Are you looking to become a master at Italian cooking but are worried about having the basics in stock at home for an incredible meal on the fly? Not to worry – we have the perfect list of Italian household staples so you’re always prepared for whatever meal your family requests.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is perhaps the most important household ingredient for Italian cooking. It is used for dipping, baking, searing, and a variety of other food related methods. The preferred olive oil type is extra virgin olive oil. This oil is smooth with a rich flavor and an ideal smoke point. Thankfully, quality olive oil is available at almost every market, as well as olive oil that is directly sourced from Italian olives.
Cheese
Cheese is everything to Italians, and there are an abundance of options to choose from. You should have a variety of cheeses in your fridge for all the different meal types. Hard cheeses like parmesan are necessary for cooking carbonara and other types of pasta dishes. Soft cheese like mozzarella is a must for pizza and sandwiches. If you really want to impress your guests, invest in an authentic wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano right from Italy, which can be expensive but is totally worth the experience.
Pasta
Pasta is perhaps the most Italian household staple there is. Of course, you can purchase pasta from the grocery store, but making pasta from scratch is truly the way to go. Though fresh pasta dough lasts about a day in the fridge, you can preserve it by keeping it in the freezer for future use. Consider having a variety of pasta types on hand, such as fettuccine, bucatini, penne, and fusilli.
Wine
Wine absolutely makes a meal, and if you’re the type to entertain impromptu guests, you should always have a few bottles stashed away. For a daytime glass, keep a white wine such as pinot grigio or chardonnay available. Dinners call for red one – chianti is a great choice for a crowd, Sangiovese is optimal for tomato-based dishes, and a cabernet sauvignon is lovely for an intimate night in. You should also have wine available for cooking as well. Don’t use your best bottles for your dishes – choose a dry, budget friendly wine that tastes good but definitely is not for special occasions.
Bread
Bread can be the glue of an Italian meal at some points, so having the right kind at home should be a top priority. You should have two types of bread on hand – one for sandwiches, and one for dipping or antipasto. Ciabatta is a great sandwich bread that can hold up to almost any ingredient. Focaccia is fantastic for antipasto, as it is savory, soft, and covered in flaky sea salt and fine herbs. Both of these breads can be made right at home too, so no need to flee to the market to find the best type.
Tomato Products
Tomatoes are a large component of Italian cooking, and they’re used in a variety of ways. Fresh heirloom tomatoes for caprese salad, roma tomatoes for sauce, you name it! If you’re worried about keeping an abundance of tomatoes fresh at home, feel free to opt for tomato paste or canned diced/crushed tomatoes. We won’t judge!
Cured Meats
A snack just makes the day so much more enjoyable. A diverse selection of cured meats to munch on, either for antipasti or for a quick midday sandwich, truly makes you an Italian. Salami and prosciutto are some of the top meats to have in your fridge at all times. For mealtimes, though, you may want to have guanciale or pancetta available, which can be used to make carbonara or other quintessentially Italian dishes.
Basil
Basil is fragrant and a total must have for Italian cooking. Think pesto, caprese salads, a herbaceous topping for a rich vodka sauce. Basil can be purchased at pretty much any market, but avoid dried basil seasoning and go for the real thing whenever possible. Basil can be stored on your counter in a plastic bag. Try to wrap it in a paper towel as well for maximum freshness.
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