In the heart of Italy lies a city where food is more than nourishment—it’s identity, heritage, and love. Bologna, often called La Grassa (“The Fat One”), is known throughout the world for its rich culinary tradition. It’s a place where recipes are treasured like heirlooms and shared with pride. And now, there’s a way for you to go beyond tasting Bologna’s famous dishes—you can learn to make them yourself in a Bologna cooking class unlike any other.
A Cooking School at the Heart of Bologna
Join us at La Soffritta Cooking School, a brand-new culinary space just steps from Piazza Maggiore, right in Bologna’s city center. Unlike home-based experiences, our class takes place in a professional kitchen designed for sharing and learning. It’s welcoming, cozy, and structured—perfect for individuals, couples, friends, or families looking for a truly immersive experience.
Our hands-on class is limited to 12 guests, ensuring you get personal guidance, plenty of space, and the chance to connect with fellow food lovers from around the world.
What You’ll Make: Lasagna alla Bolognese, the Traditional Way
You won’t be cooking any lasagna… you’ll be making the Original Green Lasagna (lasagna alla Bolognese), one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in all of Italy!
Our local chefs will guide you through each step, beginning with what makes this lasagna truly unique: the fresh green spinach pasta. You’ll knead the dough from scratch, add spinach to give it that characteristic color, and then use a rolling pin to stretch it into thin, smooth sheets. This is the real way Bolognese grandmas still make their pasta today—no shortcuts, just tradition.
Once your pasta is ready, you’ll prepare creamy béchamel sauce from scratch. This smooth, velvety white sauce balances the richness of the dish and binds all the layers together. Our chefs will show you how to whisk it perfectly, getting the right texture and taste.
Then comes the star: traditional Bolognese ragù, slow-cooked in advance following the time-honored method. Unlike the quick sauces you might find elsewhere, this ragù is a deep, flavorful blend of meat, vegetables, and tomato, cooked low and slow for hours to extract every bit of flavor. The recipe booklet you’ll receive at the end includes all the quantities and step-by-step instructions to recreate it at home, at your own pace!
You’ll then assemble your lasagna, layer by layer, the classic way—with green pasta sheets, béchamel, ragù, and a touch of Parmigiano Reggiano. The lasagna is placed in the oven and begins to fill the kitchen with the unmistakable scent of comfort and home.
A Taste of Italy’s Sweet Side: Making Gelato
While your lasagna bakes, you’ll shift gears to something sweet. Italian gelato is loved all over the world, and in this class, you’ll learn how to make it yourself.
Our chefs will help you craft one or two flavors of homemade gelato using seasonal ingredients and simple techniques. Whether it’s a creamy fior di latte or a refreshing fruit-based flavor, you’ll be surprised by how easy—and delicious—it is to make real gelato from scratch.
This part of the experience is especially appreciated by American guests, for whom gelato is one of the most exciting aspects of Italian food culture. And here, you’re not just eating it—you’re making it with your own hands.
Aperitivo Time: A True Bolognese Ritual
No Italian cooking experience would be complete without a proper aperitivo. While your dishes come together, you’ll relax with a glass of local Emilia-Romagna wine and enjoy regional specialties like mortadella and cured hams—a moment to savor the flavors of Bologna, toast to your new culinary skills, and connect with fellow guests.
It’s more than a break—it’s a ritual that brings people together, one sip and one bite at a time.
Bologna cooking class: Dine Like a Local
After cooking, it’s time to eat. You’ll gather around the table to enjoy your handmade lasagna and gelato, celebrating the flavors of Bologna as locals do: with warmth, laughter, and good company.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about sitting down to a meal you created from scratch. It’s not just food—it’s a memory you’ll carry long after your trip ends.
At the end of the class, you’ll receive a digital cookbook that includes all the recipes you prepared—plus a few extra Italian classics. You’ll be able to recreate the experience at home, impress friends and family, and relive your time in Bologna through every bite.
Why Choose This Bologna Cooking Class?
There are many ways to explore Bologna’s food scene—but this class offers something truly special:
- It’s hands-on: You don’t just watch—you cook.
- It’s structured and spacious: Held in a real cooking school..
- It’s centrally located: Easily reachable from anywhere in the city.
- It’s authentic: Led by local chefs passionate about preserving Bolognese tradition.
- It includes everything: Lasagna making, gelato making, aperitivo, a full meal, and a recipe book.
Whether you’re a foodie traveler, a family looking to bond over something new, or simply someone curious about Italy’s most famous dishes, this is more than a class—it’s a culinary journey.
Ready to Cook Like a Local?
Don’t just visit Bologna—live it. With our Bologna cooking class, you’ll dive deep into the region’s culinary traditions, learn from local experts, and bring home more than just photos—you’ll bring home skills, stories, and the authentic taste of Italy.
