Last updated on December 28th, 2023 at 03:19 am
Italian Breakfast – 22 Best Traditional Breakfast in Italy to Try
Italians are known for making some of the best cuisines around the world. You’ll notice how Italians love their sweet treats and really good Espresso. Read here best Italian food and best drinks in Italy
Homemade breakfast in Italy is usually a straightforward affair. Traditional breakfast drinks in Italian households are coffee, tea, and cocoa milk for the kids and the main breakfast foods are bread with butter and jam, biscuits, and cereals. Anything sweet is in when it comes to Italian breakfast.
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What is the Traditional Breakfast in Italy?
Traditional breakfast foods in Italian are a piping hot cup of coffee with bread and pastries. Let’s start looking at some of the breakfast in Italy you can try.
1. Sfogliatella
Sfogliatella is a type of Italian pastry that is popular in Naples. It is made from a thin sheet of dough filled with ricotta cheese and bits of candied orange peel. The dough is then rolled into a cigar shape and baked.
You can eat Sfogliatella at any time of day, but Italian commonly enjoy it as a breakfast pastry. In Naples, you can find Sfogliatelle in many bakeries and cafes.
They are the best when fresh and warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast pastry, be sure to try Sfogliatella!
2. Fette Biscottate – Italian Breakfast
Fette Biscottate is a type of Italian biscuit that is quite popular for breakfast. Ingredients for making the biscuit include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking powder.
You can spread jam, butter, or Nutella on Fette Biscottates. They are relatively hard so Italians usually dunk them in coffee or milk.
You can find Fette Biscottate at most convenience stores in Italy. The best or worst thing about these is that they can be stored for a very long time. Fette Biscottate is a great option for a quick and easy breakfast in Italy.
3. Maritozzi
Maritozzi is a type of Italian sweet bread that is popular for breakfast, particularly in Rome. Some call it sweet buns or roman buns, reflecting their origins.
They are made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, with whipped cream stuffing in the center. They go well with coffee or even tea. You can find Maritozzi easily at bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. If you’re looking for a sweet and creamy breakfast in Italy, Maritozzi is definitely a choice to look at.
4. Cornetto
Another typical breakfast dish in Italy is “cornetto.” This pastry is similar to a croissant, but it’s usually has whipped cream, custard, or jam inside. Cornetti are often available at bakeries and cafes throughout the country, and they’re perfect for a quick on-the-go breakfast.
In some regions of Italy (like Naples), cornetto is also popular as an afternoon snack with coffee.
5. Biscotti
Biscotti are a type of Italian cookie that is good for any time of day, usually alongside coffee. Therefore, Italians most commonly have it as a breakfast cookie.
In Italy, you can find biscotti in many bakeries and cafes. They taste best when fresh and warm. Some biscotti even having almonds or nuts in them for the extra flavor. For a light but delicious Italian breakfast, biscotti with coffee is your friend!
6. Cannoli
Cannoli are a type of Italian pastry that is usually filled with sweet cream and ricotta cheese mixture. They are popular in Sicily and Naples, and available in most bakeries and cafes throughout Italy.
Cannoli are typically a dessert option, but locals also like to have them for breakfast. They are made with a dough that is rolled out into a thin sheet, then cut into rounds. The rounds are then deep-fried and filled with the cream and cheese mixture. They are then dusted with powdered sugar and served warm.
If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast pastry while in Italy, be sure to try cannoli!
7. Pane e Nutella
Bread with nutella? Even Italians love this for their Italian breakfast.
8. Bomboloni
Bomboloni is a type of Italian doughnut that is popular in Italy. They are typically made with a yeast dough that is deep-fried and then rolled in sugar. Bombolonis come with a variety of different fillings, such as Nutella, whipped cream, custard, or jam.
Locals usually have Bomboloni for dessert, or as breakfast in Italy. They are popular in many regions of the country and you can find them in most bakeries and cafes. If you’re a doughnut fan, be sure to try Bomboloni!
9. Brioche
Brioche is a type of bread that is popular in Italy. It is made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and yeast, and has a light and fluffy texture. Brioche is often eaten for breakfast and can be served with honey, jam, Nutella, or other spreads.
Brioche is available at most bakeries in Italy, and it is also popular in France and Spain. If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast bread while in Italy, brioche is a great option!
More Traditional Breakfast in Italy
10. Muesli and Cereals
Muesli and cereal are two of the most popular breakfast foods in Italy. They are similar and both quick and easy to prepare.
Cereal is also popular in Italy, and there are many different types to choose from. From classic brands like Cheerios to Italian-made cereals like Corn Flakes, there is something for everyone.
You can argue that Muesli is basically a healthier type of cereal that has oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It is added to milk or yogurt, and can be eaten either cold or warm. Muesli is a great way to start your day, as it provides you with energy and sustenance.
11. Fruits And Yogurt
One of the popular breakfasts in Italy is yogurt. You can find yogurt in many different flavors and styles. For a healthy and filling breakfast, top it up with different types of fruit that are popular in Italy.
Some of the most common Italian fruits include bananas, apples, oranges, pineapples, and strawberries. If you can find them fresh, this is a great way to get some nutrients and energy first thing in the morning.
12. Omelets
If you’re looking for something savory instead of sweet, why not try an Italian omelet? Omelets are as simple as frying eggs in a pan until they’re cooked through. You can also add in ingredients, including meats, vegetables and cheeses.
In Italy, omelets typically comes with a side of toast or crostini. One of the most satisfying breakfasts in Italy.
13. Piadina
Piadina is a type of Italian flatbread that originated in the region of Emilia-Romagna. It has become popular all over Italy and you can be it in many cafes and restaurants.
Italians usually eat Piadina for breakfast or as an appetizer with cheese and prosciutto. However, it can also be used to make sandwiches that Italians call “Piadine.”
The most common way to enjoy Piadinas at home is by spreading butter on them while they’re still freshly warm from the griddle (“Piastra” in Italian). You can then top off your creation with some jam, Nutella, or anything else you like!
It tastes best when you eat them warm, and just out from under their heat source.
14. Panino Con la Mortadella
One final dish to mention is the classic Italian breakfast sandwich: Panino con la mortadella. Mortadella is a type of pork sausage that’s popular in Italy. It’s usually made from ground pork, beef, or veal. It has a very distinct flavor thanks to the inclusion of spices like black pepper, allspice, and cloves.
Panino con la mortadella is simply a sandwich with this sausage – you can eat it on bread or rolls, and often comes with cheese, tomato sauce, or lettuce. A hearty breakfast before you head out to explore all the famous Italian landmarks!
MORE ITALIAN BREAKFAST: TYPICAL COFFEE FOR BREAKFASTS IN ITALY
When it comes to Italian breakfast foods, coffee is king. Most Italians start their day with a cup of espresso or cappuccino. There are countless cafes throughout the country where you can enjoy typical coffee for breakfast in Italy.
15. Espresso
This is one of the most popular drinks in Italy and a common option in Italian breakfasts. The magic happens by brewing coffee with a small amount of water at high pressure. This produces a concentrated coffee that’s thick and syrupy.
Espresso is a flavorful and energizing way to start your day in Italy with a caffeine punch.
16. Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a coffee drink with origins from Italy. The name comes from the Capuchin friars, who wore robes with a hood that resembled the drink’s foam head. A typical cappuccino is made with espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
Cappuccino is another popular drink for breakfast in Italy. It goes well with pastries or other sweet treats. There are many cafes and coffee shops throughout the country where you can enjoy a delicious cappuccino. If you’re looking for a great way to start your day while in Italy, be sure to try this Italian classic!
17. Caffè d’orzo
Caffè d’orzo Italian drink is made from ground barley and is a good alternative for mornings when you don’t want to have coffee.
18. Cafe Latte
Cafe Latte is what you can try for your breakfast in Italy if you want a milkier and lighter coffee than the popular espresso.
19. Cafe Shakerato
Coffee with ice – for hot summer mornings, this drink can easily be a part of your Italian breakfast.
20. Cafe Con Panna
Sometimes you’d like even more sweetness in your coffee. Cafe con panna is a coffee with vanilla cream/ice cream.
21. Caffe Macchiato / Macchiato / Espresso Macchiato
Sweet and milky espresso, usually served in small cups (versus the popular Starbucks macchiato), is another Italian breakfast drink favorite.
22. ACE Juice
If you’re craving more juice in the morning, ACE is a mix of apple, orange and carrot juice, sweet, acidy and perfect for those summer mornings in Italy.
Hope you liked our Italian breakfast blog post. Which one in the list of traditional breakfast in Italy is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.