Do Italians Use Ricotta in Lasagna? Traditional vs. Italian-American Recipes

Traditional Italian Lasagna and Ricotta’s Role

1. Introduction

Lasagna is one of the most famous Italian dishes, but there is an ongoing debate: Do Italians traditionally use ricotta in lasagna? The answer depends on the region of Italy. In the north, particularly in Emilia-Romagna, classic Lasagna alla Bolognese features a béchamel (besciamella) sauce, while in Southern Italy, especially in Naples and Sicily, ricotta cheese is a common ingredient in Lasagna Napoletana.

These regional differences highlight how Italian cuisine is highly diverse, influenced by local ingredients and traditions. While ricotta is commonly associated with Italian-American lasagna, traditional Italian lasagna is not always made with ricotta.

This article will explore:

The history of lasagna, from its Roman origins to modern adaptations.
Regional variations in Italy, focusing on béchamel vs. ricotta.
Which version is more traditional and how each ingredient affects flavor and texture.

By the end, you’ll understand the true role of ricotta in lasagna and how Italian and Italian-American versions differ.

2. History of Traditional Italian Lasagna

📜 Origins in Ancient Rome

Lasagna has its roots in Ancient Rome, where early pasta dishes were made with thin sheets of dough layered with meat and cheese. The Roman dish “lasanum” (meaning “cooking pot”) is believed to be the inspiration for lasagna. However, these early versions were quite different from modern lasagna, as tomato sauce did not exist in Europe until after the discovery of the Americas.

🍝 Development in Emilia-Romagna – The Birthplace of Classic Lasagna

The lasagna we recognize today originated in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, specifically in Bologna. The earliest recorded lasagna recipe from the 13th century described a dish layered with pasta, cheese, and meat but did not include tomatoes, which were introduced to Italy much later.

The modern version of Lasagna alla Bolognese was developed in the late 19th century, featuring:

Egg pasta sheets (sfoglia di lasagna) – Made fresh, sometimes with spinach.
Ragù alla Bolognese – A slow-cooked meat sauce with beef, pork, and sometimes veal.
Béchamel sauce (besciamella) – A creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.
Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano) – Adds a salty, umami depth.

🌍 Regional Differences in Lasagna Recipes

✅ Northern Italy (Lasagna alla Bolognese)

Main sauce: Béchamel
Cheese: Parmesan
Meat: Ground beef, pork, or veal
Pasta: Fresh egg pasta sheets

✅ Southern Italy (Lasagna Napoletana)

Main sauce: Tomato sauce
Cheese: Ricotta and mozzarella
Meat: Sausage, meatballs, or hard-boiled eggs
Pasta: Durum wheat pasta sheets (often dried)

In Southern Italy, ricotta is widely used due to the region’s strong tradition of sheep farming, which makes ricotta cheese more accessible than fresh milk for béchamel.

3. Ricotta vs. Béchamel: The Great Italian Lasagna Debate

The biggest difference between lasagna styles is the use of béchamel vs. ricotta.

🇮🇹 Béchamel (Northern Italy – Traditional Lasagna alla Bolognese)

Béchamel (besciamella) is a French-influenced sauce made by whisking butter, flour, and milk into a smooth, velvety consistency. It is a key ingredient in Lasagna alla Bolognese, giving the dish a creamy texture without being too heavy.

✔ Smooth and creamy – Helps bind layers together.
✔ Mild, neutral flavor – Allows the meat sauce to shine.
✔ Less rich than ricotta – Balanced with the ragù’s slow-cooked flavors.

Why Northern Italy prefers béchamel:

The French influence in Emilia-Romagna led to béchamel becoming the preferred creamy element in lasagna.
Fresh milk is more common in the north, making béchamel an easy choice.
Traditional Lasagna alla Bolognese is meant to be savory and elegant, rather than cheesy and rich.

🍅 Ricotta (Southern Italy & Italian-American Lasagna)

Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese made from whey. It is commonly used in Lasagna Napoletana, where it is mixed with eggs and Parmesan to create a thick, slightly grainy cheese layer.

✔ Richer and cheesier – Makes lasagna feel indulgent.
✔ More textured – Unlike béchamel, ricotta is not completely smooth.
✔ Pairs well with tomato-based sauces – Used in Southern-style lasagna with red sauce and mozzarella.

Why Southern Italy prefers ricotta:

Sheep farming was historically dominant in the south, making ricotta more available than milk-based sauces like béchamel.
Southern Italian cooking uses simpler, rustic ingredients, and ricotta adds richness without requiring additional cooking.
Lasagna Napoletana is layered with tomato sauce, sausage, and ricotta, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

🇺🇸 Italian-American Lasagna: A Mix of Both

Italian immigrants to the United States adapted their lasagna using ricotta because:

Fresh béchamel ingredients were harder to find in early 20th-century America.
Ricotta was easier to store and readily available in Italian-American grocery stores.
The dish became cheesier and heavier, incorporating mozzarella and Parmesan, making it distinct from Italian lasagna.

Which is More Traditional?

🇮🇹 In Italy, béchamel is more common in classic lasagna (especially in the north).
🇮🇹 Ricotta is traditional in Southern Italian lasagna, but not in the classic Bolognese version.
🇺🇸 Italian-American lasagna primarily uses ricotta, often mixed with eggs, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a richer, cheesier dish.

In conclusion:
✔ If you want a classic, authentic Italian lasagna, use béchamel.
✔ If you prefer a cheesier, heartier lasagna, use ricotta.
✔ Both are authentic to their respective regions, so the choice depends on your taste and style preference.

How Ricotta is Used in Italian and Italian-American Lasagna

4. When and How Italians Use Ricotta in Lasagna

While Northern Italy favors béchamel sauce, Southern Italy incorporates ricotta cheese into its lasagna recipes. Ricotta is a staple ingredient in Lasagna Napoletana, a rich and flavorful dish that differs significantly from the Northern Lasagna alla Bolognese.

🍅 Lasagna Napoletana: The Southern Italian Style

Lasagna Napoletana is typically made with:
✅ Tomato-based sauce (instead of ragù alla Bolognese)
✅ Ricotta cheese instead of béchamel
✅ Meat fillings like Italian sausage, meatballs, or hard-boiled eggs
✅ Mozzarella and Parmesan for extra cheesiness

In Naples and Sicily, ricotta is often mixed with eggs and Parmesan to create a thicker, creamier consistency that holds its shape between the pasta layers.

🧀 Why Ricotta is More Common in Southern Italy

Sheep farming was widespread, making ricotta cheese more accessible than fresh milk for béchamel.
Southern Italian cuisine is rustic and hearty, favoring simple, bold flavors over delicate, slow-cooked sauces.
Ricotta pairs perfectly with tomato-based sauces, balancing the acidity with its mild, creamy texture.

5. Can You Substitute Ricotta for Béchamel in Lasagna?

✅ Yes, but the texture and taste will change significantly.

How they differ:

Béchamel is smooth, mild, and creamy, binding the lasagna together.
Ricotta is grainier and richer, creating a denser, cheesier lasagna.

If you prefer a lighter, silkier lasagna, stick with béchamel. If you want a heartier, cheesier version, use ricotta.

🔄 How to Substitute Ricotta for Béchamel in Lasagna

To make ricotta behave more like béchamel:
1️⃣ Blend ricotta with cream or milk – This smooths out the texture.
2️⃣ Mix with eggs and Parmesan – Helps the ricotta hold its shape.
3️⃣ Add a pinch of nutmeg – Mimics the warm notes of béchamel.
4️⃣ Use a lighter tomato sauce – Ricotta is already rich, so a fresh, tangy sauce balances the dish.

6. Modern Adaptations: Using Ricotta in Lasagna Today

Ricotta has become a popular choice in modern lasagna recipes, not just in Southern Italy and the U.S., but worldwide. Here’s how it’s used today:

🌿 Healthier Versions

Low-fat ricotta is often used instead of béchamel to reduce calories while keeping a creamy texture.
Ricotta-based lasagna can be lighter, especially when paired with vegetables.

🌾 Gluten-Free Lasagna

Ricotta works well in gluten-free lasagna, as it binds ingredients together without flour-based sauces.
Zucchini or eggplant lasagna often includes ricotta instead of béchamel.

🥦 Vegetarian Lasagna

Spinach and ricotta lasagna is a classic vegetarian dish in both Italy and the U.S.
Ricotta is often mixed with mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even pesto to create a flavorful filling.

Ricotta remains a key ingredient in lasagna variations, adapting to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Do Italians use ricotta or béchamel in lasagna?

It depends on the region—Northern Italy uses béchamel, while Southern Italy uses ricotta.

Why do Italian-Americans use ricotta in lasagna?

Italian immigrants to the U.S. found ricotta more accessible than fresh milk for béchamel, leading to its widespread use in Italian-American lasagna.

Can you mix ricotta and béchamel in lasagna?

Yes, but it creates a much heavier dish. Some chefs blend ricotta and béchamel for a unique creamy texture.

Which cheese is best for lasagna?

Traditional lasagna (Northern Italy): Parmesan & béchamel.
Southern Italian lasagna: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Is ricotta in lasagna authentic?

Yes, but only in certain Italian regions like Naples and Sicily. In Northern Italy, béchamel is considered more traditional.

8. Conclusion

The question of whether Italians use ricotta in lasagna depends on regional traditions. In Northern Italy, classic Lasagna alla Bolognese is made with béchamel sauce, while Southern Italian lasagna (Lasagna Napoletana) often includes ricotta cheese.

If you want a classic, silky Italian lasagna, béchamel is the best choice. If you prefer a cheesier, heartier dish, ricotta is a great alternative.

Key takeaways:
✔ Béchamel = smooth, creamy, mild (Northern Italy).
✔ Ricotta = rich, grainy, tangy (Southern Italy & Italian-American).
✔ Italian-American lasagna is cheesier, using ricotta + mozzarella + Parmesan.

Ultimately, both versions are authentic to their regions, so the best choice depends on personal preference. Try both and see which one you love most! 🍽️😋