Why Italian-American Thanksgiving Often Starts with Lasagna

By Julie D’Aloiso

When most people picture Thanksgiving, they think of turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. But for many Italian-American families, the holiday table looks a little different. Alongside—or sometimes in place of—the classic bird—you’ll often find a bubbling pan of lasagna stealing the spotlight.

Lasagna at the Center of the Table

Italian immigrants brought their recipes with them when they arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, those recipes blended with American traditions, and Thanksgiving became a fusion feast. In many Italian-American homes, the meal begins with antipasto and a hearty pasta course—often lasagna or manicotti—before the turkey ever appears.

Lasagna is more than just a dish. With its layers of pasta, cheese and sauce, it represents time, care and togetherness. Serving it on Thanksgiving is a way to honor Italian roots while fully embracing an American holiday. It also happens to be practical: lasagna feeds a crowd, can be made ahead and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

A Holiday Feast with Italian Flair

In these households, Thanksgiving might start with marinated olives, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers. Then comes the pasta, with lasagna as the main event. The turkey usually follows, sometimes paired with Italian-inspired twists like fennel stuffing or roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil and garlic.

Dessert often blends both worlds, too. Pumpkin pie may share space with cannoli, tiramisu or delicate pizzelle cookies.

Keeping Heritage on the Table

For many Italian-Americans, including lasagna at Thanksgiving is about more than flavor. It’s a way to keep family history alive while celebrating a uniquely American day—a reminder of the immigrant story and the way cultures layer together, much like the dish itself.

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.