National Lasagna Day

Try your hand at any number of lasagna recipes, from beef to vegetable to cheese. Live like Garfield and tuck into this amazing Italian pasta casserole.

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Drive July pasta and ingredient sales with recipe content, meal-kit promotions, and restaurant specials tied to National Lasagna Day nostalgia.

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Share easy lasagna recipes (beef, veggie, cheese) to inspire home cooking and ingredient purchases
Partner with food influencers for lasagna-making tutorials and product placements
In-store promotions on pasta, cheese, and sauce bundles with Garfield-themed tie-ins
Restaurant/meal-kit specials featuring signature lasagna dishes for July

History

So here’s your first fun fact for National Lasagna Day, Lasagna refers to the wide, flat, long noodles that are commonly used to make a dish of lasagna.

However, the term for multiple lasagna noodles is lasagne, so perhaps the dish should actually be called lasagne!

Whatever the spelling, this delicious dish was first created in Italy, with the credit usually being given to the city of Naples, otherwise known as Campania. It was there that the book Liber de Coquina was found, and within it the recipe for Lasagna from the Middle Ages.

Interestingly there are actually two types of lasagna noodles, though only one is available for commercial sale due to regulations. However, it wasn’t uncommon in Northern Italy to produce lasagna noodles from flour and eggs, rather than the more common (and commercially salable) durum wheat noodles.

We know that the history of the lasagna goes back further than this, however. There was a dish in Ancient Rome that was very similar called a lasanum, though it may go back even further into Ancient Greece.

FAQ

Did lasagna originate in ancient Greece?

Yes, lasagna’s roots trace back to ancient Greece. The term “lasagna” comes from the Greek word “laganon,” referring to flat sheets of dough cut into strips. This evolved into the layered pasta dish we enjoy today.

What’s the most expensive lasagna ever made?

The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas offers a luxurious lasagna priced at $100 per slice. It features Kobe beef, Iberico ham, foie gras Alfredo sauce, and is topped with 23-carat gold flakes.

How do Italians traditionally make lasagna noodles?

In Italy, traditional lasagna noodles are crafted from “00” flour and semolina. The dough is hand-kneaded and rolled thin to achieve the desired texture.

Is lasagna considered a casserole?

Yes, lasagna fits the definition of a casserole. It’s a cohesive, one-dish meal that’s baked, making it a type of pasta casserole.

Are there any myths associated with lasagna’s origin?

Some myths suggest that lasagna originated in China or other regions. However, these claims lack historical evidence and are not supported by culinary experts.

How do different cultures adapt lasagna to their cuisines?

Lasagna has been adapted globally. In Mexico, for instance, variations include layers of corn tortillas, chorizo, and spicy tomato sauce, showcasing local flavors.

Why do some lasagna recipes include eggs in the cheese mixture?

Adding eggs to the cheese mixture in lasagna acts as a binding agent. This technique helps the layers hold together better when serving.

What’s the significance of July 29th for National Lasagna Day?

July 29th is celebrated as National Lasagna Day, honoring this beloved Italian dish. The exact origins of this specific date are unclear, but it has become a day for lasagna enthusiasts to indulge and celebrate.

How has lasagna influenced popular culture?

Lasagna has made its mark in popular culture, notably through the comic strip character Garfield, who famously loves the dish. This association has further popularized lasagna in media.

What are some creative variations of traditional lasagna?

Beyond the classic meat and cheese layers, chefs have crafted versions like lasagna with artichokes and gorgonzola, or pesto and zucchini, showcasing the dish’s versatility.