50 Popular Italian Breakfast Foods (Best Italian Breakfast Recipes)🧀 (2024)

If you’re looking for a delicious first meal of the day, why not try an Italian breakfast? Italian breakfasts are light, sweet, and satisfying, perfect for anyone who loves coffee, pastries, and everything delicious. You can experience the authentic taste of Italy with these Italian breakfast ideas in your own home.

Your morning is about to become magnifico with the recipes below! So, set your alarm with excitement because your rendezvous with a delectable Italian breakfast is just around the corner. Buongiorno, delicious!

Traditional Italian Breakfast Foods ☕

1. Iced Cappuccino

Your butter and jam brekkie will be yummier with a cup of cappuccino. This blended iced cappuccino, with rich espresso and creamy milk, will make you feel like having coffee in Italy.

2. Italian Croissant

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy breakfast with a taste of Italy, you might want to try a cornetto or Italian croissant. You can enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the sweet and rich flavors.

3. Granola Rusks

Granola rusks are a delicious and crunchy morning meal. You can enjoy them as breakfast biscuits or dip them in your tea or coffee.

4. Nutella Brioche

Nutella brioche buns are soft and fluffy buns filled with creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread and glazed with raspberry syrup for a burst of fruity flavor. These buns are perfect for an Italian breakfast or a special occasion.

5. Chocolate Espresso Biscotti

Chocolate espresso biscotti are boldly, rich chocolate cookies that are perfect for dipping in your morning coffee. A shot of espresso and biscotti is a match made in heaven. These biscotti are easy to make and keep well for several days, making them popular breakfast foods.

6. Ricotta Pancakes

Ricotta pancakes are the Italian version of the classic American pancakes but with more protein and calcium. They are delicious breakfast food because they are fluffy, moist, creamy, and slightly sweet.

7. Lemon Whipped Cream

The velvety texture of mascarpone and the tangy lemon flavors in this recipe creates a refreshing leisurely breakfast in Italy experience. It's the perfect way to start your day with a touch of Mediterranean elegance.

8. Apple Yogurt Cake

Packed with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples, this apple yogurt cake offers a cozy start to your day. The tender crumb and subtle spiced flavor make it a solid option among pastries to try for a comforting breakfast.

9. Mushroom Frittata

This crustless quiche with mushrooms is a common dish in many Italian households who love a cooked breakfast. It's a simple and easy recipe that only requires a few ingredients and a baking dish.

10. Salted Caramel Macchiato

A salted caramel macchiato is a creamy and delicious drink that combines espresso, milk, and homemade salted caramel sauce. It’s among the best breakfast drinks in Italy because it gives you a boost of energy and satisfies your sweet tooth.

11. Bomboloni

Bomboloni is one of the many Italian breakfast foods that you can find in cafés and bakeries across the country. It’s great for breakfast because it gives you a sweet and satisfying start to your day, along with a cup of coffee or tea.

12. Polenta e Salsiccia

Looking for a tasty breakfast that will keep you satisfied for hours, you might want to try this polenta with sausage ragu. This is a traditional Italian breakfast that consists of creamy polenta topped with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce with sausage and herbs.

13. Minestrone Soup

Packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, this hearty soup provides a satisfying and wholesome start to your day. Italians love its comforting warmth and how it energizes them with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins.

14. Breakfast Pizza

Bacon breakfast pizza is a scrumptious dish that features bacon, eggs, cheese, and herbs on a crispy crust. It’s a satisfying and delicious breakfast that will make your morning more enjoyable.

15. Vanilla Panna Cotta

Vanilla panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert that is creamy, smooth, and delicious. If your breakfast usually consists of light and refreshing ingredients, you can start the day with this sweet treat.

16. Pizzoccheri

Pizzoccheri is made with buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cabbage, cheese, and butter. It is served in the morning in Italian kitchens because it is hearty and satisfying, and it will give you energy for the day.

17. Baked Eggs with Vegetables

If you are looking for a delicious and filling way to kickstart your day, you might want to try this cheesy garden vegetable egg bake. You can enjoy it as a typical Italian breakfast or as a brunch option with your family and friends. It is a breakfast staple that will keep you satisfied and energized for the day ahead.

18. Fresh Fruit Salad

Enjoy a refreshing and nutritious continental breakfast with this honey lime rainbow fruit salad. It is a vibrant dish that combines colorful fresh fruits and a zesty honey lime dressing.

19. Prosciutto e Melone

Do you want a hotel breakfast experience Italian style? Indulge in the delightful combination of prosciutto and cantaloupe. This dish offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the juicy, aromatic cantaloupe pairing harmoniously with the salty, tender prosciutto.

20. Bruschetta

This dish is a warm and cozy way to enjoy breakfast at home. It is a twist on the classic Italian appetizer of bruschetta and uses eggs, cheese, and spinach instead.

21. Panetonne

Panettone is a sweet bread loaf that originated in Italy and is traditionally eaten during Christmas and New Year. It is soft, fluffy, and filled with candied fruits and raisins. Panettone is a delicious way to start your day, as it goes well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

22. Berry and Peaches Crostata

This rustic peach and berry crostata is a delightful Italian-inspired dish perfect for breakfast. Its simplicity and fruity goodness make it an excellent morning treat with a touch of Italian culinary charm. So better try this delicious Italian food now.

23. Sfogliatella

If you are looking for some delicious italian breakfast recipes, you might want to try sfogliatella, a crispy pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit. Sfogliatella is a typical breakfast in Naples.

24. fa*gioli all'Uccelletto

Tuscan tomato beans all’uccelletto is a classic Italian breakfast that will make you feel like you are in Tuscany. It is a vegan dish made with cannellini beans, tomato sauce, garlic, and sage.

25. Pappa al Pomodoro

Pappa al pomodoro is a popular breakfast in Tuscany. It is a healthy breakfast that provides carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. You can make this dish with simple ingredients such as bread, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.

26. Nutella Banana Panini

What you are looking at is a delicious dish of challah Nutella banana panini. You will enjoy the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor, the soft and chewy bread, and the fresh and fruity bananas.

27. Caprese Eggs Benedict

This delicious Italian breakfast combines the classic flavors of Caprese salad with the beloved Eggs Benedict. It will bring the vibrant colors and tastes of an Italian breakfast table.

28. Torta della Nonna

This cake is moist, tender, and nutty, with a hint of lemon and vanilla. It is perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea or enjoying as a snack throughout the day. Many Italians love this cake because it reminds them of their childhood and their grandmothers' baking.

29. Girelle alle Mandorle

You deserve a treat for breakfast, and nothing is more delicious than these almond swirl pastries. You can make these breakfast pastries ahead of time and bake them in the morning, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

30. Air Fryer Crostini

Are you searching for the best Italian breakfast? You can’t go wrong with this air fryer crostini recipe. These crispy slices of bread are easy, versatile, and satisfying.

31. Pizzelle

Pizzelle cookies are thin and crispy waffle-like cookies that are made with eggs, sugar, flour, butter, and flavoring. These sweet breakfast treats taste even more delicious with Italian hot chocolate, which is thick and rich.

32. Amaretti Cookies

These breakfast cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb, making them a great choice for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences. Plus, they have a lovely crunchy crust and a moist interior that will melt in your mouth.

33. Soppressata Sandwich

The mushroom, eggplant, and soppressata sandwich is a yummy combination of roasted vegetables, cured meat, and cheese on crusty bread. You enjoy the rich flavors of the mushroom and eggplant, the salty and spicy taste of the soppressata, and the gooey and creamy texture of the cheese.

34. Frittelle

In this authentic Italian frittelle recipe, you'll discover delectable bites of fried dough that are perfect for your morning cravings. These delectable treats boast a fluffy interior and a crispy golden exterior, making them an ideal breakfast choice.

35. Beef Braciole

You enjoy the tender and juicy meat, the gooey and flavorful cheese, and the aromatic and savory sauce in this traditional Italian beef dish. You can use different types of Italian cheeses for the stuffing, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago.

36. Risotto with Milk

Aside from filling breakfast cereals, mornings will be more enjoyable with a traditional breakfast of rice and provolone cheese, a dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. This dish is made with creamy risotto cooked with butter, onion, white wine, and broth, and then mixed with melted provolone cheese

37. fa*gioli con Tonno

This white bean and tuna salad is a flavorful and nutritious breakfast option. The dish's protein-rich ingredients provide sustained energy for your morning.

38. Frittelle di Zucchine

These tasty fritters use grated zucchini, eggs, cheese, and herbs as the main ingredients. They have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, and they are perfect for breakfast time. You can pair them with some fresh bread, yogurt, or fruit, or dunk them in some tomato sauce for a savory breakfast twist.

39. Italian Meatloaf

The Italian meatloaf features a rich and hearty brekkie option. This dish offers a delightful twist on traditional breakfast choices. Its combination of seasoned ground meats and aromatic ingredients makes it a satisfying and protein-rich way to eat breakfast.

40. Italian-Style Poached Eggs

Poached eggs in Italian-style tomato sauce will keep you energized for the day. You can enjoy the flavor of the tomato sauce, which is seasoned with garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes.

41. Affettati Misti

Affettati misti is a perfect way to experience Italian culture and cuisine and to prepare yourself for a busy day ahead. This dish offers a range of flavors and textures, from sweet and delicate to spicy and rustic.

42. Tomato and Basil Foccacia Bread

This focaccia bread recipe embodies the essence of real Italian flavors. It features a soft, herb-infused bread topped with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Its simplicity and the genuine taste of bread in Italy make it a perfect breakfast.

43. Sgabei

This Italian dish, made from a special type of bread, features fried leavened dough. The bread is irresistibly crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside.

44. Potato Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi will fill you up and satisfy your taste buds. It is a type of pasta made from cooked potatoes, flour, and eggs, shaped into small dumplings and boiled in water.

45. Tramezzino

The Venetian crab sandwich lets you enjoy succulent crab meat combined with creamy mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon juice, all embraced by soft, crustless bread slices. Its delicate yet flavorsome composition makes it an ideal morning choice.

46. Calzone

A calzone is a delicious Italian dish that consists of a folded pizza dough filled with cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce. It's a great choice for a filling breakfast because it provides you with protein, carbohydrates, and fiber to keep you energized throughout the day.

47. Apple Strudel

Experience the joy of a sweet Italian apple strudel, a delicious type of breakfast that combines the goodness of sweet bread with a delightful blend of spiced apples, raisins, and nuts. The flaky layers of pastry envelop the warm filling, creating a harmonious contrast of textures and flavors

48. Farinata di Ceci

Italian chickpea pancake boasts a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, reminiscent of the culinary preferences of an average Italian. With its protein-packed chickpea base, it's an ideal morning option over usual breakfast fare like Italian bread while keeping you full and satisfied.

49. Sausage Rolls

You’re in for a treat with this breakfast dish. Homemade sausage rolls are easy to make and delicious to eat. They are filled with juicy pork and wrapped in flaky pastry. They are perfect for a common breakfast or for a special occasion.

50. Crespelle

This breakfast dish is a delight for your senses. Pumpkin crespelle are thin Italian pastry filled with creamy ricotta and fragrant sage. They are a popular Italian breakfast item, but you can enjoy them any time of the day.

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👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock

CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.