Italian Catering: What Are the Nation's Most Popular Italian Meals?

If we mentioned cibreo and pajata, you probably wouldn't know that we were discussing Italian dishes. But mention pizza and pasta and you perk right up.

Today we'll be looking at the most popular Italian catering meals in the United States. This will help you plan your menu for your Italian-themed extravaganza! Let's dig in.

Italian Cuisine in America

Italian cuisine has long been a popular choice for American caterers. It's one of the most requested catering styles and there are many reasons for this.

Italian food is flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare in large quantities. Plus, who doesn't love a good slice of pizza or a bowl of hearty pasta?

Pizza

Pizza is hands-down one of the most popular catering items ordered in the United States – and for good reason!

This classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser. You can go traditional with pepperoni and cheese. You can also get creative with unique toppings like BBQ chicken or sun-dried tomatoes.

Though seemingly a recent culinary innovation, pizza has ancient origins. The word "pizza" first appears in a Latin text from the central Italian town of Gaeta in 997 AD.

Early pizzas were very different from the pies we know today. These pizzas were more like flatbreads. It wasn't until the 16th century that tomato sauce became a part of the dish.

In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants began bringing pizza to America. Today, pizza is one of America's favorite foods, with Americans eating an estimated 100 acres of pizza each day.

There's a pizza shop in every town, and you can even find frozen pizzas in your grocery store's freezer aisle.

When it comes to catering, pizza is always a good choice. It's an affordable option that will please everyone at your event - from the kids to the adults. Our mobile-wood fired pizza oven is a favorite for authentic Italian pizzas at any event.

Pasta

While there is much delicious Italian food to choose from, pasta remains a favorite among Americans. Pasta is a versatile food making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fancier dish to serve at a dinner party, pasta is always a good choice.

Best of all, pasta is inexpensive and easy to find, making it the perfect food for feeding a large crowd.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that is simple to make and oh-so-delicious. The sauce is made with cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, and it's tossed with cooked fettuccine noodles.

You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for extra protein, or keep it vegetarian. Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect comfort food for a cool night in, or you can serve it as an impressive main course for dinner guests.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? This feels like a warm hug in a bowl – and what’s not to love about that? In America, one of the most popular Italian meals is spaghetti and meatballs.

This dish is usually made with:

• Ground beef or pork
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Salt

After cooking the meatballs in tomato sauce, it is then served over tender spaghetti pasta. While this dish is popular in the United States, it is not a traditional Italian meal.

In Italy, meatballs are a second course or an appetizer. They are also often made with ground veal or chicken, and they do not always include bread crumbs.

Nonetheless, Americans have embraced spaghetti and meatballs as a classic Italian dish, and it has become a staple in many homes across the country.

Spaghetti Bolognese

For many people, spaghetti Bolognese is the ultimate Italian comfort food. Originating in Italy, this hearty dish features a rich tomato sauce with ground beef, pork, and veal. The sauce is served over a bed of spaghetti, and it is garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

While it may take some time to prepare, spaghetti Bolognese is well worth the effort. The combination of flavorful ingredients makes for a truly satisfying meal. Not to mention, this dish reheats well, so you can enjoy it for days after you make it.

Whether you're feeding a family or looking for a cozy meal for two, spaghetti Bolognese is sure to please.

Veal Parmesan

Veal Parmesan is a popular Italian dish made with breaded veal cutlets and tomato sauce. It is served over spaghetti or other pasta.

Veal Parmesan originated in the city of Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The dish got its name from the city, as well as the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese that is often used in the sauce.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken breasts covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

It is believed to have originated in the southern Italian city of Naples, but the exact origins are unclear. Today, Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish in both Italy and the United States.

In America, it is often served as a main course, while in Italy it is often served as a side dish.

While the dish is made with either white or dark-meat chicken, most recipes call for breast meat. The chicken is dredged in flour or breadcrumbs before being pan-fried or baked. Once cooked, it is then covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese and served hot.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a popular Italian dish made with layers of pasta, meat, and cheese. The word "lasagna" comes from the Greek word for chamber or room, which is fitting because this dish is baked in a pan.

Lasagna can use a variety of different meats, but the most popular version is beef lasagna. Lasagna is one of the most popular Italian dishes in America. It is an Italian dish that has been gradually changed to better please the American palate.

The dish consists of layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, all covered in a rich tomato sauce. While traditional lasagna uses ground beef, many American recipes call for sausage or even chicken. The cheese is also often changed to suit American preferences, with mozzarella becoming the most common variety.

Despite these changes, lasagna remains a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for comfort food to warm you up on a cold day, lasagna is sure to hit the spot.

Italian Catering With Bellaroma

From pizza to classic pasta dishes to more unique options, Italian catering has something for everyone. If you’re looking for an amazing catered meal for your next event, look no further than Bellaroma!

Contact us today to learn more about our catering services. On our website, you'll learn more about our Italian catering services and see examples of some of our most popular menus.

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