Thanksgiving isn’t an official holiday in Italy, but that doesn’t stop some Italians (and Italian Americans living in Italy) from giving it a try, Italian-style. Imagine American Thanksgiving but with more pasta, way more wine, and a serious debate about what to do with that massive bird. If you’re curious how Italians interpret Thanksgiving, here’s a humorous peek at how things go down when Italian tradition meets turkey day.
Turkey? Or Just Another Reason to Eat More Pasta?
For Italians, the idea of roasting a turkey the size of a Fiat might sound exciting — until they realize how big the bird actually is. Most Italian ovens are built for pizzas, not 20-pound turkeys. So, Italians get creative: you’ll find some brave souls attempting the whole roast turkey, but don’t be surprised if others bring out a beautiful lasagna “to supplement.” After all, why limit yourself to one main course?
For many Italians, the solution to the turkey dilemma is simple: pasta, pasta, and more pasta. You might see gnocchi, pumpkin risotto, or even tortellini show up next to the turkey. Italians figure, why let a giant bird steal the spotlight when a nice ragu can do the job even better?
The Italian Herb Garden Takes Over
In America, Thanksgiving turkey might be seasoned with sage, rosemary, and a little butter. In Italy, though, there’s no such thing as “a little seasoning.” Italian Thanksgiving turkeys get an herbal spa treatment with rosemary, garlic, olive oil, thyme, and maybe even a dash of balsamic. Italian cooks don’t just rub the turkey with herbs — they massage it, stuff it, and douse it in enough olive oil to make the bird practically Mediterranean.
The result? A turkey that smells amazing and tastes… like something only an Italian grandma could make. Just be prepared for Uncle Mario to criticize that it’s “still missing something” and then add another handful of rosemary.
Stuffing, Italian-Style (with Extra Cheese, Naturally)
Classic Thanksgiving stuffing is loaded with bread, celery, and spices. Italian stuffing, however, comes with pancetta, Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and lots (and lots) of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Italians view Thanksgiving as the perfect excuse to use ALL the best ingredients.
By the time they’re done with it, this “stuffing” has evolved into something more like “a meal within a meal.” It’s so good that Italians may even forget there’s a turkey on the table… until someone asks, “Why are we eating this weird bread casserole thing anyway?”
Pasta and Polenta Make Everything Better
Thanksgiving carbs? Check. In Italy, however, there’s a strong belief that a meal without pasta isn’t really a meal. Enter the Thanksgiving pasta course: pumpkin ravioli, wild mushroom risotto, or maybe even a little polenta. Italians add their twist to everything, and Thanksgiving’s no exception.
Expect a heated debate over whether pumpkin ravioli or butternut squash risotto is the “more authentic” Thanksgiving pasta (spoiler: neither is, but they’re delicious). And if you’re looking for mashed potatoes, you’ll get them — just with a side of polenta for good measure. In Italy, Thanksgiving carbs come in layers.
Salad, But Make It Italian
Some Americans add a green salad to balance out the heavy meal, but Italians have their own twist: fresh arugula, shaved fennel, and shavings of pecorino with lemon dressing. And then there’s insalata caprese — after all, it’s not a true Italian meal without some tomatoes, even in November.
Italians figure they might as well add some greens, but they won’t compromise on taste. So if you see Nonna pouring extra olive oil on the salad while muttering something about “extra flavor,” don’t question it — just enjoy.
Wine… And More Wine… And a Little More Wine
Thanksgiving in Italy means you can expect more wine pairings than courses. Italians approach wine like Americans approach football on Thanksgiving: it’s essential. Prosecco to start, then a Chianti for the pasta, maybe a Barolo for the turkey, and finally a Moscato or Vin Santo to close things out.
By the time dessert rolls around, everyone’s raising their glass to “Salute!” for the fifth time, and nobody’s quite sure what’s being toasted anymore. Italians don’t let their wine glasses go empty, and they certainly aren’t going to let Thanksgiving go by without a proper cin cin at every turn.
Thanksgiving Desserts: Enter the Italian Pastries
While pumpkin pie may grace the Italian Thanksgiving table, it’s rarely alone. Italians take dessert very seriously, so expect pumpkin pie to be joined by an entourage of tiramisu, panna cotta, and maybe a plate of biscotti “just in case.” And then there’s the panettone — Italians might sneak in an early taste of this classic Christmas cake as a little preview for the holiday season.
The result? A dessert table that looks like an Italian bakery exploded. If you’re lucky, someone will drizzle homemade limoncello over their pumpkin pie “just to see how it tastes.” Spoiler: it tastes amazing.
Digestivo: The Essential End to Any Italian Meal
In Italy, a big meal isn’t over until you’ve had a digestivo. After Thanksgiving dinner, Italians break out the grappa, limoncello, or amaro to help “settle the stomach.” This part of the meal is more about tradition than digestion, but everyone plays along, even if it’s an excuse for one last toast.
As the digestivo flows, the real stories come out — tales of past Thanksgivings, family secrets, and arguments about whether grappa or limoncello is the superior digestivo. Italians may not have invented Thanksgiving, but they’ve certainly perfected the art of the after-dinner drink.
The Great Italian-American Thankful Circle
Thanksgiving’s about giving thanks, and Italians honor that tradition with gusto. As everyone gathers around the table, they take turns sharing what they’re grateful for — and in true Italian style, it’s a mix of humor and heart. Nonna thanks her tomato plants for a good season, Uncle Luigi gives thanks for Juventus’ latest victory, and someone inevitably expresses gratitude for the family recipe book.
Italians take this moment to appreciate food, family, and maybe even the wine that got them through the day. And in the end, whether it’s in Italy or the U.S., Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and the chance to eat until you can’t move — something Italians are always happy to celebrate.
A Unique Italian-American Thanksgiving Feast
While Thanksgiving in Italy may look different than in the U.S., it’s no less special. Italians bring their passion for food, wine, and family to the table, creating a celebration that honors both American tradition and Italian culture. So, if you’re lucky enough to celebrate Thanksgiving in Italy, prepare yourself for a feast filled with pasta, plenty of wine, and a healthy dose of Italian flair. Buona Festa Del Ringraziamento!
