National Lasagna Day

The story

Lasagna, or “lasagne,” traces its origins to ancient Italy, possibly in Naples, with the name originating from the Greek word “laganon,” denoting the earliest form of pasta. Initially referring to the cooking pot, lasagna gained popularity during the Middle Ages, with a 14th-century English cookbook featuring an early recipe lacking the tomato sauce we associate with it today. In the Renaissance, cheese and eggs were added to the dough, and tomatoes joined the recipe in the 1880s.

Layered lasagna became fashionable in the 19th century, notably thanks to Francesco Zambrini from Bologna. Italian immigrants brought lasagna to the United States in the late 1800s, where it evolved into a favorite comfort food. Garfield, the lasagna-loving cat, added a playful touch to its popularity in pop culture.

Today, there are numerous lasagna variations, reflecting creativity and tradition, from vegetarian to seafood and dessert versions. Commonly, lasagna consists of pasta sheets, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Béchamel sauce, ragù, mozzarella or ricotta cheese, and various meats or vegetables, baked to perfection. Whether its origins lie in Greece or Italy, lasagna has become a beloved global dish, celebrated on National Lasagna Day as a flavorful and historically rich culinary masterpiece.