The holidays are approaching fast! Soon you’ll be entertaining and the only thing on your mind will be what to make for the festive meal. The problem is, you don’t know any Italian dishes beyond spaghetti and meatballs. Luckily, this is where the real flavor of the season comes in – with some delicious Italian recipes. Even if you don’t know much about Italian cuisine, this list of 8 Italian dishes you’ll want to make for the holidays should give you a solid start!
1. Panzanella
Panzanella is a traditional Italian dish. There are many recipe variations, but the base ingredients are always the same: bread, tomatoes, olive oil, and a vinegar mixture. Traditional panzanella is made with stale, dried bread that’s rehydrated from a dressing of sweet tomato juices, vinegar and plenty of olive oil.
2. Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara has been a favorite for many, and for good reason. It’s the perfect dish if you want a delicious, hearty meal but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Spaghetti carbonara is made up of three simple ingredients: eggs, which are scrambled together with some pasta and some Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
3. Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant parmigiana is a traditional Italian dish that can be found in many different regions of Italy. It’s a delicious vegetarian dish that is sure to impress at any dinner party. A classic for a reason, Italian bak
ed eggplant Parmesan is comfort food at its best. This recipe is perfect for beginners as it only requires four ingredients to make. Layer breaded eggplant slices with mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, and tomato sauce, then bake until bubbly.
4. Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is made from layers of pasta, ricotta cheese, and various sauces. Everyone loves a good lasagna, right? It’s a great way to feed a crowd and a perfect dish to bring to a potluck. It freezes well. It reheats well. Leftovers will keep you happy for days.
5. Ricotta Gnudi
Ricotta gnudi is a vegetarian Italian dish that uses ricotta as the main ingredient. Gnudi are delicate, pillowy dumplings of ricotta cheese, four, egg york and salt, similar to their cousin gnocchi but made with ricotta cheese instead of cooked potato.
6. Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe literally translates to “cheese and pepper.” These two ingredients are usually thought of as small components to a dish but in this pasta recipe, they take center stage. Because cooks use black pepper so often, we think people often fail to see how much of an incredible primary seasoning it can be. The fruity bite of freshly ground pepper is complex, earthy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Making this pasta (and toasting the pepper) is the perfect way to show off that flavor.
7. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is an oven-baked pasta with a long and fascinating history. Ziti is a dish that dates back to the Renaissance! It is a staple dish all over Southern Italy and is usually made on Sundays, special occasions, or holidays.
Wrapping Up
Italian food is versatile and flavorful, and it can be easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, a hearty pasta dish, or a filling sandwich, there’s something for everyone in this list. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or entertaining a crowd at a party, these dishes are sure to impress your guests.
