{"id":1699,"date":"2011-11-25T19:19:15","date_gmt":"2011-11-25T19:19:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=1699"},"modified":"2025-10-16T10:43:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T09:43:04","slug":"italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy","title":{"rendered":"Panettone to Pangiallo: Your Guide to 6 Iconic Italian Christmas Breads"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Italian Christmas breads like <em>panettone, pandoro, and panforte<\/em> are iconic holiday treats rich in festive tradition. Their names &#8211;\u00a0 which all include the word <i>\u201cpane\u201d <\/i>or \u201c<i>pan,\u201d <\/i>would make you think you think they&#8217;re all breads.\u00a0But guess again!<\/p>\n<p>These tasty Christmas treats aren&#8217;t all <i>really <\/i>breads. You might be wondering how these breads differ. Keep reading to learn their origins, how they\u2019re made, and what makes them unique.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20981\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20981\" class=\"wp-image-20981 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/1st-paragraph-.jpg\" alt=\"wrapped Italian Christmas breads at an Italian market. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/1st-paragraph-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/1st-paragraph--768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20981\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Check out the local market to pick up one of these traditional Italian Christmas breads. Photo credit: Gabriella Clare Marino<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Must-Try_Italian_Christmas_bread\" >Must-Try Italian Christmas bread<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Pandoro_The_Golden_Star_of_Italian_Christmas\" >Pandoro: The Golden Star of Italian Christmas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Pandolce_Genoas_Favorite_Christmas_Bread\" >Pandolce: Genoa\u2019s Favorite Christmas Bread<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Panforte_Sienas_Spiced_Christmas_Treat\" >Panforte: Siena\u2019s Spiced Christmas Treat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Panpepato_The_Peppery_Bread_of_Italian_Christmas\" >Panpepato: The Peppery Bread of Italian Christmas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Panettone_Italys_Iconic_Christmas_Cake\" >Panettone: Italy\u2019s Iconic Christmas Cake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Pangiallo_Romes_Golden_Christmas_Bread\" >Pangiallo: Rome\u2019s Golden Christmas Bread<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#FAQ_%E2%80%93_Italian_Christmas_bread\" >FAQ &#8211;\u00a0Italian Christmas bread<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Are_Christmas_breads_like_panettone_allowed_in_carry-on_or_checked_luggage\" >Are Christmas breads like panettone allowed in carry-on or checked luggage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Where_can_I_buy_authentic_Italian_Christmas_bread\" >Where can I buy authentic Italian Christmas bread?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#How_should_I_serve_Italian_Christmas_bread\" >How should I serve Italian Christmas bread?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#Can_you_make_Italian_Christmas_bread_at_home\" >Can you make Italian Christmas bread at home?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#How_much_do_Italys_main_Christmas_breads_cost\" >How much do Italy\u2019s main Christmas breads cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\/#What_other_Italian_Christmas_foods_are_traditionally_eaten\" >What other Italian Christmas foods are traditionally eaten?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Must-Try_Italian_Christmas_bread\"><\/span><b>Must-Try Italian Christmas bread<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pandoro_The_Golden_Star_of_Italian_Christmas\"><\/span>Pandoro: The Golden Star of Italian Christmas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This sweet Christmas bread from Verona is star-shaped and dusted with powdered sugar (some say to make it look like the nearby mountains).<\/p>\n<p>The name<em> pan d\u2019oro<\/em> means \u201cbread of gold,\u201d. And since white bread cost a lot in the Middle Ages and was consumed only by the wealthy, that\u2019s exactly what this would have seemed like to the Veronese families who pinched pennies to enjoy this treat once a year. Today, you\u2019ll sometimes see a hole cut in <em>pandoro<\/em> and filled with chantilly cream or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/best-gelato-in-italy-florence-rome-milan\">gelato<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20985\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20985\" class=\"wp-image-20985 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pandoro.jpg\" alt=\"freshly dusted pandoro with powdered sugar. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"1619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pandoro.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pandoro-768x1036.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pandoro-1138x1536.jpg 1138w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20985\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The dusted vanilla-scented icing on Pandoro resembles the snowy peaks of the Italian Alps. Photo credit: N i c o l a<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pandolce_Genoas_Favorite_Christmas_Bread\"><\/span>Pandolce: Genoa\u2019s Favorite Christmas Bread<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Meaning \u201csweet bread,\u201d <i>pandolce <\/i>is the variety from Genova. Legend has it that the famed 16th-century Doge of Genova, Andrea Doria, invited Genovese chefs to submit recipes for a food that would represent the Republic\u2019s wealth &#8211; as well as be nutritious, durable and suitable for long sea voyages. And so, <i>pandolce <\/i>was born.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s dense, crumbly, and filled with spices and candied fruits. According to tradition, a part of the <i>pandolce <\/i>should be set aside for the poor, while another should be kept for the feast day of St. Blaise on February 3rd.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20984\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20984\" class=\"wp-image-20984 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pan-dolce.jpg\" alt=\"close-up of pan dolce\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pan-dolce.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pan-dolce-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/pan-dolce-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20984\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Which Italian Christmas bread is your favorite? Is it Pandolce? Photo credit: Yulia Khlebnikova<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Panforte_Sienas_Spiced_Christmas_Treat\"><\/span>Panforte: Siena\u2019s Spiced Christmas Treat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Despite the name, this isn\u2019t really a bread at all. Instead, it\u2019s a chewy, dense fruitcake from Siena, heavily flavored with honey, cloves, coriander, cinnamon and white pepper.<\/p>\n<p><em>Panforte<\/em>, is considered to be the oldest of the Italian Christmas breads, and dates back to the Middle Ages! Thanks to its durability, Crusaders carried <i>panforte <\/i>with them on their quests. Records show that cakes of <i>panforte <\/i>were paid to Sienese monastery as a kind of tithe in 1205.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20987\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20987\" class=\"wp-image-20987 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/panforte-1-e1759501703301-1024x706.jpg\" alt=\"freshly baked panforte\" width=\"1024\" height=\"706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/panforte-1-e1759501703301-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/panforte-1-e1759501703301-768x529.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/panforte-1-e1759501703301.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20987\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enjoy your <em>panforte<\/em> with an espresso. Photo credit: jules<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Panpepato_The_Peppery_Bread_of_Italian_Christmas\"><\/span>Panpepato: The Peppery Bread of Italian Christmas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not really a bread, either, <i>panpepato<\/i> (\u201cspiced bread\u201d) is a heavy gingerbread cake spiced with cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, nuts, dark chocolate, and candied fruit. It dates back to 15th century <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/733\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ferrara<\/a>, although some say its origins are Tuscan, and the cake\u2019s shape is supposed to look like a clergyman\u2019s cap.<\/p>\n<p>The first written reference to <i>panpepato <\/i>showed up in 1465, in a record book for the noble house of d\u2019Esta. The reference said that the Duke gave his butler a gold ducat, telling him to put it inside the <i>panpepato <\/i>being served to the guests.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20989\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20989\" class=\"wp-image-20989 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Panpepato-e1760606365544.jpg\" alt=\"Italian Christmas treat, panpepato, in front of a Christmas tree. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"1056\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Panpepato-e1760606365544.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Panpepato-e1760606365544-768x676.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Panpepato-e1760606365544-1024x901.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20989\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Did you know that <em>panpepato<\/em> is a type of <em>panforte<\/em>? Photo credit: Luca Sbardella<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Panettone_Italys_Iconic_Christmas_Cake\"><\/span>Panettone: Italy\u2019s Iconic Christmas Cake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Hailing from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/best-food-in-milan\">Milan<\/a>, <i>panettone <\/i>is a sweet, dome-shaped bread loaf studded with raisins and candied citrus peels. Interestingly, the dough takes several days to make: like sourdough, it has to be cured.<\/p>\n<p>Panettone represents celebration and abundance, symbolizing prosperity and joy.\u00a0 It is no surprise that is it therefore traditionally enjoyed at Christmas, It\u2019s perhaps the most famous Italian festive dessert and one of the few widely available outside Italy, especially during the holiday season. While the classic version features fruit, you\u2019ll also find delicious variations with chocolate chips or creamy fillings.<\/p>\n<p>Serve it with a hot beverage or a sweet wine like Moscato d\u2019Asti.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20986\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20986\" class=\"wp-image-20986 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Panettone.jpg\" alt=\"freshly cut panettone \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Panettone.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Panettone-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20986\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Take a slice out of this <em>panettone<\/em>. Photo credit: N i c o l a<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pangiallo_Romes_Golden_Christmas_Bread\"><\/span>Pangiallo: Rome\u2019s Golden Christmas Bread<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>From Rome and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/lazio-region-italy-rome-day-trips\">Lazio region<\/a>, <i>pangiallo<\/i>, a golden yellow (<i>giallo) <\/i>bread filled with nuts, raisins, spices, and candied fruit (including lime peels), has ancient origins. Pagan Romans baked up <i>pangiallo\u2019s<\/i> predecessor during the winter solstice as offerings to facilitate the sun\u2019s return.<\/p>\n<p>The nuts, though, are a recent addition; previously, Romans used dried plum and apricot kernels instead because nuts were simply too expensive.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20988\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20988\" class=\"wp-image-20988 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Pangiallo.jpg\" alt=\"close-up of Italian Christmas bread with nuts. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Pangiallo.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Pangiallo-768x604.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20988\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Pangiallo<\/em> is a Roman Christmas bread made with dried fruits, nuts, and honey, with a golden yellow crust. Photo credit: Brett Jordan<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_%E2%80%93_Italian_Christmas_bread\"><\/span>FAQ &#8211;\u00a0Italian Christmas bread<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"e1a19a24-8d1e-438b-a39a-2cde77ce0bf8\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<h3 class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Christmas_breads_like_panettone_allowed_in_carry-on_or_checked_luggage\"><\/span>Are Christmas breads like <em>panettone<\/em> allowed in carry-on or checked luggage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">Yes! <em>Panettone<\/em> is typically allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage as it\u2019s a packaged, non-liquid item. <em>Panettone <\/em>is also usually packaged to travel well, making it a great souvenir. We also love how Italian Christmas breads often come in festive containers.\u00a0Ensure it\u2019s properly sealed to avoid damage during transit, and always check customs regulations for food items if traveling internationally.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_can_I_buy_authentic_Italian_Christmas_bread\"><\/span>Where can I buy authentic Italian Christmas bread?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Almost every Italian supermarket will have Christmas breads like <em>panettone<\/em> around the holidays. They\u2019re beautifully packaged and represent tradition and festivity. However, we recommend seeking out specialty Italian bakeries and gourmet food stores for the best of the best! Alternatively, you can also purchase these Christmas sweets from online shops like Bauli or Loison.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_should_I_serve_Italian_Christmas_bread\"><\/span>How should I serve Italian Christmas bread?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Pandoro: Warm and sprinkle with powdered sugar.<\/li>\n<li>Pandolce: Slice thinly and enjoy with a glass of sweet wine or a cup of tea.<\/li>\n<li>Panforte: Serve with espresso or Vin Santo.<\/li>\n<li>Panpepato: Serve in small wedges with strong coffee or dessert wine to balance its flavour.<\/li>\n<li>Panettone: Pair with mascarpone cream or dessert wine.<\/li>\n<li>Pangiallo: Best enjoyed slightly warmed, with a drizzle of honey or alongside a glass of Vin Santo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_22326\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22326\" class=\"wp-image-22326 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/coffee-and-pastry-venice.jpg\" alt=\"coffee cups and small pastries on a bar\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/coffee-and-pastry-venice.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/coffee-and-pastry-venice-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22326\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coffee with Italian Christmas bread? Don&#8217;t mind if we do!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_make_Italian_Christmas_bread_at_home\"><\/span>Can you make Italian Christmas bread at home?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, especially simpler options like <em>panforte <\/em>or <em>pangiallo<\/em>. We recommend only enthusiastic bakers tackle <em>panettone <\/em>and<em> pandoro<\/em>, which require more time and skill! You will be able to find recipes and tutorial videos online for sure.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_do_Italys_main_Christmas_breads_cost\"><\/span>How much do Italy\u2019s main Christmas breads cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Prices vary depending on the region and quality, but here\u2019s a general guide: classic <strong data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"164\">panettone<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"180\">pandoro<\/strong> usually range from <strong data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"211\">\u20ac10\u2013\u20ac30<\/strong>\u00a0for artisan versions, while mass-produced ones can be found for <strong data-start=\"276\" data-end=\"286\">\u20ac5\u2013\u20ac10<\/strong>. Regional specialties like <strong data-start=\"314\" data-end=\"326\">panforte<\/strong> from Siena and <strong data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"351\">pandolce<\/strong> from Genoa,\u00a0typically cost between <strong data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"441\">\u20ac8\u2013\u20ac25<\/strong>, depending on size and ingredients. Premium, handmade varieties or those with gourmet fillings (like pistachio or chocolate) can reach at least <strong data-start=\"577\" data-end=\"592\">\u20ac30 or more<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_other_Italian_Christmas_foods_are_traditionally_eaten\"><\/span>What other Italian Christmas foods are traditionally eaten?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We&#8217;re glad you asked! In addition to sweet treats like <em>panettone,<\/em> you can find other tasty bites like seafood, pasta, and meat dishes. Our friends at Devour Tours have a full guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/italian-christmas-foods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Italian Christmas foods<\/a>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/christmas-tree-colosseo.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas tree at the Colosseum\" \/>\n<p><strong>Dreaming of tasting Italy\u2019s festive flavors in person? From the sweet aroma of panettone in Milan to traditional holiday treats across the country, experience the magic of Italian Christmas firsthand. <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"212\" data-end=\"271\">Join a Walks of Italy tour<\/a> and celebrate the season where these beloved traditions were born.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Italian Christmas breads like panettone, pandoro, and panforte are iconic holiday treats rich in festive tradition. Their names &#8211;\u00a0 which all include the word \u201cpane\u201d or \u201cpan,\u201d would make you think you think they&#8217;re all breads.\u00a0But guess again! These tasty Christmas treats aren&#8217;t all really breads. You might be wondering how these breads differ. Keep [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20986,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[88,232,62],"ppma_author":[189],"class_list":["post-1699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-and-wine","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-breads","tag-food"],"authors":[{"term_id":189,"user_id":82,"is_guest":0,"slug":"beatricem","display_name":"Beatrice M.","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Beatrice-Marino.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Beatrice-Marino.png"},"user_url":"","last_name":"M.","first_name":"Beatrice","job_title":"","description":"Beatrice, a native of Florence, is passionate about four things: travel, writing, cooking, and eating. As an avid traveler and travel writer, she has embarked on countless adventures throughout Italy and beyond, immersing herself in different cultures and documenting her experiences along the way. Beyond her love for writing, Beatrice loves cooking and baking, especially homemade pasta and cannoli."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1699"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1699"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1699\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24158,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1699\/revisions\/24158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1699"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=1699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}