When it comes to Italian cuisine, it’s hard to know where to start. From the fresh, light flavors of the Mediterranean to the heartier, more robust flavors of the north, Italian cuisine offers something for everyone. But there are some dishes that stand out and are must-tries for any Italian food lover. Here are our top 10 Italian dishes you must try at least once.
10- Bruschetta
Photo Credit: Cobs Bread
Bruschetta is one of Italy’s most beloved dishes, and it’s easy to see why. To tantalize your taste buds, toast slices of rustic Italian bread and top them with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a classic bruschetta snack. Not only is the flavor combination sure to delight, but the ingredients also provide a range of health benefits. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, olive oil offers healthy fats, and garlic may reduce inflammation. Even the act of toasting the bread helps to break down some of the carbohydrates, making it easier for your body to digest. When you combine all of these healthy ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious snack that is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
9- Pizza
Photo Credit: Italy Magazine
Pizza is Italy’s greatest contribution to the world. It’s a classic Italian food that never fails to bring people together. Deliciously cheesy, saucy, and crunchy, pizza has something for everyone. From classic margherita to creative concoctions, pizza is a treat no matter how you slice it. The dough is made from a simple combination of flour, water, salt, and yeast. The sauce is usually a mixture of tomatoes and spices. Toppings can range from traditional favorites like pepperoni and sausage to creative combinations like artichokes and goat cheese. The pizza is then baked in a very hot oven to give it a crispy, golden crust. Whether it’s thin crust, thick crust, or stuffed crust, pizza is an Italian favorite that’s sure to please.
8- Risotto
Photo Credit: Epicurious
Risotto is one of the most beloved Italian dishes. A creamy and comforting plate of rice, it’s hard to resist the flavors of this classic dish. The key to making a perfect risotto is to take your time and use high-quality ingredients. Start with good-quality Italian rice such as Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano. Toast the rice in a pan with some olive oil, garlic, and onion. This helps give the risotto a nutty flavor. Then, slowly add stock to the rice, stirring constantly until it’s absorbed. As the rice cooks, it releases starches that give risotto its creamy texture. Stir in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, butter, and fresh herbs such as parsley or sage to the cooked al dente rice for an extra kick of flavor. Serve with a sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Italian dish.
7- Focaccia
Photo Credit: Bon Appetit
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread. Preparing focaccia requires yeast, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. Once these ingredients are combined, the dough is formed, allowed to rise, and then baked. The result is a light, fluffy bread with a slightly chewy crust. This versatile flatbread can be served plain or topped with herbs, olives, and cheese. As an appetizer, side dish, or even main dish, focaccia makes a delicious addition to any meal. To make focaccia, begin by combining yeast, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and salt in a large bowl. Mix together until the ingredients are combined.
Add flour and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rise for about an hour, then roll it out into a rectangle and place it on a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with extra virgin olive oil, and add any desired toppings. Bake the focaccia in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
6- Ossobuco
Photo Credit: Rachael Ray Show
Ossobuco is one of Italy’s most beloved dishes. Chefs braise veal shanks in a white wine and tomato sauce to create a classic Milanese dish. Cooked until incredibly tender, the sauce is rich and flavorful. To complement the dish, chefs serve it with a side of risotto alla Milanese, a risotto cooked with saffron and butter. The combination of the tender veal, the rich tomato sauce, and the creamy risotto makes for a truly unforgettable meal.
When entertaining, Ossobuco is a great dish to prepare ahead of time and reheat when it’s time to serve. It’s also a great option to feed larger groups. If you’re looking for a classic Italian dish with a twist, try adding some different herbs or spices to the sauce, like rosemary or thyme. Or, try adding some diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and peppers to the sauce to make it even heartier. Whatever you do, there’s no doubt that everyone will love this classic Italian dish.
5- Gelato
Photo Credit: Where Milan
Gelato, Italy’s beloved frozen treat, is a must-have for anyone visiting the country. Whether enjoyed in a cone, cup, or as a topping for a warm slice of pizza, gelato is one of the most popular desserts in Italy. Made from milk, cream, and sugar, this frozen treat boasts a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. With its unique and delicious flavor combinations, it’s no wonder why gelato has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
But what makes gelato so special? To start, it has a lower fat content than regular ice cream. This allows the flavorings to really shine through and gives gelato its signature silky texture. In addition, it has less air whipped in, which makes it denser and more flavorful than traditional ice cream.
In the 16th century, people began creating gelato with natural ingredients like honey, fruit, and spices. As time went on, more flavors were developed, including chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut. Today, gelato is available in countless flavors and combinations, from classic favorites to creative new concoctions.
4- Lasagna
Photo Credit: Southern Living
Lasagna is one of the most beloved Italian dishes. It features layers of pasta sheets, a savory tomato-based sauce, and a variety of cheeses, all topped off with a generous helping of melted mozzarella. This classic dish is a great way to bring the flavors of Italy to your dinner table. And while it may take a bit of time to prepare, the end result is worth the effort.
To begin, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, prepare the sauce. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the onions become translucent, add ground beef and cook until brown. Then, add tomato sauce and seasonings, like oregano, basil, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, prepare the lasagna noodles. Boil a large pot of salted water and add the lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 8 minutes, or until they are al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and let them cool.
Now it’s time to assemble the lasagna. Grease an oven-safe dish with olive oil, then spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles on top of the sauce, followed by another layer of sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella over the sauce, then add a layer of noodles. Repeat this process until you have filled the dish with three or four layers of noodles. Once done, top the lasagna with the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
3- Carbonara
Photo Credit: New Yorker
Nothing beats the classic Italian dish of Carbonara. This creamy, cheesy, and bacon-filled pasta dish is truly a delight to the taste buds. It’s simple to make, yet its flavors are complex and full of depth. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just for a regular night at home, Carbonara is sure to please.
To make Carbonara, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your favorite type of pasta and cook until al dente. Once your pasta is ready, set it aside and prepare the Carbonara sauce. Start by sautéing some bacon in a large skillet until it’s just cooked. Then, add in some garlic, onions, and parsley. Saute these ingredients until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent.
Next, add in some heavy cream and let it simmer until it’s reduced by half. Then, add in some Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Once the sauce is ready, add your cooked pasta and stir to combine. Finally, top the dish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.
2- Caprese Salad
Photo Credit: Yummly
Guests can enjoy a classic Italian appetizer or side dish with Caprese salad. This dish has fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil for a delicious combination of flavors. The dish is simple to make and requires minimal ingredients, but it is full of flavor and is a great way to enjoy the best of Italian cuisine.
To make a Caprese salad, start by slicing a few tomatoes and mozzarella into discs. Place the tomatoes and cheese onto a plate, alternating between the two ingredients. Sprinkle with extra-virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and top with freshly torn basil leaves. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the salad.
1- Tiramisu
Photo Credit: Yahoo
Tiramisu is one of Italy’s most beloved desserts. A delectable combination of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, this classic Italian treat has become a worldwide favorite. Tiramisu is the perfect way to end a meal, offering the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional recipe or looking for something new, there’s no denying that tiramisu is one of the best Italian foods.
Layering espresso-soaked ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone cheese and dusting with cocoa powder creates the traditional tiramisu. This Italian biscuit is made with egg whites and flour, imparting a rich coffee-like flavor to the dish. The result is a light, creamy dessert that is sure to please.
Tiramisu can be served in a variety of different ways. If you’re looking for something traditional, try the classic version with ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cocoa powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruit to the mix. There are even savory versions of tiramisu that incorporate ingredients like anchovies and olives for a unique twist.
