A Monday off work is a gift, and when it lands in October, it comes with perfect cooking weather. The air is crisp, the oven feels welcome again, and a long, slow meal sounds a lot better than a rushed one.
This year, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. The day means different things to different people. For many, it’s a way of celebrating Italian-American heritage, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on the same date in many states and cities. Whatever the day means in your home, it’s a good excuse to gather around the table.
Below are 10 American food ideas for the holiday: some classic Italian-American comfort food, some cozy autumn favorites, and a few dishes built on ingredients that Native communities have grown for centuries.
Italian-American Classics
Traditional Columbus Day gatherings often center on Italian-American food. Many families gather for festive meals with pasta, lasagna and Italian pastries. These dishes grew out of Italian immigrant kitchens in the United States, adapted to local ingredients and bigger portions, which is what makes them distinctly American.
1. Spaghetti and meatballs. The ultimate crowd-pleaser. Mix ground beef (or a beef and pork blend) with breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic and parsley, brown the meatballs, then simmer them in a slow-cooked tomato sauce. A little patience is what makes it special: an hour or so on low heat gives the sauce depth. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple green salad.
2. Chicken parmesan. Crisp breaded chicken cutlets, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a beloved Italian-American restaurant staple and surprisingly easy at home. Bake the cutlets instead of frying for less mess, and finish them under the broiler for a bubbly top. If you enjoyed my crispy chicken sandwich, the same cutlet method works well here.
3. Baked ziti. The make-ahead hero for hosting. Toss cooked ziti with tomato sauce, ricotta and mozzarella, top it with more cheese and bake until golden. It feeds a crowd, reheats well, and tastes even better the next day.
4. Sausage and peppers. A street-festival favorite that works beautifully at home. Brown Italian sausages, then cook them with sliced bell peppers and onions until soft and sweet. Pile it into crusty rolls or serve it over polenta or pasta. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with a delicious smell.
5. Italian wedding soup. Small meatballs, tender greens and tiny pasta in a savory chicken broth. Despite the name, it isn’t served at weddings, and the name is thought to come from the idea that the ingredients “marry” well. It’s a cozy starter or a light main with bread.
A Nod to Indigenous Foods
If you observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or simply want to honor the foods native to this land, a few autumn dishes are rooted in Native agriculture.
6. Three Sisters stew. Corn, beans and squash are known as the “three sisters,” crops traditionally grown together by many Native nations because they support each other in the garden. Simmer them in a stew with onion, garlic and herbs for a hearty, naturally vegetarian meal. Add turkey or extra beans for more protein. It’s a good dish to cook with kids, since you can explain where the ingredients come from.
7. Chili with cornbread. Corn, beans and tomatoes are all foods native to the Americas, which makes a pot of chili a very American dinner. A big pot feeds plenty of people and tastes better as it sits. Serve it with warm cornbread, shredded cheese and sliced scallions on top. It’s an easy choice if the football game is on.
Fall Flavors and Sweet Endings
8. Apple pie or apple cider donuts. Apples are at their peak in October, and apple pie is, famously, the dessert Americans claim as their own. If a full pie sounds like too much on a work-free Monday, try a skillet apple crisp or baked apple cider donuts. A scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurts.
9. Cannoli. Crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream, a Sicilian dessert that became an Italian-American bakery icon. Buy the shells and make the filling yourself (ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla and a few chocolate chips), then fill them just before serving so they stay crunchy.
10. Sheet-pan roasted autumn vegetables. A lighter side dish to balance the heavier mains. Toss butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots and red onion in olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast until caramelized at a high oven temperature. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Quick Planning GuideDishBest forEffortMake ahead?Spaghetti and meatballsFamily dinnerMediumYes, the sauceChicken parmesanWeeknight-style dinnerMediumPartlyBaked zitiFeeding a crowdLowYesSausage and peppersCasual, hands-on mealLowYesItalian wedding soupCozy starterMediumYesThree Sisters stewSeasonal, vegetarianLowYesChili with cornbreadGame dayLowYesApple pie or cider donutsDessertMediumYesCannoliSpecial dessertLow (with store-bought shells)Filling onlyRoasted autumn vegetablesSide dishLowNoHow to Build a Simple Menu
You don’t need all ten dishes. A few combinations that work well:
Italian-American feast: Italian wedding soup, baked ziti, a green salad, cannoli.Easy casual dinner: Sausage and peppers, roasted vegetables, apple pie.Cozy fall night: Three Sisters stew or chili, cornbread, baked apples.Small family meal: Spaghetti and meatballs, a simple salad, store-bought cannoli.
A few practical tips will make the day easier. Shop on Sunday, since some stores and bakeries may have reduced hours on Monday. Cook the sauce or soup the day before. Pick one dish to make from scratch and keep the rest simple, so you’re enjoying the day rather than stuck in the kitchen.
A Quick Word on the Holiday
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, but not every state observes it as a day off, and the date means different things in different communities. Some celebrate Italian-American heritage, while others use the day to honor Indigenous Peoples and acknowledge the history of colonization. Many families choose to do a little of both, with a shared meal and a moment to learn about the people and history behind the food on the table. Cooking is a good way to start that conversation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you cook a pot of meatballs, a pan of baked ziti or a stew built on corn, beans and squash, the best holiday food is the kind that brings people together. Pick two or three dishes from this list, prep what you can the day before, and let the oven do the work.
Enjoy the long weekend, and save a little room for dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Columbus Day 2026?
Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 12, 2026, the second Monday of October. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on the same date in many places.
Is Columbus Day a day off for everyone?
It’s a federal holiday, so federal offices are closed, but only about half of US states have a state-level holiday. Check with your employer, school and local businesses.
What foods are traditional for Columbus Day?
There isn’t one official menu, but Italian-American dishes like pasta, lasagna, meatballs and pastries are the most common choices, especially among Italian-American families.
What can I cook for Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Dishes built on foods native to the Americas, such as corn, beans, squash, wild rice, turkey and berries, are a respectful and delicious place to start. Many communities have their own traditional recipes, so consider supporting or learning from Native chefs and food writers.
