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.

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.