When we think of Thanksgiving, the classic image of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce comes to mind. But for many Italian-American families, the holiday table tells a slightly different story. Alongside—or sometimes instead of—the traditional Thanksgiving fare, a steaming tray of lasagna often takes center stage.
The Italian-American Thanksgiving Fusion
Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them when they came to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, these recipes were incorporated into the broader American holiday traditions. For many Italian-American families, Thanksgiving became a fusion of two rich food cultures. While turkey and mashed potatoes are present, the meal often starts with an antipasto platter and a hearty pasta course, like lasagna or manicotti.
Why Lasagna?
Lasagna, a beloved staple of Italian cuisine, is more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of togetherness. Its layers of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and savory sauce mirror the layers of love and effort poured into a family gathering. For Italian-Americans, starting the Thanksgiving meal with lasagna feels like honoring their roots while embracing a new cultural tradition.
Plus, lasagna is a crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect dish for a large gathering. It’s easy to make ahead, can feed a crowd, and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
A Holiday Feast With Flair
In many households, Thanksgiving begins with an array of Italian appetizers: marinated olives, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and roasted peppers. Then comes the pasta course, with lasagna as the star. Afterward, the traditional turkey makes its appearance, often accompanied by Italian-inspired sides like fennel stuffing or roasted vegetables with olive oil and garlic.
Dessert is another area where Italian and American traditions blend beautifully. Alongside pumpkin pie, you might find cannoli, tiramisu, or pizzelle cookies.
Celebrating Heritage
For Italian-Americans, incorporating lasagna into Thanksgiving is about more than food—it’s a way of preserving their heritage while celebrating an American tradition. It’s a reminder of the immigrant story and the blending of cultures that defines so much of the American experience.
When I was growing up, our Thanksgiving was always the traditional turkey, stuffing, and all the classic sides. However, when I got married, I learned that my husband’s family had a unique Thanksgiving tradition — they always served straight spaghetti. So, ever since then, I’ve made sure to include both the traditional Thanksgiving dishes and spaghetti on our holiday table.
