7 Traditional Italian Christmas Dishes To Try

Christmas is a magical time in Italy, filled with festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and of course, delicious food. Italian Christmas dishes are a reflection of the country's rich culinary heritage, with a focus on traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. In this article, we'll explore 7 traditional Italian Christmas dishes that you should try this holiday season.

Christmas Eve is a special time in Italy, known as "La Vigilia di Natale." It's a day of feasting and celebration, and the traditional dishes served are often centered around seafood and sweets. Here are 7 traditional Italian Christmas dishes to try this holiday season:

1. Baccalà: A Traditional Italian Christmas Dish

Baccalà is a traditional Italian Christmas dish made from dried and salted cod. It's a staple of Italian cuisine, particularly in the northern regions, and is often served on Christmas Eve. Baccalà is typically cooked with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, and is served with polenta or rice.

How to Make Baccalà:

To make baccalà, start by soaking the dried cod in water for several hours. Then, rinse the cod and pat it dry with paper towels. Heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté the cod with garlic, herbs, and lemon juice. Serve with polenta or rice and enjoy!

2. Panettone: A Sweet Italian Christmas Treat

Panettone is a sweet Italian bread that's a staple of Christmas celebrations. It's made with raisins, candied fruit, and spices, and is typically served with mascarpone cheese or chocolate. Panettone is a beloved Italian Christmas treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Make Panettone:

To make panettone, start by combining flour, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Add eggs, butter, and milk, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for several hours until it's smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for several hours, then bake in a panettone mold.

3. Struffoli: A Traditional Italian Christmas Cookie

Struffoli are traditional Italian Christmas cookies that are made with honey and sprinkles. They're a beloved treat in Italy, particularly in the southern regions. Struffoli are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making them a perfect snack for the holiday season.

How to Make Struffoli:

To make struffoli, start by combining flour, sugar, and eggs in a bowl. Add honey and sprinkles, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for several hours until it's smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for several hours, then fry in hot oil until golden brown.

4. Capitone: A Traditional Italian Christmas Eel Dish

Capitone is a traditional Italian Christmas dish made from eel. It's a staple of Italian cuisine, particularly in the southern regions. Capitone is typically cooked with garlic, herbs, and lemon juice, and is served with polenta or rice.

How to Make Capitone:

To make capitone, start by cleaning and gutting the eel. Cut the eel into small pieces and sauté with garlic, herbs, and lemon juice. Serve with polenta or rice and enjoy!

5. Pandoro: A Traditional Italian Christmas Cake

Pandoro is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that's made with butter, sugar, and eggs. It's a beloved treat in Italy, particularly in the northern regions. Pandoro is typically served with mascarpone cheese or chocolate.

How to Make Pandoro:

To make pandoro, start by combining flour, sugar, and eggs in a bowl. Add butter and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for several hours until it's smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for several hours, then bake in a pandoro mold.

6. Zeppole: A Traditional Italian Christmas Doughnut

Zeppole are traditional Italian Christmas doughnuts that are made with flour, sugar, and eggs. They're a beloved treat in Italy, particularly in the southern regions. Zeppole are typically fried in hot oil until golden brown, then dusted with powdered sugar.

How to Make Zeppole:

To make zeppole, start by combining flour, sugar, and eggs in a bowl. Add butter and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for several hours until it's smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for several hours, then fry in hot oil until golden brown.

7. Torrone: A Traditional Italian Christmas Nougat

Torrone is a traditional Italian Christmas nougat that's made with honey, sugar, and egg whites. It's a beloved treat in Italy, particularly in the southern regions. Torrone is typically flavored with vanilla, almond, or hazelnut.

How to Make Torrone:

To make torrone, start by combining honey, sugar, and egg whites in a bowl. Add flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or hazelnut, and mix until a smooth paste forms. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then let cool and set.

If you're looking to try something new this holiday season, consider making one of these traditional Italian Christmas dishes. From sweet treats like panettone and pandoro to savory dishes like baccalà and capitone, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Buon Natale!