.
  • Supper - 9 p.m.

What Is Hobbit Day?

Hobbit Day observes the birthdays of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the two main characters from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Additionally, Hobbit Day commemorates Bilbo's infamous 111th birthday soiree, known as the "Long Awaited Party", and The Fellowship of the Ring begins with the party that triggers the events of the beloved trilogy.

When Is Hobbit Day?

Hobbit Day is on September 22nd. It coincides with the first day of fall and is the perfect, cozy celebration to kick off the autumnal equinox.


Traditional Hobbit Meals

Turn your Hobbit Day celebration into a food holiday event by serving traditional hobbit meals. Discover what you need to serve at each meal, plus a few suggestions for crafting the perfect Hobbit Day menu below.

Hobbit Day Menu Infographic

Breakfast

quiches and tea

Start the day properly with a hearty breakfast designed to help hungry hobbits get out of bed. Serve a selection of filling carbs paired with meats, jams, and coffee or tea.

  • Mini quiche made with cheese, bacon, or vegetables
  • Honey nut cake and marmalade
  • Hobbit hash (potatoes, leeks, spinach, and cheese)
  • Ham omelet made with curry spices, onions, and tomatoes
  • Biscuits topped with black pudding, eggs, and a smothering of gravy

Second Breakfast

You've had one breakfast, but what about second breakfast? Perhaps the most well-known hobbit meal, second breakfast is usually lighter than its predecessor. Offer up pastries, fruits, or toast with jams and jellies. Include some savory sides to complement the sweet dishes.

  • Strawberry French toast with a side of sausage
  • Rice pudding paired with a side of bacon
  • Scones and clotted cream
  • Breakfast pie made with salmon, leeks, eggs, and cream
  • Bread topped with butter and honey served with a side of fruit and bacon

Elevenses

biscuits and tea

Elevenses is a mid-morning tea with snacks designed to curb halflings' immense appetites until lunchtime. This meal resembles a continental breakfast and pairs perfectly with types of tea or coffee.

Luncheon

After a morning of light fare, luncheon is full of hearty, warm dishes designed to keep hobbits’ hunger at bay. Depending on your preference, you can serve meat, mushrooms, fish, vegetables, and other umami flavors for your hobbit luncheon. No matter what you serve, be sure to finish the meal with a slice of heavy, multigrain bread and a glass of wine or ale.

Afternoon Tea

Given a hobbit’s love of social calls and gossip, it’s no surprise afternoon tea is a meal meant for socializing with one another. Brew the perfect batch of tea to pair with the following sweet treats.

  • Ring cookies
  • Berry pie
  • Mixed berry cobbler
  • Bakewell tarts
  • Apple pie and cream

Dinner

roast duck and potato dinner

Dinner is the largest meal in the Shire. Serve plenty of meats and vegetables to create a proper hobbit dinner. Pair these meal ideas with filling assortments of bread, cheese, and malty dark beer.

Supper

Supper is the final meal in a hobbit's day and must hold them over until the next morning. Similar to dinner, your supper should contain plenty of meats, bread, cheeses, and ale. Hobbit suppertime is the perfect opportunity to break out a charcuterie board.

  • Pork pie
  • Mushroom soup
  • Salad served with fresh herbs and hard-boiled eggs
  • Roasted chicken
  • Rabbit stew

Aragorn might not know about second breakfast, but it will delight your customers that you do. Whether you’re running a movie marathon for enthusiastic fans or throwing a Hobbit Day party on September 22nd to rival Bilbo's birthday party, use this hobbit meal guide to entice and charm patrons throughout the day. Keep your hobbit menu simple and hearty, and offer guests opportunities to eat, talk, and play games with one another in between meals.

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