Indulge in the Authentic Italian Breakfast Experience: Coffee Drinks and Delectable Delights!

When you imagine an Italian breakfast, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly coffee. But there's so much more to it than that! Italians take immense pleasure in their culinary traditions, and breakfast is no exception.It's a time to savour the flavours and start the day on a delightful note.

Let's begin with the cornerstone of Italian breakfast: coffee. Quality and sustainability are paramount, even in this seemingly simple meal.

For adults, coffee takes centre stage, while kids enjoy milk or rich hot chocolate. When it comes to Italian breakfast drinks, the options are endless. However, one thing remains consistent across the country—Italians agree that a cup of coffee in the morning is a must!

Cappuccino

Kickstart your day the Italian way with a frothy cappuccino for breakfast, the beloved classic that brings joy with every sip. Indulge in the large cup and luxurious foam—it's a true morning delight.

Latte Macchiato

Milk lovers rejoice! A tall glass of milk with a gentle "spot" of coffee creates a harmonious blend that many consider the best coffee for breakfast.

Caffe Macchiato

If you prefer a stronger coffee flavour, opt for a caffe macchiato—a shot of espresso with a splash of milk that strikes a delicious balance.

Espresso

For those seeking a typical Italian breakfast experience on the go, nothing beats the quick and robust espresso. Enjoy it as a single shot, just like the locals, who often savour it standing at a café bar.

In Italy, coffee is either enjoyed alongside food or as a satisfying conclusion to a meal. Hence, an Italian breakfast is incomplete without a delightful accompaniment. Traditional Italian breakfast foods lean towards the sweet side, and while a cooked breakfast is rare, you might find cold meats and cheeses in certain regions.

Indulge in an array of pastries, such as cornetti—a delicious filled croissant—or sfogliatelle, a delicate pastry with ricotta popular in Naples. Rome boasts the famous maritozzi, a sweet bread, while biscotti perfectly complements your coffee.

For a healthier option, enjoy some bread with butter, jam, yoghurt, and fruit. Italians also relish muesli and cereal with yoghurt or milk. A combination of dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, and yoghurt creates a popular and wholesome choice.

One of Italy's beloved breakfast cakes is the ciambella, traditionally baked in a ring shape and adorned with icing or a dusting of sugar. Infused with the refreshing zest of lemons, it's a true morning delight. You can even explore easy coffee cake recipes  for a delightful treat.

Italians prefer simplicity in their breakfasts, with portion control and swift consumption being key. They savour the flavours while maintaining a fast and fuss-free approach.

Special occasions call for cherished traditions and precious moments with family. Even during Christmas and Easter mornings, Italians embrace their culture and relish indulgent breakfasts.

During Christmas, as a continuation of the festive celebration, traditional Italian breakfast items include leftover pandoro—a sweet bread—or panettone and panforte—two delectable fruit breads.

Italian Easter breakfast traditions vary across the country. Some regions feature savoury breads filled with eggs, meat, and cheeses. Others argue that the best Italian breakfast for this occasion is torta pasqualina, a delectable pie made with eggs, spinach, and ricotta. Regardless of the choice, Italians bid farewell to their fasting period with tempting foods and, of course, delicious coffee.

Immerse yourself in the rich flavours and warm traditions of an authentic full Italian breakfast—it's a delightful journey that will awaken your senses and leave you longing for more.

And speaking of special occasions, Lavazza has now been collaborating with renowned chefs for years, aiming to create not only new recipes that are just delicious but also sustainable. One of these is Davide Oldani's "Mamma Luigia's Bread Cake," which inspired the chef to create his now famous dessert, Pand'O. 

Davide Oldani  is a highly regarded chef who opened his restaurant D'O in 2003 with which he received a Michelin star. In 2020 he confirmed himself as a star chef by receiving his second Michelin star. Oldani is also known for having invented the so-called "pop cuisine", based on simplicity and useful raw materials.

“Mamma Luigia’s Bread Cake” is perfect for cold winter mornings during the Christmas season, for example, and it's also a sustainable cake to prepare because it helps families to avoid wasting leftover bread. The recipe is delicious but also very simple, and you can make it by following these easy instructions.

Ingredients for 6 people:

• 250g stale bread
• 1 litre whole fresh milk
• 20g cocoa powder
• 40g sugar
• 40g all-purpose flour
• 60g eggs
• 200g peeled and diced Golden apples
• 50g softened butter
• 2g fine salt
• Cake tin (about 30cm diameter and 5cm height)

Steps for preparation:

• Soften the stale bread with the milk.
• Mix the flour together with the cocoa powder and salt.
• Cream the butter with the sugar and egg, then add it to the bread mixture.
• Mix with a rubber spatula and add the flour, then finish with the diced apples.
• Line the cake tin with parchment paper, pour in the mixture, and sprinkle with sugar to form a crunchy crust.
• Bake in a preheated fan oven at 180°C for 40 minutes.
• Allow it to cool, then remove from the tin.