Hailing from a region known for its rich culinary heritage, Italy’s breakfast offerings vary greatly depending on the area. While some regions opt for warm focaccia paired with a strong espresso, others prefer flaky croissants or even sweet ricotta pancakes. I had the pleasure of visiting the Italian coast recently and was impressed by their affection for all things focaccia – it seemed to be everywhere, topped with an array of delicious ingredients.
During my stay, we also enjoyed trying other breakfast staples such as croissants, crepes, brioche, and biscotti. Of course, a good cup of coffee is essential in Italy, and they have some unique ways of serving it. In the summer, the Shakerato (espresso shaken with ice) is a refreshing choice, while in the morning, Italians traditionally start their day with a hot cappuccino – but only until noon!
As we explore the world of Italian breakfast foods, let’s take a closer look at what makes each region unique.
Coffee
Cappuccino
Although many Italians enjoy a strong espresso at any time of day, there’s an unwritten rule that cappuccinos are reserved for breakfast. This classic Italian coffee is made with a double shot of rich espresso and steamed milk, topped with a generous dollop of creamy frothed milk. Due to its high calorie count, it’s common for Italians to consume it as a standalone breakfast beverage, rather than pairing it with other dishes.
While some claim that the notion of cappuccinos being limited to pre-11 AM consumption is an urban legend, I’d be inclined to ask a local Italian about their coffee habits – they’re notoriously passionate about their brews! Of course, if you’re visiting Italy and crave a cappuccino at lunch or dinner, there’s no one to judge you for enjoying it whenever the mood strikes!
Thick Italian Hot Chocolate
Looking for an alternative to a caffeine kick? Consider indulging in a rich and decadent hot chocolate experience – specifically the Italian version known as cioccolata calda. Unlike instant powdered drink mixes, this traditional beverage is made with actual pieces of chocolate, milk, and sugar, resulting in a thick and velvety texture that’s more akin to eating a dessert than drinking one.
In fact, its consistency is so luxurious that it requires the use of a spoon to consume, making it an indulgent treat that’s almost too good to be true. The chocolate is melted using a special machine, which helps to break down the cocoa solids and create a smooth, creamy liquid that’s simply divine.
Biscotti – Italian Biscuits
Savoring a traditional Italian breakfast often involves dipping biscotti into a steaming cup of coffee, which is quite different from the British tradition of serving biscuits during afternoon tea. The Italians enjoy their biscotti so crunchy that they’re mostly served with coffee for dunking purposes.
Brioche
Often considered a luxury item, brioches are another Italian pastry made of sweet dough, typically seen in Italian pastry shops and cafes where they’re often served alongside coffee. One of the most distinctive aspects of brioche is its versatility – it can be enjoyed in various ways, but it’s commonly filled with vanilla cream, jam, or almond paste.
Crostata e Torta (Pies and Cakes)
Hailing from Italy, Italian crostata are a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of flaky pastry and sweet jam filling is irresistible. I fell in love with them on my last trip to Italy, where I tried countless variations using different types of fruit such as blueberry, raspberry, and apricot. What sets crostata apart from other pastries is its delicate crust, which is usually quite thin and has a lovely buttery flavor.
Bread, Butter, and Jam
Generally speaking, the Italian breakfast combo known as pane, burro e marmellata is a traditional and delicious start to the day. This simple yet flavorful meal typically consists of freshly baked bread, often accompanied by a rich cup of coffee. To prepare it correctly, begin by taking a slice of warm or slightly cooled bread – the type is less important than the freshness – and spreading a thin layer of butter evenly across its surface.
Next, add your preferred jam, either homemade or store-bought, to create a perfect balance of flavors. The result is a delightful combination that is sure to satisfy your morning cravings.
Italian Breakfast Frittata
Rest assured that if you’ve had a breakfast casserole, quiche, or omelet before, then you likely have a good idea of what a frittata tastes like. While it may not be entirely familiar territory for some readers, this traditional Italian breakfast dish is also egg-based and typically infused with an assortment of meats, vegetables, and cheese. In many ways, a frittata can be thought of as a hybrid of its more popular cousins – the omelet and quiche.
Unlike an omelet, which is folded in half to enclose its fillings, a frittata remains flat. And unlike a quiche, which boasts a crispy crust on the bottom, a frittata forgoes this feature altogether. Frittata fun fact: Interestingly, the Italian word for frittata actually translates to mean “fried.” Historically, it referred to any egg dish cooked in butter or oil.
Crepes
Largely attributed to France, crepes have an Italian counterpart known as crespelle, which boasts a similar versatility in fillings and toppings. This Italian variant of the dish is notable for its thinner and crisper texture compared to traditional French crepes. The options for flavor combinations are endless, with sweet treats like Nutella or fresh fruits, to savory delights such as spinach, mushroom, and ricotta cheese.
While crepes have a reputation for being an elegant dish, their origins are rooted in humble beginnings – they were once considered a poor man’s food. However, this perception changed significantly in 1895, when a chef accidentally served Prince Edward VIII of Wales a much thinner version of pancakes, which he enthusiastically dubbed ‘Crepes Suzette’.
Croissants
Pastry enthusiasts often debate about the differences between French and Italian breakfast treats. Specifically, the croissant’s Italian counterpart is known as cornetto, which roughly translates to ‘little horn’. This name perfectly captures the pastry’s shape, but it’s worth noting that cornetto has a softer texture and less butter content compared to its French cousin. This may seem like a significant difference, but it doesn’t necessarily make cornetto a healthier option.
In fact, croissants and cornetti are not typically considered healthy breakfast choices due to their high calorie and fat content. However, Italians have mastered the art of indulging in moderation. Rather than making croissants or cornetti a daily staple, they tend to enjoy them as an occasional treat, savoring the experience when they feel like it.
10 Italian Breakfast Foods (+ Recipe Collection)
Celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Italy, we’ve curated a delightful selection of 10 mouth-watering breakfast recipes that showcase the country’s beloved baked goods. From crispy croissants and delicate crepes to rustic brioche and crunchy biscotti, each dish is carefully crafted to transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside.
Instructions
Kick-start your day with an authentic taste of Italy, and make every morning a culinary delight. To begin, pick out your preferred recipe from our collection, then carefully gather all the necessary ingredients before proceeding.
