6 Savory Treats To Try At An Italian Bakery

Italian bakeries are treasure troves of delicious treats to indulge in. While they're famous for their sweet offerings like cannoli and tiramisu, Italian bakeries are also known for their savory offerings that are just as delicious and satisfying. Here's a closer look at six savory treats to try at your local Italian bakery.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia is a versatile bread you can eat as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to your favorite pasta dish. Focaccia bread is soft, airy, and has a crispy crust, usually seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. At an Italian bakery, you can find different variations of focaccia that are topped with tomatoes, olives, onions, or cheese.

Calzone

Calzone can best be described as a folded pizza filled with various toppings such as tomato sauce, cheese, meat, and vegetables. It's a hearty dish for one that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Calzone is usually baked until golden brown, and its filling is piping hot and oozing with flavor. At an Italian bakery, you can find calzones with different fillings like spinach and ricotta, sausage and peppers, or ham and mushrooms.

Stromboli

While a stromboli is similar to a calzone in terms of fillings, there are a few key differences. Stromboli dough is rolled into a rectangle, loaded with fillings, and rolled up into a cylindrical shape. Additionally, it is meant to be sliced and shared with multiple people after baking. At an Italian bakery, you can find stromboli with pepperoni, prosciutto, sausage, mozzarella cheese, and roasted peppers.

Sfogliatella

Sfogliatella is a classic pastry made with layers of delicate dough that resemble a seashell. It's usually filled with a mixture of sweet ricotta cheese and candied orange peel. However, at an Italian bakery, you can find savory variations filled with cheese, spinach, or ham for a savory twist on a classic.

Arancini

Arancini is a Sicilian specialty made with deep-fried balls of rice stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Arancini is a filling and tasty snack perfect for a quick bite on the go. At an Italian bakery, you can find arancini made with various fillings, including minced meat, mushrooms, peas, or spinach and cheese.

Pizzette

You can't talk about savory Italian treats without mentioning pizza. At an Italian bakery, you will likely find a pizzette, a small, individual-sized pizza perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer. Like a pizza, a pizzette is topped with tomato sauce and cheese, then a variety of toppings. Pizzettes are usually served warm and fresh out of the oven but can be reheated at home.

Italian bakeries may be known for their sweets, but the next time you visit one, don't forget to check out their savory offerings.