What's Cookin' Italian Style Cuisine

Simple Eggs Benedict Brunch

2026-04-16T06:18:00.063-04:00

Eggs Benedict is the ultimate elegant breakfast or brunch, rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen.

This version takes the classic to the next level with layers of savory ham and fresh sautéed spinach beneath perfectly poached eggs, all topped with a silky smooth, buttery hollandaise sauce.

Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that are impressive and delicious.

With a few simple shortcuts and easy techniques, you’ll have an elegant meal to serve anytime of the day.

This Eggs Benedict with ham and spinach is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance; however, you can certainly mix and match other vegetables and meats to your preferred taste buds.

It looks impressive, tastes better than amazing, and any Benedict lover will love this.

4 Easy Pot Pie Recipes

2026-04-13T08:31:00.000-04:00

Delicious pot pies are an all-in-one pan, hearty meal. Here are 4 easy fillings for pot pies made quickly and easily.

The fillings are easy to find, simple ingredients that you can keep on hand and busy for busy lifestyles and schedules.

All recipes can be adapted to taste with vegetables and crust toppings. Choose from refrigerated biscuits, pie crusts, or phyllo dough.

This pot pie is so easy that the kids can help make it.

You can even buy all the ingredients and assemble before leaving the house, and just pop it in the oven when you get home.

Hearty meals in minutes can be the best addition to all your recipe collections for a busy weeknight schedule.

Easy Funnel Cakes

2026-04-10T09:16:00.003-04:00

Funnel cakes are fun to make with the kids and also fun to eat!

If you have ever gone to a fun festival, there are sure to be funnel cakes frying somewhere to buy on the premises.

The smell of freshly fried dough drifting through the air brings that comforting feeling with a fun atmosphere.

Funnel cakes are a popular Southern fair treat made by pouring a simple batter through a funnel (or squeeze bottle) into hot oil, creating a lacy, crispy web of golden goodness.

Once fried to perfection, they’re dusted generously with powdered sugar and then can be topped with any favorites, from fresh fruits to drizzles of honey.

But here’s the best part: you don’t have to wait for the fair to enjoy them.

Making funnel cakes at home is surprisingly easy and incredibly fun. Watching the batter swirl into those signature shapes feels a little like edible art, and the results are always deliciously rewarding.

Here in the Southern part of America, these are popular at feasts, outdoor farmer's markets, and other social concert events.

Mom's Italian Style Potatoes

2026-04-09T05:57:00.002-04:00

Mom made the best Italian potato wedges on the planet back when I was a child, and I continue to make her recipe in her memory. These really are the best ever!

There is a combination of dried herbs or fresh, seasonings, then coated in oil and ending with a crunchy topping before baking

These are fabulous, plain or dressed up with your favorite condiments, they truly are the best potato side dish with anything you serve them with!

Check out our homemade seasoning mixes to enhance any foods for flavor, or our seasoning salt assortment seasoning salts!

Just follow our simple directions below to get started, and hit print on the recipe card all the ads will go away.

Easter Rustica Stuffed Pizza Dough

2026-04-01T08:11:00.000-04:00

Easter Pizza Rustica is that popular pie, all inside Pizza Dough, with everything the Classic Easter Pie has in it, just stuffed inside pizza dough instead of a savory crust.

Cooked meats, ricotta cheese, eggs, and a variety of cheeses are all stuffed inside and are very similar to the popular Italian Stromboli
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If you were looking on how to make Pizza Rustica Pie for Easter, you may want to also try this delicious stuffed pizza roll with the same ingredients it's an easier alternative, just fill and roll up!

Scroll down to our printable recipe card below for all the ingredients and directions to make this Pizza Rustica Stuffed Pizza Dough.

Hot Cross Buns

2026-03-29T08:16:00.002-04:00

These Hot Cross Buns have been an Easter morning breakfast tradition in our Catholic household for many years.

Fluffy raised buns with raisins, and the aroma of spices baking makes these a favorite breakfast treat that Mom and Grandma made growing up.

As these baked in the oven, I could hardly wait for them to be completed baking and cooled then. finished with the icing of a cross before we were allowed to eat them.

Years ago, as a child, I watched Grandma intently step-by-step making these hot cross buns, and now make them in her memory.

You may also like to try our other yeast-risen recipes, Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe or Amaretto Pannetone, which are just two more of my delicious homemade breakfast treats Grandma would make.

Check out our easy step, a wonderful tradition awaits you with our easy Easter roll recipe and tips.

Scroll to the bottom, hit print, and the ads will disappear.

Duchess Potatoes

2026-03-24T05:44:00.016-04:00

This potato side dish is both elegant and buttery delicious. Duchess Potatoes are a great choice.

These potatoes require using a piping bag with seasoned mashed potatoes swirled into mounds that are baked until golden brown.

The results are light, fluffy, and creamy mashed potatoes that taste like royalty.

Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or having a holiday dinner, these flavorful, classic French-inspired potatoes will receive many compliments.

Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, egg yolks, and cream, Duchess Potatoes deliver rich flavor and a stunning presentation.

They pair perfectly with everything from roasted meats to seafood and can be customized with your favorite herbs, cheeses, and seasonings.

Check out my other Best Potato Recipes

Prosciutto Asparagus Spirals

2026-03-23T09:19:00.000-04:00

Whether it’s a dinner party, holiday, or wanting to snack on a delicious finger food, these Prosciutto Asparagus Spirals are an elegant yet effortless appetizers will be the perfect solution.

This appetizer always impresses, with the additions of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus paired with buttery puff pastry, a winning combination.

These savory bites deliver crisp-tender asparagus, salty cured meat, and flaky golden pastry, making them ideal for holidays, brunches, or last-minute entertaining.

The variety of fillings and shapes is so versatile that it adapts beautifully to your taste and occasion.

If you're looking for a great assortment of appetizers to make, try our 30 Appetizers and Side Dishes.

There's something for everyone there!

Garlic and Oil Shrimp Linguine

2026-03-16T14:48:00.009-04:00

If you love simplicity in meals, this flavorful pasta dishes that come together quickly, with Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Oil over Linguine, is a recipe you'll make again and again.

Inspired by classic Italian seafood pasta, this dish combines tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, rich olive oil, and perfectly cooked linguine for a meal that tastes like it came straight from a seaside trattoria..

Serve this with a side of your favorite coconut-style rice (which is our favorite recipe with this dish), butter pasta, and it's a seafood lover's dream dish.

We love all kinds of seafood. You may also like our Christmas Eve as part of the 7 Fishes, which are family traditional foods during the holiday!

We really love this dish over our Almondine Rice Marsala, the perfect nutty flavored rice for this garlicky buttery shrimp.

Scroll down to get this easily printable recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Old Fashioned Irish Soda Bread

2026-03-12T11:32:00.014-04:00

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm loaf of homemade Irish soda bread fresh from the oven.

This traditional quick bread has been a beloved staple for generations, known for its rustic texture, rich flavor, and wonderfully simple preparation.

Unlike yeast breads, Irish soda bread relies on baking soda and buttermilk to create its tender crumb, making it one of the easiest breads you can bake at home.

This version is slightly sweet and generously filled with plump raisins, giving every slice a delightful burst of flavor.

The addition of sour cream keeps the bread incredibly moist, while the buttermilk provides the classic tangy taste that makes Irish soda bread so special.

A touch of caraway seeds adds a traditional old-world flavor many families love, but they can easily be omitted if you prefer a milder loaf like we do.

Whether you’re baking it to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, serving it with breakfast, or enjoying a warm slice with afternoon coffee, this homemade Irish soda bread is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style.

Best of all, there’s no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise, and no complicated steps—just mix, shape, and bake.

Old Fashioned Focaccia

2026-03-09T17:41:00.008-04:00

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of old-fashioned rosemary and garlic focaccia baking in the oven.

This classic Italian flatbread is known for its golden crisp edges, fluffy interior, and signature dimples filled with fragrant olive oil, fresh rosemary, and roasted garlic.

Made with simple pantry staples, traditional focaccia dough is slow-risen to develop incredible flavor and that soft, airy texture that makes every bite irresistible.

This authentic rosemary garlic focaccia recipe is inspired by traditional Italian bakery methods, where quality olive oil, fresh herbs, and patience create the perfect bread.

Whether served as an appetizer, sandwich bread, or alongside pasta, soups, or salads, focaccia is one of the most versatile breads you can make at home.

If you love homemade bread that’s rustic, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, this old-fashioned focaccia dough will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

With its crispy olive-oil crust, tender crumb, and savory rosemary garlic topping, it’s the kind of timeless recipe that never goes out of style.

Simple Strawberry Mousse

2026-03-04T11:21:00.002-05:00

If you’re looking for a light, luscious dessert that tastes like summer in every bite, this Easy Strawberry Whipped Mousse is the answer.

Made with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, this simple no-bake treat comes together in minutes and feels elegant enough for guests, yet easy enough for a weeknight indulgence.

This mousse is silky smooth, perfectly sweet, and bursting with real strawberry flavor.

We also have a recipe for Napoleans filled with this delicious mousse in our recipe card below for a fancy, delicious dessert!

This fluffy fruit kind of dessert is so fast and easy; however, piled high in fancy glassware looks like you took hours to prepare, and that’s always a win when hosting a dinner party!

Mom's Italian Sausage Patties

2026-03-01T08:47:00.002-05:00

When I was growing up, my mom had her own little delicatessen in Utica, New York, where she made the best Homemade Italian Sausage Patties.

There’s something incredibly special about recipes that have stood the test of time — especially when they come from Mom’s kitchen

This baked sausage patty recipe has been in our family for over 100 years, passed down through generations, and made in every shape imaginable.

From classic round Italian patties to hearty sausage logs and even hand-formed rustic shapes, this recipe has always been as versatile as it is delicious.

Unlike store-bought sausage, this homemade version is full of rich, savory flavor and simple ingredients you can trust.

Baking makes it easy, less messy than stovetop frying, and perfect for making large batches however, you can also fry or air fry them.

Whether you use it shaped into patties, formed into logs, or left loose for crumbles, this old-fashioned sausage recipe is pure comfort food with history in every bite.

We sometimes even add potatoes to this sausage patty meal, and leftover patties are great, adding a Traditional Italian Sunday Tomato Sauce.

Mom also had a hand-cranked manual machine to make sausage links, patties, skewers, and even keep some loose for her homemade sausage rolls!

For this super-easy sausage patty recipe, just scroll to the end of this post, past all the photos, to print this off.

Baked Meatball Submarine

2026-02-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, saucy sandwich that tastes like it came straight from an Italian deli, this Baked Meatball Submarine Sandwich is exactly what you need.

Juicy homemade baked meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, tucked inside toasted Italian bread, and topped with bubbly melted mozzarella — this is the ultimate comfort food sandwich.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning game day food, or just want an easy Italian dinner recipe, this classic meatball sub delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

Baking the meatballs keeps them tender and flavorful while making prep easy and less messy than frying but of course if you prefer frying by all means fry them or air fry them.

You can add these to a slow cooker with marinara sauce and keep them warm.

This Baked Meatball Submarine Sandwich is everything you want in a hot Italian sandwich — hearty, saucy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

The homemade baked meatballs are tender and flavorful, the sauce is rich and comforting, and that melty mozzarella pulls it all together.

Once you make these at home, you may never order a meatball sub out again!.

Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas

2026-02-24T10:03:00.000-05:00

If you love the comforting flavors of melted sharp cheddar, a little topping that's saucy, this hearty Mexican-inspired dish, these Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas are a must-try for you!

This casserole-style meal is certainly a crowd-pleaser with layers of tender shredded chicken, black beans, and loaded with melty cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in rich homemade enchilada sauce.

Whether you’re making dinner for family, a potluck for friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a total winner, bursting with flavors.

Black beans, jasmine rice, and spiced-up boneless chicken breasts all rolled up, topped with a heavenly enchilada sauce, and the best part, they freeze well and taste even better the next day.

This recipe, along with my roundup of Cinco De Mayo Recipes, is perfect for a Mexican American Celebration!

Just scroll down to this easily printable recipe card!

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

2026-02-23T10:21:00.003-05:00

If you love the nostalgic flavor of classic cereal bars but want something even more irresistible, these old-fashioned peanut butter Rice Krispie treats are for you.

They’re rich, buttery, perfectly sweet, and loaded with creamy peanut butter flavor in every bite.

Best of all? They stay soft and chewy, never rock hard!

Baked Pork Chop Marsala

2026-02-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

If you love rich, savory sauces and tender, juicy pork, this Pork Chop Marsala is about to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Inspired by the classic Italian-American dish Chicken Marsala, this version swaps chicken for beautifully seared pork chops and simmers them in a silky Marsala wine mushroom sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or pasta.

This dish feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, super fast, and easy to make with just a few ingredients.

We also have omitted the mushrooms from time to time for those not a fan, so don't be afraid to adapt this recipe; it's truly versatile

If you are big fans of pork like we are, you may also like to try our Pork Lombardy and Best Boston Butt Pork Roast, both fabulous pork meals.

The Ultimate Lamb Marinade

2026-02-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

This lamb marinade turns a beautiful cut of meat into a show-stopping meal that tastes as if it came from a fine dining 5-star Mediterranean restaurant, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants make lamb taste so incredibly tender, aromatic, and unforgettable, the secret is almost always in the marinade.

A great lamb marinade doesn’t overpower the meat; it enhances its natural richness while adding layers of bold, fresh flavor.

This perfectly balanced lamb marinade combines garlic, fresh herbs, bright citrus, and rich olive oil to tenderize the meat while infusing it with savory depth.

Whether you’re grilling chops, roasting a leg, or searing lamb loin, this marinade guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time.

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Pull Apart Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

2026-02-15T13:56:00.001-05:00

If you love classic pizza but want something more fun, pull-apart pepperoni pizza rolls are about to become your new favorite recipe.

These golden, buttery, cheese-filled rolls are baked together in one pan, creating a soft, fluffy, tear-and-share masterpiece that’s perfect for game day, family movie night, or casual entertaining.

Each bite is packed with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce—all wrapped in tender dough topped with even more melted cheese.

They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Think pizza meets monkey bread… and yes, they’re just as irresistible as they sound!

Baked Black Cod with Lemon, White Wine & Fresh Herbs

2026-02-08T06:02:00.005-05:00

Black Cod is the kind of fish you usually find on upscale restaurant menus-buttery, silky, and luxuriously tender, with a flavor similar to Chilean sea bass.

Baked with fresh lemon, fragrant herbs, garlic, and a splash of white wine, it becomes bright, delicate, and incredibly elegant without being complicated.

The best part? This gourmet-style dish is surprisingly easy to make at home.

With just a few fresh ingredients, you can recreate that fine-dining experience, without the high price tag for a meal that feels refined, impressive, and effortlessly delicious.

Meatloaf Meatball Appetizers

2026-01-26T08:50:00.008-05:00

If you love old-fashioned meatloaf, these Meatloaf Meatballs are about to become a new family favorite, and so easy, plus perfect for snacking on and portable.

They're savory flavors of traditional meatloaf, however, perfectly portioned, tender meatballs that cook faster and are easier to serve.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, meatloaf meatballs are a delicious, versatile solution.

Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, tucked into hoagie rolls for meatball sandwiches, or glazed with ketchup or barbecue sauce for an irresistible bite-sized dinner.

They’re simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Pack these in lunches for a quick snack in between meals, perfect for smashing in hard rolls with condiments or taking on a picnic!

Italian- American Restaurant Copycat Bread

2026-01-16T12:37:00.016-05:00

Warm, soft, and brushed with buttery goodness, this Italian American restaurant chain has a delicious style of bread that is the kind of loaf everyone reaches for first at the table.

If you’ve ever wished you could recreate that famous dipping oil bread served at popular restaurants, this homemade version delivers the same irresistible texture and flavor, without leaving your kitchen.

Very different from Authentic Italian Bread my Grandmother made with basic, simple pantry ingredients.
This Italian American is made with flour, yeast, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. This bread is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. It is moist inside and crusty on the outside.

The dough comes together quickly, rises beautifully, and bakes into a tender, fluffy loaf with a lightly golden crust, and served and is often served with Italian dipping oil and herbs.

Whether served with pasta, soups, or enjoyed warm with butter, this classic Italian table bread tastes just like the kind you’d expect from your favorite Italian dining experience.

Easy Zucchini Squares with Baking Mix

2026-01-13T12:57:00.015-05:00

These easy zucchini squares made with baking mix are the perfect way to turn simple pantry staples into flavorful, savory little bites the whole family will love.

Made with shredded zucchini, eggs, and baking mix, this versatile recipe comes together quickly and bakes into tender, sliceable squares similar to quiche or savory breakfast bars.

Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish, a light lunch, or a grab-and-go breakfast, these zucchini squares are endlessly customizable with cheeses, vegetables, and meats of your choice.

This recipe is especially popular during zucchini season when gardens are overflowing, but it’s easy enough to make year-round.

Using any baking mix keeps preparation effortless while still delivering a light, structured texture that holds together beautifully.

From brunch tables to lunchboxes, these savory zucchini squares are a reliable, crowd-pleasing favorite appetizer.

If you love zucchini, you may also like our Easy Baked Zucchini Lasagna or Zucchini Rollatini, both are delicious casseroles to try!

Chocolate Cowboy Cake Mix Cookies

2026-01-08T09:32:00.005-05:00

These Chocolate Cowboy Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and easy twist on the original cowboy cookies that everyone loves.

Traditionally, cowboy cookies are loaded with coconut, nuts, oats, and chocolate chips and go by many names, IE, Laura Bush cookies and the Everything Cookie, depending on where you’re from.

This version keeps all those classic, hearty mix-ins but starts with a chocolate cake mix, making them extra rich, chocolatey, and unbelievably easy to make.

No complicated steps, no chilling the dough, just mix, scoop, drop, and bake!

Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, holidays, or when you need a quick dessert with big flavor, these cookies are soft, chewy, and customizable to whatever you have on hand.

If you are a cookie jar cookie lover, do try my family's Original Cowboy AKA Everything Cookies, Chocolate Chip Shortbread recipe, Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe, and oatmeal cookies!

Chocolate Chip Instant Pudding Cookies

2026-01-03T06:18:00.002-05:00

If you're a lover of the most popular cookie on the planet, classic chocolate chip cookies, but sometimes crave a little softer style cookie, this recipe is the perfect twist on the original.

Adding instant pudding mix to the cookie dough creates a tender, moist texture that stays soft for days.

These cookies bake up thick, chewy, and full of flavor, making them a fun and easy way to even change flavors using a variety of ingredients to create endless variations using the same simple base recipe.

If you are a cookie jar cookie lover, do try my family's Everything Cookies, Chocolate Chip Shortbread recipe, Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe, and oatmeal cookies!