27 Best Italian Breakfasts For A Great Start To Your Day

What comes to mind when you think about Italy? Beautiful beaches, romantic weather, friendly people, and most importantly, food.

Italian cuisine is among the best in the world, but you don’t have to be in a little café on an Italian street to enjoy it. 

Instead, bring a little slice of this beauty to your breakfast table with these Italian breakfast recipes. One taste, and I promise you’ll be hooked in no time!

Quick Table: Best Italian Breakfast Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Italian Breakfast Casserole	441	40 Minutes
Easy Italian Pear Cake	387	1 Hour
Italian Breakfast Strata	319	1 Hour 20 Minutes
Eggs in Purgatory	115	23 Minutes
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad	157	8 Minutes
Italian Styled Eggs Benedict	485	30 Minutes
Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies	105	25 Minutes
Classic Italian Bundt Cake (ciambella)	365	1 Hour
Tuscan Farmers Breakfast	244	30 Minutes
Cannoli Pancakes	158	30 Minutes
Pasticciotti Italian Cream Filled Pastry	295	56 Minutes
Mascarpone Toast with Burst Tomatoes	437	10 Minutes
Focaccia	377	1 Hour 40 Minutes
Italian Sausage Hash Eggs Benedict with Parmesan Hollandaise Sauce	1042	40 Minutes
Cannoli Muffins	366	45 Minutes
Sicilian Brioche	229	1 Hour
Sicilian Almond Granita	237	4 Hours 15 Minutes
Breakfast Biscotti	173	45 Minutes
Lemon Bread	417	1 Hour
Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda)	663	20 Minutes
Orange Mascarpone Ciambella	285	55 Minutes
Tiramisu Baked Oatmeal	230	35 Minutes
Easy Panettone French Toast Casserole	208	55 Minutes
Sfogliatelle Ricce	271	6 Hours 30 Minutes
Caprese Frittata	321	30 Minutes
Cappuccino	126	4 Minutes

1. Italian Breakfast Casserole

A cheesy breakfast always makes for a happy morning, wouldn’t you agree? Layers of crescent rolls, eggs, salami, and ham bake together to form the most delicious casserole.

A top layer of gooey Italian mozzarella or provolone cheese melts smoothly into the meat, the perfect final touch for this meal.

Salt and pepper to taste and some sauteed bell peppers as garnish flawlessly complement this meal. The attractive mix of red, yellow, and green is breathtaking.

Calories Per Serving: 441

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

2. Easy Italian Pear Cake

If you’ve never had cake for breakfast, you’re missing out! This pear cake is moist and crumbly, a delightful Italian breakfast. With an appealing dark brown coat and pear garnish, it’s like nothing you’ve ever had.

To finish your cake, all you need is a light sugar dusting, and it’s ready to be enjoyed. Moreover, the pear-and-mascarpone filling will leave a satisfying lingering sweetness on your tastebuds.

Calories Per Serving: 387

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

3. Italian Breakfast Strata 

This number’s similar to the previous casserole, but there’s a shockingly delicious extra detail – tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes add their classic sweet-and-sour taste while lending a stunning pop of red to this strata.

You can’t have a casserole without milk to give it creaminess and structure. Need some spice and flavor? A sprinkle of basil will give this casserole the kick you’re looking for. Don’t forget the cheese!

Calories Per Serving: 319

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

4. Eggs in Purgatory 

Instead of a basic PB&J sandwich, why not level up your bread game? Never mind the name; these Eggs in Purgatory are nothing short of heavenly.

Thankfully, you don’t need a lot of ingredients; with tomatoes, cheese, and eggs, you’re ready to roll. 

Everything about this Italian breakfast screams deliciousness; the sharp color contrast between the eggs and the tomato sauce is bliss. But be careful; the aroma from this dish might have you gobbling it up before you can get to your bread!

Calories Per Serving : 115

Preparation Time: 23 Minutes

5. Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

It’s not common, so you’ve probably never tried this, but if you fancy a breakfast salad, prepare to fall head over heels. 

Bright red cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls mixed in a tangy vinegar dressing result in a cool, energy-giving salad.

Even better, this Italian Caprese salad is conveniently versatile, ideal for a light breakfast or dinner, a picnic, or as a side for a heavier meal.

Calories Per Serving: 157

Preparation Time: 8 Minutes

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6. Italian Styled Eggs Benedict 

This recipe presents an Italian take on a popular egg breakfast. The Italian flavors in this dish are practically crying out. We have prosciutto, tomatoes, and pesto, all layered on focaccia, a staple Italian bread.

The eggs are light and attractively fluffy, infused with the juice from sweet tomatoes. Then, sprinkle some parmesan and pepper for additional flavor magic. All of this goodness heaped on crusty but soft focaccia bread, what’s not to love?

Calories Per Serving: 157

Preparation Time: 8 Minutes

7. Traditional Italian Breakfast Cookies 

Having cookies for breakfast sounds so unbelievable and dreamy, and it is! These oblong-shaped Italian breakfast cookies will have you wearing a wide toothy smile all day long; they’re absolute perfection.

In addition to their tastiness, they’re easy to make, and the ingredients are probably in your pantry.

Milk and a tinge of vanilla essence leave a warm, intoxicating taste with each bite of these soft, chewy cookies. Serve with your favorite coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy.

Calories Per Serving: 105

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

8. Classic Italian Bundt Cake 

I know this isn’t the first time you’re seeing a bundt cake recipe; they’re all the rage these days. So, yes, there’s an Italian bundt cake too!

You’ll need a bundt pan for this, but don’t worry; you can easily find one around you. The doughnut-shaped pan makes your cake a bundt cake, not the ingredients.

However, the ingredients here are great, and you could even switch the flavoring if you like. While vanilla is homey, you can try lemon, almond, or even zests of fruits like orange. Don’t shy away from being as adventurous as you want.

Calories Per Serving: 365

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

9. Tuscan Farmers Breakfast

Maybe like many others, you’re not crazy about a bean dish, but this one will blow your mind. Loads of cannellini beans in a hearty, rich tomato sauce are cooked with light, protein-packed eggs. 

Fresh parsley and onions release a fragrant, heady aroma into the dish, and a gremolata sauce coat will have everyone clamoring for a taste.

Start your day with this healthy sauce and pieces of crusty bread, and you’ll never return to anything else.

Calories Per Serving: 244

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

10. Cannoli Pancakes From Scratch 

It’s hard to beat mom or grandma’s cooking, but this recipe will be a winner for that special mother in your life on Mother’s Day. 

Light, fluffy, and with appealing brown streaks, these pancakes will become a constant feature on your breakfast menu. What makes them so different, you might ask? Easy – the luscious cannoli flavors. 

Ricotta cheese, cinnamon, vanilla, and, most importantly, orange zest blended into plain batter result in a delightful pancake spread. Chocolate chips always mean happiness in a meal, so use a good amount of them.

Calories Per Serving: 158

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

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 11. Pasticciotti Italian Cream-Filled Tarts

The sensational pleasure you’ll get when you sink your teeth into these tarts is indescribable. Crusty, flaky dough gives way to a creamy lemon filling that’ll have you oohing with a pleasant surprise.

Vanilla can never steer you wrong, so a few drops in your lemon cream will take it from impressive to jaw-dropping. Yes, these tarts sound like a dessert, but they’d make a whooping breakfast too.

Calories Per Serving: 295

Preparation Time: 56 Minutes

12. Mascarpone Toast With Burst Tomatoes Recipes

By now, you’re probably asking why we keep seeing tomatoes. Italians love tomatoes and sauces, so prepare to get a huge batch. 

Toast is a breakfast favorite for most, but it wouldn’t do to have it with butter alone. Slather your slice with some mascarpone cheese, and burst caramelized tomatoes, then garnish to your taste.

Burst tomatoes are particularly ideal when those juicy ripe tomatoes are scarce. Toss them in a pan until they’re soft and sweet, then enjoy your healthy, gob-smacking meal.

Calories Per Serving: 437

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

13. Focaccia Bread 

Sure, you can get focaccia bread at a store, but remember, homemade is always best. So, why not make yours in your kitchen and to your taste? 

No fancy ingredients are necessary for this bread; get some flour, yeast, and olive oil. Think you’ll end up with bland bread? Absolutely not. Garlic and aromatic herbs topping this bread will provide the savor you need.

Calories Per Serving: 377

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

14. Italian Sausage Hash Eggs Benedict With Parmesan Hollandaise Sauce

If you like a light breakfast, potatoes may not be your go-to, but this recipe will change your mind. Fried potatoes are popular for a reason; they taste delicious.

Toss them in canola oil with some artfully-seasoned Italian sausage, and you’ll have a hit.

Hollandaise sauce is a treat; now imagine this cheesy, creamy version dripping on your eggs benedict. Effortlessly splendid. 

This meal packs a lot of calories, though; keep that in mind.

Calories Per Serving: 1042

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

 15. Cannoli Muffins 

Nothing’s as fun as putting an Italian touch on a rusty recipe. These cannoli muffins do a superb job of making good old muffins taste so much better.

Like the pancakes above, this recipe infuses cannoli flavors into plain regular muffins.

Mix ricotta cheese, orange zest, cinnamon, pistachios, vanilla, and chocolate chips into your batter, and you’ll never make muffins any other way again.

Calories Per Serving: 366

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

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16. Sicilian Brioche (Brioche Col Tuppo) 

Straight from the beautiful island of Sicily, you have this uniquely shaped bread. The trademark smaller bun stacked on a broader, equally round bun will draw attention from miles away to your table.

Honey is one of its ingredients, so this bread is so scrumptious your eyes will pop right out of your head with one bite. You don’t want to miss that attractive glaze, so brush your buns with an egg wash before baking. 

A little icing sugar makes a beautiful coat, but you can leave it out if you’re not crazy about sugar.

Calories Per Serving: 229

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

17. Sicilian Almond Granita 

Coffee and tea are classic breakfast beverages, but sometimes, spice things up with a glass of chilled almond granita. 

Blend some almonds, then mix the ground nuts with sugar and almond milk. Easy peasy! 

You’ll need to make this a little early, though, as it needs freezing. I know you want to dig in immediately, but patience is key!

Calories Per Serving: 237

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 15 Minutes

18. Breakfast Biscotti 

Biscotti is among the most cherished Italian breakfast meals. Double-baked to a crisp, delicious brown, these cookies are simple and rustic but pack a serious punch.

Besides everyday baking ingredients, you’ll need some wheat flour and brown sugar. Vanilla, cinnamon, and orange marry each other perfectly, leaving behind nostalgic hints of your favorite desserts in one go.

Finally, toasted walnuts or pecans and dried fruits give the defining irresistible factor – texture.

Calories Per Serving: 173

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

19. Lemon Bread Recipe

If you’ve got here, then you know Italian bread recipes are always stellar, this one included. Fluffy, velvety smooth, and deliciously tart, this bread will have your tastebuds singing and dancing.

You’ll need mayo or sour cream to make the dough smoother, but try not to overmix. Drape the baked loaf in a lemon-and-milk spread, then garnish with lemon zest. Yum.

Calories Per Serving: 417

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

20. Italian Hot Chocolate (Cioccolata Calda) 

What’s an Italian breakfast recipe list without authentic cioccolata calda? Excellent on Christmas mornings, cold mornings, or whenever you need a pick-me-up, this recipe is the hot chocolate drink you need.

Cornstarch, milk, and heavy cream give that lush, inviting front, while baking chocolate is the secret to its incredible chocolatey taste and aroma.

A hint of vanilla goes in the pan next. Then, top with whipped cream, extra chocolate, or better yet, marshmallows.

Calories Per Serving: 663

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

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21. Orange Mascarpone Ciambella 

There are always many ways to do one thing, which is why bundt cake features a second time. While the first recipe is minimalist and classic, this one has the wow factor. 

Adding mascarpone cheese and beaten egg whites to the batter keeps this cake much more crumbly and moist.

On the other hand, orange juice and a candied orange peel garnish leave a citrusy burst with each bite of cake. Drizzle this orange juice glaze over your cake; you’ll no doubt leave everyone in awe.

Calories Per Serving: 285

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

22. Tiramisu Baked Oatmeal 

Porridge is in the past; this tiramisu-baked oatmeal is the new in-thing. Though this recipe isn’t authentically Italian, infusing a traditional Italian dessert into a family-friendly breakfast is a blast.

Mix applesauce, maple syrup, cocoa powder, milk, and espresso in your baking dish, then add the oats before chucking the mix into the oven. Don’t forget the king of baking flavors – classic vanilla.

Spread the cream cheese and yogurt topping over it, and serve.

Calories Per Serving: 230

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

23. Easy Panettone French Toast Casserole 

What would we do without casseroles? They’re yummy, comforting, and so easy to make. Combine your panettone cubes, milk, sugar, eggs, and syrup in a bowl, then slather the decadent crumb topping over it.

The aroma of this casserole is so heady you’ll dive head-first into it. But wait, a drizzle of extra maple syrup will take it to new heights!

Calories Per Serving: 208

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

24. Easy Cannoli Recipe

We’ve discussed cannoli-inspired recipes. Now, it’s time to make some actual cannolis.

Creamy, sinful filling wrapped in crusty cannoli shells will be the highlight of your day. Blend dry ricotta cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and heavy cream, then pipe into your cannoli shells.

Top it all off with chocolate chips. Meanwhile, make sure you drain your cheese completely for maximum results.

Calories Per Serving: 279

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

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25. Sfogliatelle Ricce 

Next up, we have the bougie Italian breakfast pastries. Honeyed semolina-flour crust melts to reveal a cheesy, filling with a vibrant citrus taste.

Like many Italian breakfast meals, ricotta cheese is pretty prominent in this filling. Vanilla and cinnamon never fail to complement each other in flavor, but coupled with orange, the blend is divine. 

You always want your pastries to have a signature shine, so brush each sfogliatelle with butter and lard. Finally, finish off with a sprinkling of sugar, and your job’s done!

Calories Per Serving: 271

Preparation Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes

26. Caprese Frittata

Don’t fancy the salad? Not a problem; turn it into a frittata!

Saute the tomatoes along with some spinach and onions, then add the mozzarella balls and parmesan cheese.

To make the frittata, pour a deliciously seasoned egg-and-milk mixture. Bake till it’s cooked, then garnish with some fresh herbs and enjoy!

Calories Per Serving: 321

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

27. Cappuccino

Last but far from least, say hello to cappuccinos. This one’s no stranger to you; everyone has had a cappuccino. But this recipe shows you how to make great creamy cappuccinos without a machine!

You know your ingredients – whole milk and any coffee of your choice (preferably espresso). Also, you can add any flavors you like; be as creative as possible. Paired with any of the delicious pastries above, you’ll have the best breakfast.

Calories Per Serving: 126

Preparation Time: 4 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Typical Italian Breakfast?

Italians like to keep breakfast light, simple, and sweet. For a typical Italian breakfast, you’d have a cappuccino or hot chocolate, bread with spreads like butter, cheese, or jam, and any sweet pastries or biscuits.

Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more common breakfast meals are rarer in Italy. Additionally, there’ll always be loads of fresh fruits.

At What Time Do Italians Eat Breakfast?

Like many other parts of the world, Italians eat breakfast between 7:00 am and 10:30 am. Though it’s usually made at home, many Italians frequent their favorite café for breakfast.

Moreover, it’s not exactly proper to drink cappuccinos after 11 am in Italy. So, no matter how much you love this coffee, try not to order one in the afternoon to avoid getting looks.

Is Italian Breakfast Healthy?

Although a typical Italian breakfast is on the sweet side, Italians eat small portions in the morning to stay healthy. Sugar isn’t the best, but, like the Italians, keep your intake under control.

On the other hand, lunch and dinner would have lots of fruits, legumes, vegetables, and healthy grains (not just pasta). These combine with portion control to keep them fit and strong.