The holiday season calls for gathering with family and friends, and at the heart of the festivities is entertaining. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to enjoy it all without being stuck in the kitchen. But all that goes out the window when unexpected guests call with just thirty minutes’ notice — or worse, show up at your doorstep. If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, don’t despair: Italians always have an arsenal of ingredients on hand for exactly these moments, and I’m going to share a few of my favorites for easy Italian holiday entertaining! These five essential items can transform last-minute gatherings into stress-free, deliciously Italian experiences.
Pandoro
There is a healthy debate among Italians when it comes to deciding between pandoro and panettone. I live by the philosophy that since Christmas only comes once a year, it’s best to have both on hand! That said, pandoro does offer more versatility when it comes to pleasing a crowd. This sweet bread originates from Verona and is delicious on its own, but also serves as the perfect canvas for a number of desserts. In fact, pandoro can be instantly transformed into a Christmas tree cake! To achieve this, simply slice the pandoro horizontally and add whipped cream and berries in between each slice. The final product is a stunning no-bake dessert that will impress your guests. It’s also a great idea to put aside some extra pandoro and panettone as gifts for unannounced guests. Not only will they appreciate the gesture, but they’ll surely enjoy the treat.
Preserved Vegetables
Italian families often keep a healthy inventory of preserved vegetables in their pantries and cantinas. They most commonly come in the form of giardiniera and sott’olio. Most people are familiar with giardiniera, which refers to pickled vegetables that usually include cauliflower, carrots, peppers, onions, and so on. Sott’olio is an Italian term for vegetables that are pickled and then preserved in – or ‘under’ – oil, as the name suggests. These typically include olives, artichokes, eggplants, mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes.
Both giardiniera and vegetables sott’olio are ideal for stress-free entertaining, as they can easily be added to a charcuterie board, salads, pastas, or sandwiches. They also make the perfect pizza topping and can easily act as the base of a quick, homemade dip. For maximum flavor, I recommend stocking up on an assortment of olives like taggiasche, Castelvetrano, and Cerignola – all of which can bring any aperitivo spread to life.
Asti Spumante
No wine is more fitting for the holiday season than Asti Spumante. This sparkling wine is a classic choice in Italian families because it pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Made in Piemonte from the Moscato Bianco grape, Asti Spumante has a lower alcohol content than Prosecco. Its sweetness and acidity cut through the richness of desserts like panettone and pandoro. This effervescent beverage can easily add a touch of luxury to an afternoon spread, serving as an elegant alternative to coffee with desserts. It’s also a great accompaniment to seafood, fresh and semi-aged cheeses, and even some salamis. For the perfect savory appetizer, consider pairing Asti Spumante with anchovy and butter crostini – the juxtaposition of salty and sweet is delicious. If you don’t already stock this for the holidays, be sure to keep it on hand this year!
Anchovies
Anchovies can be a controversial ingredient, but this salty fish packs a flavor punch. For some, the fishy scent can be overwhelming when eaten on its own, but when added to a recipe with intention, it can instantly elevate a dish and add a layer of complexity. When unexpected guests ring the doorbell at dinner hour, consider making pasta burro e alici. Simply cook some dry pasta, and in a separate pan, melt butter and anchovies. Toss in the cooked pasta and top with lemon zest, freshly chopped parsley, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Alternatively, you could prepare a puttanesca sauce with anchovies, capers, olives, tomatoes, and garlic, for a tasty meal. Either option uses simple ingredients, but wouldn’t be the same without the anchovies, thanks to the umami flavor they lend. If you’ve been avoiding anchovies and are looking for easy Italian holiday entertaining idea, give them a try.
Torrone
For most Italians, torrone evokes joyful memories of the Christmas season. Known as nougat in English, this sweet treat is a pantry staple that can elevate any holiday spread. Made with sugar, honey, egg whites, and toasted nuts, this mixture is sandwiched between two thin wafers. Torrone comes in two textures — soft and chewy or crunchy — and is also available in a chocolate version. My tip is to keep both on hand, especially since it doesn’t require refrigeration. These days, it’s easy to find torrone at most supermarkets, but it’s also worth visiting your local Italian bakery and deli for more choice. When last-minute guests arrive, simply slice and serve with coffee alongside any other treats you have ready.
Final Thoughts on Easy Italian Holiday Entertaining
There’s no need to stress about entertaining during the Christmas season, even when unexpected guests prompt an impromptu gathering. With a few simple ingredients in your pantry, you can pull together an Italian celebration in no time. Whether it’s coffee and dessert, aperitivo, or a last-minute dinner, these Italian pantry essentials have you covered for every occasion. So this season, don’t get caught off guard – stock up on these five essentials and entertain like a pro. Buon Natale!
