Top 9 Italian Breakfast Dishes
If you’re looking for a delicious way to start your day, look no further than Italian breakfast dishes! From the traditional, hearty Eggs in Purgatory to the light fare of Italian Cloud Eggs, Italy has something to offer every breakfast lover.
Whether it’s savory or sweet you’re after, these dishes are sure to hit the spot. So let’s take a look at some of the most popular and beloved Italian breakfast dishes so you can start your day off on the right foot!
1. Cantucci
As soon as I took a bite of my first Cantucci biscuit, I knew I had discovered the perfect breakfast treat. Originating from Italy, these crunchy almond biscuits have been enjoyed for centuries alongside a hot cup of Italian coffee.
The ingredients are simple, yet the combination is divine. Flour, sugar, eggs, and almonds are mixed together and baked until golden brown. The real magic happens when you dip the biscuit into your steaming cup of coffee, allowing it to soften just enough to release its full flavor. I love mixing up my morning routine with this delicious Italian twist on breakfast.
Fun fact: Cantucci were originally made to be stored for long periods, making them a perfect treat for sailors at sea. But let’s be real, these are so delicious I wonder how they managed not to eat their entire stash the first day at sea!
2. Italian Breakfast Frittata
Have you had an Italian Breakfast Frittata before? It’s an Italian dish that will make your mornings so much better!
The name frittata comes from the Italian verb “friggere,” which means “fried”, and this dish has been around since the 16th century when farmers would make an egg-based dish with leftover vegetables and meat. Now, we can enjoy it in lots of different combinations!
A Breakfast Frittata typically includes eggs, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper, but you can add whatever fillings you like — from mushrooms, onions, and bacon to tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese. The method is straightforward, as well — beat the eggs, add the ingredients, cook it in a pan, and voila! A dish that’s delicious, filling, and perfect for a lazy morning.
In Italy, a frittata is often enjoyed as a light dinner, accompanied by a salad. But me? I love it for breakfast!
3. Crespelle
Have you ever heard of Crespelle? It’s an Italian dish that I recently stumbled upon and I have to say, I’m obsessed! Crespelle is essentially the Italian version of French crepes but with its own unique flare due to being much thinner and crisper than its counterpart.
The ingredients are simple — flour, eggs, milk, and salt, but the real magic comes in the method of preparation. The batter is cooked in a thin layer on a hot skillet and then filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella or ricotta cheese, before being folded and served.
In Italy, it’s common to serve Crespelle for breakfast, but it’s also a great option for brunch or even dessert. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
4. Ciambella (Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake)
Have you ever tried Ciambella? It’s an Italian breakfast staple that dates back to the Renaissance period, and it is a must-try for any foodie.
Don’t be fooled by its cake-like appearance. This soft and fluffy treat is not too sweet and has a subtle hint of lemon — which is just like how they serve it in Italy.
The traditional recipe calls for simple ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, yogurt, lemon juice and zest, and olive oil, but there are countless variations across Italy.
Trust me, it’s delicious. Pair it with a hot cup of espresso for the perfect breakfast combo, or feel free to spread some jam or lemon curd on it. I’m convinced this is what breakfast was meant to taste like.
Give it a try!
5. Uova in Purgatorio
One of my absolute favorite savory Italian breakfast dishes is Uova in Purgatorio. The dish has a long history in Italian culture that dates back to ancient Rome where it was eaten as a type of comfort food.
This mouthwatering dish translates to “Eggs in Purgatory,” which might sound a little intimidating, but believe me, it’s heavenly. Its name was derived from the stark contrast of the white and yellow eggs floating in a sea of red “purgatory”.
The dish consists of eggs poached in a tomato sauce that’s been spiced up with chili peppers, garlic, and onions. It’s a simple and delicious combination of flavors that hits all the right spots.
If you’re ever in Italy, this is one breakfast dish you definitely can’t miss out on!
6. Italian Cloud Eggs
Have you heard of Cloud Eggs? Unlike Eggs in Purgatory, these little guys take a different approach. Instead of tomato sauce, these egg yolks cradle themselves in a bed of fluffy, delicious egg whites.
The history of this dish is not well known, but it is said to have first appeared in France in the 17th century before being introduced to Italy and and has recently been adopted by breakfast lovers all over the world.
The ingredients are simple: eggs and Italian herbs. To make them, separate the egg whites from the yolks, and whip the whites with Italian herbs until they form stiff peaks. Make little “clouds” on your baking sheet with the egg whites and then place the egg yolks into the center of the fluffy whites to give it that cloud-like appearance. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can create such a beautiful dish.
So go ahead and enjoy this delicious and nutritious breakfast!
7. Panettone French Toast
I recently discovered a new Italian breakfast dish that has quickly become a favorite of mine: Panettone French Toast.
If you’re not familiar with Panettone, it’s a traditional Italian sweet bread that is typically enjoyed during the holiday season. But why limit ourselves to only enjoying this delicious bread during the holidays? With this French toast recipe, you can enjoy Panettone any time of year!
To make this scrumptious meal, you’ll need to slice your Panettone into thick slices and dip them into a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon before frying them up until golden brown. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of syrup on top for added sweetness.
Give it a try — I think you’ll love it!
8. Ricotta Pancakes
One of my all-time favorite Italian breakfast dishes is Ricotta Pancakes. For those who are unfamiliar, Ricotta Pancakes are a delicious Italian twist on classic pancakes.
Legend has it that in the 18th century, a group of monks in Italy created the first Ricotta Pancakes as a way to use up excess ricotta cheese. Nowadays, these fluffy pancakes are a staple in many Italian households and restaurants.
To make them, you simply combine ricotta cheese, flour, eggs, a bit of sugar, and a touch of baking powder. The resulting batter is thick and lumpy but transforms into fluffy and flavorful pancakes once cooked.
In Italy, these pancakes are often enjoyed as a dessert with fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream. But as a breakfast lover, I’m all about starting my day with a stack of Ricotta Pancakes topped with fresh berries and golden honey. Just delicious!
9. Conetti
If you’re looking for something delicious and sweet to start your day, look no further than Cornetti. This Italian breakfast pastry is similar to a croissant but with a few key differences.
First, Cornetti are made with less butter than croissants, which makes them slightly less flaky and softer. Second, Conetti are made with eggs and sugar. Finally, they are typically filled with chocolate cream, jam, or custard which adds a burst of sweetness to every bite.
Cornetti have been a beloved breakfast item in Italy for many years, with their history stretching back to the early 20th century. The word “cornetto” actually means “little horn,” which perfectly describes the shape of these delectable pastries.
Trust me, you'll be hooked once you’ve tried a fresh, warm Cornetto for breakfast!
Wrapping It Up
From the classic Eggs in Purgatory to Ricotta Pancakes, there are so many delicious Italian breakfast options that you can enjoy at any time of year. Each dish has its own unique history and flavor profile, making it a great way to start off your day with something special.
Whether you’re looking for a savory or sweet option, these dishes will certainly satisfy all of your breakfast cravings! So don’t be afraid to get creative — try out one (or more!) of these tasty Italian breakfast recipes today and experience the flavors of Italy right from the comfort of your kitchen!
Buon appetito!
