Impress Your Guests with These Italian Dishes

Italian dishes are a popular go-to for both an easy and delicious meal whenever hosting guests. When thinking of Italian dishes, many people’s minds jump immediately to pasta and pizza, which are classics, but they aren’t necessarily impressive. Italy has many flavors and dishes that are often forgotten, even though they are delicious and bound to be a hit at any social gathering. Whether you’re serving a fancy dinner party or a casual luncheon, these dishes are sure to awe your guests. Here’s our list of five Italian dishes that you can make to impress your guests.

Stuffed mushrooms

This healthy starter has many different earthy varieties to try. For your first attempt at the savory snack, try cooking diced Poblano peppers with turkey sausage and goat cheese. After removing the stems from Portobello mushrooms, fill the caps with the stuffing mixture. Season with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast the dish in the oven. Voalá, you’ve made an easy, but impressive hors d’oeuvre for your Italian meal. 

Zucchini bruschetta

Bruschetta is a light and crisp side dish or appetizer that goes perfectly with any Italian dish. The fresh tomatoes in it make it very popular in Italy, and it will be at your gathering as well. Simply stack tomato slices on bread rounds, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and olive oil, bake, and then top with fresh basil. For a twist on a classic, you can replace the bread with zucchini slices to make the dish even more fresh. Less is more with this dish that not only looks and sounds fancy, but also tastes delicious.

Caprese salad

Caprese salad is a colorful and bright dish that is sure to make your guests’ eyes light up. The veggies make a fun and vibrant display that is both inviting and savory. Start by slicing a tomato, then layer a mozzarella cheese sliver and a fresh basil leaf on top. Drizzle it with a balsamic glaze and olive oil, and then finish it with salt and pepper. The tomato slices also create an easy serving size for each guest to eat. This dish is a simple way to get the feeling of a 5-star restaurant in your own home.

Tuscan chicken

A main dish that you don’t see served everywhere that is worthy of admiration is Tuscan chicken. This can be served either alone or with pasta for a more filling meal. Season a few chicken breasts with salt and pepper and brown them in a skillet. In a bowl, mix alfredo sauce, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Mix together and finish cooking the chicken, adding in spinach for the last 5 minutes. Just like that, it’s done and ready to serve to your guests. The creamy sauce is excellent with pasta or by itself, with a deep flavor in every bite.

Bomboloni

Bomboloni are similar to donuts, but filled with a cream that tastes sweet and light. They may feel heavy, but they taste airy and sweet. After mixing flour, sugar, and yeast, add cubes of butter with eggs and lukewarm milk. Include some vanilla and salt, then you’re ready to knead the dough. After making it into a smooth ball and allowing it to rise, use a cookie cutter to make rounds which will then rise again. After frying and cooling the dough, use a small knife to make a hole, and then fill the dough with pastry cream. You can also fill them with caramel cream, chocolate spread, or jam for a variety of flavors. This delicious Italian pastry is the perfect way to end any night.

Buon appetito

Your guests are sure to love any of these authentic Italian dishes. Many of these courses can even be cooked quickly and easily, saving you the time and energy you need to enjoy your night. Trying something new is always a fun experience with friends and family, and these are fail-safe meals that will impress even your Nonna. 

Interested in eating Italian-inspired dishes at the Albert? Book a reservation here.