Traditional Bolognese Lasagna and Homemade Gelato

Discover how to prepare two of Italy’s most iconic dishes in a fun and hands-on cooking experience in Bologna: the traditional Bolognese Lasagna and homemade Gelato.

Highlights

We’ll start by making fresh pasta from scratch, using spinach to create the classic green lasagna sheets just like traditional Bolognese home cooking. You’ll learn how to knead, roll and stretch the dough into thin layers, ready to build your lasagna step by step.

Next comes the creamy homemade béchamel sauce, followed by the layering process with a rich slow cooked Bolognese ragù prepared in advance according to tradition. Layer after layer, you’ll assemble your own authentic lasagna, ready to go into the oven. While the lasagna bakes, it’s time for something sweet.

You’ll prepare one or two flavours of artisan gelato using seasonal ingredients and simple techniques that are easy and fun to learn.

In the meantime, enjoy a traditional aperitivo with wine, mortadella and local cured meats from the region.

At the end of the class, we’ll all sit together to enjoy everything we’ve prepared, a true Bolognese meal shared around the table. You’ll also receive a recipe booklet so you can recreate both the dishes and a selection of classic Italian recipes back home.

What's included

Expert Chef
Apron
Recipe book
Aperitif
Lunch/Dinner with wine and beverages

Reviews

       
   La Soffritta
   161 reviews 
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   Elisabeth_C 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Verified This cooking class was so... This cooking class was so much fun!  We learned a lot about the food and culture. And the lasagna and gelato were delicious!!!
  
 
     Posted on Getyourguide  
   
   Ian 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Verified professional and well organised
  
 
     Posted on Getyourguide  
   
   Getyourguide Traveller 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Verified Learning the original way to make proper lasagna was great
  
 
     Posted on Getyourguide  
   
   Jan 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Verified How fun! Cooking, learning new techniques to make authentic Bologna recipes. And meeting new travelers from around the planet Our instructors were thorough, friendly and watchful whenever we needed some guidance. Then we got to eat! Yum!
  
 
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   Getyourguide Traveller 
 5 days ago
 
 
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 5 days ago
 
 
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   Lynne 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Verified We really enjoyed learning all the intricate tips on making lasagna ragu and gelato sorbet with our excellent chefs Mattei and Valentina. It was a great fun night too meeting others from all over the world.
  
 
     Posted on Getyourguide  
   
   Lisa 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Verified Excellent evening, we really enjoyed the cooking course. Made lasagne, and had aperitif, wine, gelato. So knowledgeable and welcoming. Also catered for vegetarians. The school is clean and very nice, centrally located and easy to find. Would highly recommend.
  
 
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   Getyourguide Traveller 
 6 days ago
 
 
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   Getyourguide Traveller 
 7 days ago
 
 
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FAQ

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Where is the cooking school located and how do I get there?

Our cooking school is located in the heart of Bologna’s historic center, just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore. If you’re staying in the city center you can easily walk there; if you’re based outside Bologna, it’s well connected by public transport with no need for taxis or rental cars. The space itself feels like a beautifully equipped home kitchen rather than a sterile professional facility — warm, welcoming, and perfectly Bolognese.

What exactly will we cook during the class?

You’ll make an authentic Bolognese lasagna entirely from scratch: green spinach pasta sheets hand-rolled to tradition, a slow-cooked ragù, and a classic béchamel. During the class you’ll also prepare one or two flavors of homemade gelato for dessert. Everything is served as a proper sit-down meal, starting with an aperitif of local cured meats, cheese, and natural biodynamic wine from a nearby producer — a full Bologna experience in a few hours.

How hands-on is the class? Will I actually cook or mostly watch?

The class is designed to be genuinely hands-on: you’ll roll your own pasta dough, prepare the ragù, and assemble the lasagna yourself under expert guidance. Our instructors don’t just demonstrate — they explain the why behind every technique so you truly understand what you’re doing. That said, some steps (especially timing-sensitive ones) may involve demonstration first; we encourage you to jump in and ask questions at every stage. The goal is that you leave confident enough to recreate the dish at home.

How is this different from other cooking classes in Bologna?

We at La Soffritta have intentionally chosen a cozy, home-style kitchen rather than a commercial cooking school setup — because authentic Bolognese cooking happens at home, not in a restaurant. Group sizes are kept small so every participant gets real attention. The aperitif features genuinely local products and biodynamic wine from the region, not generic supermarket ingredients. Most importantly, our instructors are professional pasta master (sfoglini) who share the culture behind the food, not just the steps of a recipe.

Is the class suitable for complete beginners or is some cooking experience required?

No experience needed, and experienced cooks are equally welcome! We’ve hosted complete beginners who had never made fresh pasta, and seasoned home cooks who were amazed by techniques they’d never encountered. Our instructors are skilled at reading the group and adjusting their pace accordingly. If you can follow instructions and enjoy good food, you’re perfectly qualified for this class.

Is this class appropriate for families with children?

The lasagna and gelato cooking class is designed for participants aged 14 and up. If you’re traveling with younger children and want a fun culinary experience together, we offer a dedicated gelato-making class where you prepare several flavors from scratch — perfectly suited for kids of all ages. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit for your family.

I have dietary restrictions or food allergies — can I still join?

We do our best to accommodate most dietary needs and allergies, but we want to make sure we can genuinely do so for your specific situation before you book. We’d recommend reaching out to us directly before reserving your spot: we’ll assess what’s possible and, if needed, arrange a tailored private session for you. Your safety and enjoyment are our priority, so we’d rather talk through the details in advance than have any surprises on the day.

Is the venue accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes — the cooking studio is wheelchair accessible, as confirmed by participants in our reviews. Bologna’s historic center can have uneven cobblestone streets on the approach, but the venue itself is set up to welcome everyone comfortably. If you have specific accessibility requirements, we encourage you to contact us in advance so we can confirm all details and ensure your experience is seamless from arrival to the final bite of gelato.

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2 hours Max 12 people Mon-Sat

Learn how to make real Italian artisan gelato from scratch: creamy, authentic and prepared with high quality seasonal ingredients.

€ 64

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