Cheesy Italian dishes are a staple of Italian cuisine. But what kind of cheesy meals should you try when dining at an Italian restaurant?
Here are a few of the most popular cheesy dishes that are authentic Italian food.
Veal Parmigiana
Veal Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish featuring a tender cut of veal, lightly breaded and fried in olive oil and served with a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce. The combination of the crunchy, flavorful veal and the smooth, rich sauce is truly mouthwatering and often found on menus at Italian restaurants worldwide.
When it comes to preparing Veal Parmigiana, fresh ingredients are key. For best results, the restaurant chef will likely start with high-quality veal pounded thin, then dipped in flour mixed with salt, pepper, and oregano before being lightly fried in hot olive oil.
Once the veal has been fried until golden brown, they create the delicious tomato sauce, mixing diced tomatoes with garlic and basil before adding Parmesan cheese and simmering until thickened. The restaurant chef can then add the fried veal to the sauce and top it off with more Parmesan cheese before baking it in the oven until lightly browned.
Veal Parmigiana pairs beautifully with many types of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or pasta salad, but its flavor stands out even when served by itself. Enjoy this savory dish on its own, or share it with your family for an unforgettable experience.
Carciofi alla Romana
Carciofi alla Romana is a classic Italian dish featuring artichokes cooked in white wine and olive oil. The artichokes are cooked in a combination of white wine, garlic, and herbs until they become tender and lightly browned. Then the artichokes are topped with Parmesan cheese and baked in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
This classic Italian dish is simple yet incredibly flavorful. The white wine and olive oil create a savory base perfectly complemented by the fragrant herbs, while the crisp Parmesan cheese adds an unmistakable cheesy flavor.
Carciofi alla Romana is an excellent vegetarian option that pairs well with many other Italian dishes, such as lasagna or ravioli. Enjoy it as an appetizer, or share it with your family and friends for a delicious and unique Italian-style meal.
Lasagna
Lasagna is an Italian classic consisting of layers of wide pasta sheets, ground beef and cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. The pasta sheets are cooked al dente before being layered with the beef, tomato sauce, and cheese, then baked in the oven until golden and bubbly.
Lasagna is a great dish for sharing with family or friends — it's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. You can ask the restaurant staff to top the lasagna with freshly grated Parmesan for added cheesiness.