Italian food is definitely one of the most popular cuisines around the world. Italy’s culinary supremacy is not only known for its richness but also for its hearty combination of ingredients. Whether it is an inviting bowl of pasta or an artisanal coal fired pizza, Italian food has something for everyone.
At its heart, classic Italian recipes have been an inspiration for home cooks and restaurants around the world. As the world became a global village, these classic recipes married into other cultures and gave birth to fusion cuisine. But even with all the innovation in Pizza Town, the classics are still revered. Whether you are a lover of Italian cuisine or a beginner foodie testing out the waters, these are the 10 classic recipes you have to try at least once in your life.
Square Margherita Pizza: The Absolute Taste of Italy
The Margherita pizza, which has its roots in Naples, is a complete homage to Italy’s culinary simplicity. Consisting of a triad of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, this pizza replicates the colors of the Italian flag. It’s a must-have pizza because of its crisp, thin crust and the smoky flavor that comes from being coal-hot oven-baked.
Spaghetti and Meatballs: Comfort in a Bowl
An old favorite with a sumptuous and hearty pasta dish, the tender and savory meatballs are served with a rich tomato sauce over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Spaghetti and meatballs is the purest form of comfort food – cozy, perfect for a casual family dinner and holiday family gatherings. With its simple ingredients, this classic dish speaks of the joy of eating together with loved ones and it is a dear to many generations.
Baked Ziti: A Double-Oven Treat
Baked Ziti is the most loved and adored Italian-American dish one could ever have. Boasting rich, comforting flavors layered in between, this is an all-time go-to dish for both family dinners and celebratory feast occasions.
The end result is a decadent, cheesy layer with ziti, Italian plum tomato sauce, ground beef, Italian seasoning, shredded mozzarella, and topped with basil. The final product is put in the oven for that familiar golden-brown crust on top, wherein the soft, saucy noodles shine when dug in. Each forkful brings a harmonious tangy tomato with rich cheese and tender pasta-flavoring that’s both familiar and indulgent to most palettes.
Burrata and Prosciutto Spaghetti
Burrata and Prosciutto Spaghetti, is a decadent yet unpretentious dish that showcases the innate grace of Italian cuisine. At Anthony’s, we serve spaghetti perfectly cooked and accompanied by prosciutto topped with a basil flower. We also put fresh creamy burrata, which slightly melts through the warm pasta, and our secret Italian plum sauce, thus creating a texture that is luscious and velvety.
Fettuccine Alfredo: The Creamy Pasta Lover’s Favorite
Fettuccine Alfredo is simple to make: combine butter, cream, and Parmesan for a smooth, rich sauce. This dish’s beauty is that you can get caught up in how easy it is to make and overlook just how rich you can make it for your pasta-loving friends and yourself. This classic pasta is served best with focaccia bread like we do at Anthony’s.
Caprese Salad: Fresh, Simple, and Flavorful
The Caprese salad is made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, making it the most Italian embodiment of summer. Lightly drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it makes a refreshing appetizer and a side dish.
Arugula Burrata Salad
Anthony’s Arugula Burrata Salad is a statement of simplicity and Italian goodness. The peppery arugula is the perfect base, and the fresh burrata and shaved Romano take things to a whole new level of rich, creamy indulgence. Sweet ripened cherry tomatoes in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic glaze offer a nice tart-earthy balance.
Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli is a rustic Italian old classic that is both comforting and indulgent in the same spoonful. This hearty dish has tender pasta and creamy cannellini beans floating in a rich tomato broth simmered with fresh garlic, onions, and touches of new herbs rosemary and thyme. Good measures of extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan play their role in delivering depth and flavor, while the combination of soft bean pasta creates a lovely texture in the mouth. Pasta Fagioli is the quintessential cozy warm meal infused with the very simplicity of Italian homestyle cooking.
Mini Cannolis: Sweet Treats For Everyone
Cannolis, as served at Anthony’s, are mini-sized but perfect for indulgence, combining crisp golden pastry shells and a rich creamy filling. Each shell is cushily fried to create a light, flaky crunch and is then lushly filled with a smooth ricotta mixture, lightly sweetened, and kissed with notes of vanilla and citrus zest.
Dusted with powdered sugar, and optionally accented with chocolate chips or a few pistachios, these mini-flavor bites provide the right balance of textures and flavors. Cannolis – mini or not – is the best Italian dessert for any occasion.
Tiramisu: The classic Italian dessert
Even with some of the best Italian meals around, Tiramisu will always be a global darling. At Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Wings, we serve our Tiramisu with a light sponge base and layers of Zabaione cream topped with a sprinkling of cocoa powder. On days you want a little more than just the normal cup of coffee, head over to your nearest Anthony’s outlet and treat yourself to this indulgent sweet treat.
Try These Classic Italian Recipes At Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza And Wings
Italian cuisine is an odyssey through tradition, flavor, and innovation. Whatever your affiliation with Italian dishes is, you must try out these classic recipes at least once in your life. Trust us, you will not regret it. From Square Margherita Pizza to Baked Ziti and Tiramisu, Italy has something for everyone.
At Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and Wings, we’re always striving to share the authentic flavors of Italy with you. Whether you are indulging in Italian pizza or pasta or sampling new favorites, every bite celebrates the rich culture of food in Italy. So what are you waiting for, place an order with your nearest outlet now!
