Experience the warmth and tradition of an Italian Christmas through your kitchen.
Our collection of authentic Italian holiday recipes brings the festive spirit of the bel paese to your home.
From classic antipasti to rich pasta dishes and indulgent desserts, these recipes capture the essence of Italian family gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
Join us on a culinary journey through Italy’s diverse regions and discover new favorites to add to your holiday table.
1. Panettone
Panettone, a sweet bread loaf originally from Milan, is a holiday staple in Italy.
This tall, dome-shaped bread is studded with candied fruits, raisins, and citrus zest, making it both flavorful and aromatic.
Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a cozy Christmas morning.
The tradition of baking panettone dates back to the Roman Empire, and it’s still a festive favorite today.
2. Tiramisu
Tiramisu, meaning “pick me up” in Italian, is a beloved dessert that combines layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture.
Topped with cocoa powder, this decadent treat is perfect for ending your Christmas meal on a high note.
Legend has it that tiramisu was invented in the 1960s in the Veneto region, and it has since become a global sensation.
3. Risotto alla Milanese
Risotto alla Milanese, with its vibrant saffron-infused rice, is a luxurious dish that’s perfect for a Christmas feast.
The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a standout side or main dish.
This classic recipe hails from Milan and is often enjoyed with ossobuco, a braised veal shank.
It’s a comforting and elegant addition to any holiday table.
4. Cannoli
Cannoli, those delightful Sicilian pastries, are a must-have for Christmas.
Crispy shells are filled with a sweet, creamy ricotta mixture, often flavored with citrus zest and chocolate chips.
These treats are not only delicious but also a symbol of celebration and indulgence.
Serve them as a sweet end to your festive meal, and you’ll see why they’ve been beloved since ancient times.
5. Lasagna Bolognese
Lasagna Bolognese is a hearty and comforting dish that layers pasta sheets with a rich Bolognese sauce, béchamel, and plenty of cheese.
This dish, originating from Emilia-Romagna, is perfect for feeding a crowd during the holiday season.
The slow-cooked meat sauce and creamy layers make it a truly indulgent and satisfying meal.
6. Struffoli
Struffoli are tiny, fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkles, creating a sweet and crunchy treat.
This traditional Neapolitan dessert is often served in a mound or wreath shape during Christmas.
The origins of struffoli date back to ancient Greece, making them a time-honored festive favorite.
7. Pizzelle
Imagine delicate, waffle-shaped cookies with a hint of licorice (anise) or vanilla.
That’s Pizzelle, a classic Italian Christmas treat!
These crispy delights are often sprinkled with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a holiday snack that will transport you straight to a cozy Italian Christmas.
8. Baccala alla Vicentina
Baccala alla Vicentina is a traditional Venetian dish featuring dried salt cod slow-cooked with onions, milk, and olive oil.
This creamy and flavorful dish is often served with polenta, making it a comforting and hearty option for a Christmas meal.
The use of salt cod dates back to the 15th century, and it’s still a cherished part of Italian holiday cuisine.
9. Cotechino with Lentils
Cotechino with Lentils is a classic New Year’s Eve dish that also graces Christmas tables in Italy.
The rich, flavorful pork sausage is simmered and served with lentils, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
This dish, originating from Modena, is hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect addition to your holiday feast.
10. Ricciarelli
Ricciarelli are soft almond cookies from Siena, often enjoyed during the Christmas season.
These cookies have a delicate, chewy texture and are lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Their origins trace back to the 14th century, and they continue to be a beloved festive treat.
Serve them with a glass of Vin Santo for an authentic Italian holiday experience.
11. Zuppa Inglese
Zuppa Inglese is a layered dessert similar to trifle, featuring sponge cake soaked in Alchermes liqueur, custard, and chocolate.
This colorful and indulgent treat is a festive favorite in Italy.
Its name, meaning “English soup,” reflects its inspiration from English trifle.
Enjoy a slice of this creamy dessert to add a touch of elegance to your Christmas meal.
12. Insalata di Mare
Insalata di Mare, or seafood salad, is a refreshing and light dish that combines various types of seafood with a lemony dressing.
This dish is perfect for a Christmas Eve dinner, traditionally a fish-based meal in Italy.
The fresh flavors and vibrant presentation make it a festive and elegant starter.
13. Pandoro
Pandoro, meaning “golden bread,” is a sweet, star-shaped cake from Verona.
Its soft, airy texture and vanilla flavor make it a delightful Christmas treat.
Dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, and enjoy a slice with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
This cake’s origins date back to the Renaissance, and it remains a beloved holiday favorite.
14. Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting bean and pasta soup that’s perfect for a cozy Christmas meal.
This hearty dish combines cannellini beans, pasta, and vegetables in a savory broth.
Its origins are rooted in Italian peasant cuisine, making it a simple yet satisfying addition to your holiday table.
Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
15. Amaretti Cookies
Amaretti Cookies are almond-flavored delights with a crisp exterior and chewy interior.
These cookies are a traditional Christmas treat in Italy, often enjoyed with a glass of wine or coffee.
Their origins date back to the Renaissance, and they continue to be a beloved festive sweet.
Serve them alongside other holiday cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
16. Osso Buco
Wanna impress your holiday crew with a dish that screams special occasion?
Look no further than Osso Buco, a fancy-sounding specialty straight from Milan.
Picture this: melt-in-your-mouth veal shanks slow-cooked in a bath of white wine, broth, and colorful veggies.
The result? A rich and flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for your Christmas dinner table.
17. Sfogliatelle
Craving a showstopper for your Christmas table?
Look no further than Sfogliatelle, also known as “lobster tails” for their fun shape.
These festive pastries are a Neapolitan tradition, boasting a flaky, layered crust that shatters in the best way possible.
18. Polenta
Polenta’s not just your average side dish.
This creamy or grilled cornmeal favorite is a staple in Italy, with roots stretching back to Roman times!
For your Christmas feast, it can be the perfect canvas for all sorts of yummy toppings.
Think rich sauces, and hearty stews, or even keep it simple with a sprinkle of cheese.
19. Torrone
Torrone is a traditional Italian nougat made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted nuts.
This chewy and sweet treat is often enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Torrone’s origins date back to ancient Rome, and it remains a beloved festive sweet.
Serve it in small pieces for a delightful treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
20. Minestrone Soup
Imagine a hearty broth packed with colorful veggies, like diced tomatoes, crisp green beans, and leafy greens.
Then there’s the protein punch from kidney or white beans, and of course, some small pasta for a satisfying bite.
You can even add some cooked rice for an extra boost!
21. Panforte
Forget the fruitcake jokes, Panforte is here to rewrite the rules!
This dense and delicious cake comes straight from Siena, Italy, and has been a festive favorite since the Middle Ages.
Think of it as a supercharged fruitcake – packed with nuts, candied fruits, and all sorts of warm spices, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
22. Frittelle di Riso
Look no further than Frittelle di Riso!
These golden nuggets of goodness are like little fried rice donuts, perfect for a sweet holiday snack.
Imagine fluffy cooked rice mixed with creamy milk, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of lemon magic (zest!).
This tasty tradition has been around since the Renaissance, making them a true taste of history.
23. Cantucci
Cantucci, also known as biscotti, are twice-baked almond cookies that are perfect for dunking in Vin Santo or coffee.
These crunchy cookies are a traditional Christmas treat in Italy, with origins dating back to the Tuscan region.
Their simple ingredients and satisfying crunch make them a festive favorite.
Serve them alongside other holiday cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
24. Gnocchi
Gnocchi, soft potato dumplings, are a versatile and comforting dish perfect for a Christmas meal.
Serve them with a rich tomato sauce, creamy gorgonzola, or simple butter and sage.
Gnocchi’s origins date back to Roman times, and they remain a beloved part of Italian cuisine.
These pillowy dumplings are sure to be a hit at your holiday table.
25. Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli are spiced cookies often enjoyed during the Christmas season in Italy.
Made with honey, nuts, and spices, these cookies have a rich and complex flavor.
Their origins date back to ancient Rome, and they remain a beloved festive sweet.
Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
26. Spaghetti alle Vongole
This dish has roots that go deep into the coastal regions of Italy, making it a delicious way to celebrate the season with a taste of the sea.
Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare – so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones.
Serve it with a light salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a truly delightful Christmas Eve feast!
27. Zabaglione
Zabaglione is a light and airy dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine.
This custard-like treat is often enjoyed warm and can be served over fresh fruit or alongside biscotti.
Zabaglione’s origins date back to the 16th century, and it remains a beloved festive dessert.
Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a perfect end to a holiday meal.
28. Arancini
Arancini are crispy, golden rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas.
These Sicilian treats are often enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Arancini’s name, meaning “little oranges,” reflects their round shape and golden color.
Serve them as an appetizer or snack, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
29. Spezzatino
Look no further than Spezzatino, a hearty Italian stew that’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Imagine melt-in-your-mouth pieces of meat simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy with colorful vegetables.
Fragrant herbs add another layer of magic, making every bite a delightful surprise.
30. Crostata di Ricotta
Crostata di Ricotta is a traditional Italian ricotta tart that’s often enjoyed during the Christmas season.
This dessert features a buttery crust filled with a sweet ricotta mixture, often flavored with citrus zest and chocolate chips.
Its origins date back to ancient Rome, and it remains a beloved festive treat.
Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dessert.
31. Caponata
Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant dish that’s sweet, tangy, and full of flavor.
Made with eggplant, tomatoes, celery, olives, and capers, it’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side or appetizer.
Caponata’s origins date back to the 18th century, and it remains a beloved part of Italian cuisine.
Serve it with crusty bread for a delightful holiday treat.
32. Sformato
Craving a show-stopping side dish for your Christmas feast?
Look no further than Sformato, a light and elegant Italian vegetable flan.
Imagine a delightful mix of seasonal veggies baked to perfection in a creamy egg and cheese custard.
It’s like a flavor party in every bite, with a light and airy texture that won’t weigh you down.
33. Grissini
Imagine thin, crunchy perfection, sometimes dressed up with fragrant herbs, melty cheese, or a sprinkle of seeds.
Their history goes back to 17th-century Turin, making them a true taste of Italian tradition.
Serve them as a delightful appetizer to keep your guests happy before the main course, or pair them with a cheese platter for a festive and delicious combo.
34. Baci di Dama
Baci di Dama, meaning “lady’s kisses,” are delicate hazelnut cookies sandwiched together with chocolate.
These sweet treats are a traditional Christmas favorite in Italy.
Their origins date back to the 19th century in Piedmont, and they continue to be a beloved festive sweet.
Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dessert.
35. Pollo alla Cacciatora
Pollo alla Cacciatora, or hunter’s chicken, is a hearty Italian dish perfect for a Christmas meal.
This recipe features chicken cooked with tomatoes, wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
Its origins are rooted in Italian peasant cuisine, making it a simple yet satisfying addition to your holiday table.
Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
36. Cassata Siciliana
This beauty boasts layers of creamy ricotta cheese, bursts of colorful candied fruits, and a smooth marzipan shell.
It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, perfect for a festive finale to your Christmas dinner.
Serve it in thin slices to savor every layer of flavor and texture.
37. Bocconotti
Bocconotti are small, sweet pastries filled with jam, chocolate, or almond paste.
These treats are a traditional Christmas favorite in southern Italy.
Their origins date back to the 18th century, and they continue to be a beloved festive sweet.
Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant dessert.
38. Cinghiale in Dolceforte
Want to impress your guests with a dish that’s both unique and delicious?
Look no further than Cinghiale in Dolceforte – a Tuscan wild boar stew with a surprising twist!
This dish has a rich history, dating all the way back to the Renaissance.
It’s a testament to the adventurous spirit of Italian cuisine!
39. Crostini Toscani
Crostini Toscani are toasted bread slices topped with a rich chicken liver pâté.
These savory bites are a traditional appetizer in Tuscany, often enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Their origins are rooted in medieval Italian cuisine, making them a beloved festive treat.
Serve them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a flavorful holiday starter.
40. Ciambellone
Imagine a light and airy cake, bursting with the sunshine-y flavors of lemon or orange zest.
It’s the perfect balance of refreshing and satisfying, making it ideal for a Christmas breakfast.
41. Focaccia
Focaccia is a fluffy, flavorful Italian bread that’s perfect for a Christmas meal.
Often topped with rosemary, olives, or tomatoes, this bread is both versatile and delicious.
Its origins date back to ancient Rome, and it remains a beloved part of Italian cuisine.
Serve it as an appetizer or alongside your main course for a festive treat.
43. Brutti ma Buoni
Don’t judge a cookie by its cover! Brutti ma Buoni, which translates to “ugly but good,” are a Christmas tradition in Italy that defies expectations.
These rustic hazelnut cookies may not be beauty queens, but their taste is anything but ugly!
44. Spiedini di Pesce
Spiedini di Pesce are seafood skewers that are perfect for a Christmas Eve dinner.
These skewers feature a variety of fresh seafood, marinated and grilled to perfection.
Their origins are rooted in Italian coastal cuisine, making them a festive and delicious addition to your holiday meal.
Serve them with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
45. Pasta alla Norma
Imagine tender pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce, silky eggplant slices, and crumbled ricotta salata cheese.
It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, perfect for a cozy Christmas dinner.
This dish is steeped in Sicilian tradition, making it a delicious way to celebrate the holidays with a taste of the island.
46. Spaghetti Carbonara
This dish started out in Italian peasant kitchens, so you know it’s gotta be good!
Simple ingredients come together to create something truly decadent.
Serve it with a sprinkle of extra cheese for that ultimate cheesy satisfaction.
