Panettone, a star of Italian festivities, is more than just a sweet bread; it’s a culinary experience. Originating from Milan, this enriched loaf beautifully blends the characteristics of bread, brioche, and cake. Its signature light and airy texture comes from a meticulous sourdough process and a generous mix of egg yolks, butter, and candied fruits, often featuring sun-drenched citrus from regions like Sicily and Calabria. You might have this magnificent loaf and wonder, “How Do I Serve Panettone to truly appreciate it?”. While Italians traditionally enjoy panettone with coffee for breakfast, its versatility extends far beyond. Let’s explore some exceptional ways to serve panettone, elevating your enjoyment of this festive treat.
Freshly Sliced with Double Cream: A Celebration of Simplicity
Sometimes, the best way to serve panettone is to let its inherent qualities shine. This method is particularly rewarding when you have a freshly baked or high-quality panettone. For an enhanced experience, gently warm the unsliced loaf in an oven at 100°C (212°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. This subtle warmth intensifies its aroma and softens the texture.
To slice, use a large, serrated knife, cutting wedge-shaped pieces from the top center down to the base, just as you would a cake. Remember, panettone is tall, so even narrow slices offer a satisfying portion.
Plate a slice, generously dollop with fresh double cream, and consider pairing it with a glass of Marsala wine. This combination creates a sophisticated and effortlessly elegant dessert, perfect after a festive meal.
Close-up of panettone slices served with double cream, showcasing a classic way to serve panettone.
Tear, Share & Dip: Fun for All Ages
For a more relaxed and interactive way to enjoy panettone, especially with children ( i bambini), try the tear, share, and dip method. Simply tear off long, generous strips of panettone directly from the loaf and dip them into a comforting beverage.
Classic pairings include a glass of cold milk or a cup of cioccolata calda, rich Italian hot chocolate. Serving this on Christmas Eve can create a delightful new family tradition. Italian hot chocolate is a far cry from typical cocoa; it’s an opulent blend of double cream, melted chocolate, sugar, and milk, embodying pure indulgence and warmth. Top it with whipped cream (panna) for an extra layer of decadence to complement the panettone.
Panettone pieces being dipped into Italian hot chocolate, illustrating a fun serving suggestion for panettone.
Toasted with Savory Toppings: An Unexpectedly Delicious Appetizer or Dessert
While panettone is predominantly sweet, it surprisingly complements savory flavors, especially as a unique end to a meal or a sophisticated appetizer. Toasting panettone slices enhances its texture and nutty notes, making it a fantastic base for savory toppings.
Consider these pairings for a delightful contrast:
- Taleggio & Spiced Apple Chutney: The creamy, slightly pungent Taleggio cheese from Lombardy pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy spiced apple chutney.
- Gorgonzola, Figs & Acacia Honey: Sharp Gorgonzola combined with sweet figs and a drizzle of delicate acacia honey from Lazio creates a balanced and flavorful bite.
- Scamorza & Prosciutto di Parma: Smoked Calabrian scamorza cheese melted on toasted panettone, topped with salty Prosciutto di Parma, offers a delightful Italian-inspired savory treat.
Toasted with Sweet Toppings: Elevating Dessert Time
For those with a sweet tooth, toasting panettone and topping it with sweet spreads is an absolute winner. The warm, crisp toast combined with creamy, rich toppings creates a truly decadent dessert.
Some irresistible sweet topping ideas include:
- Piemontese Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread: A thick layer of rich, nutty chocolate hazelnut spread is a luxurious and classic choice.
- Butter & Cinnamon Sugar: For a simple yet festive twist, butter toasted panettone and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Italian Specialty Creams: Explore Italian gourmet spreads like crema al caffé (coffee cream) or crema di pistacchio (pistachio cream) for an authentic and indulgent experience.
Warmed & Served with Stewed Fruit: A Cozy & Elegant Dessert
For a more refined and comforting dessert, especially perfect for dinner parties, serve warm panettone with stewed fruit. The warmth of the panettone and the soft, flavorful fruit create a harmonious and elegant dish.
Excellent stewed fruit options include:
- Poached Pears in Saffron or Red Wine: Delicate poached pears infused with saffron or red wine provide a sophisticated and aromatic pairing.
- Spiced Stewed Apples: Classic spiced stewed apples with cloves and cinnamon evoke festive warmth and complement the panettone beautifully.
Don’t forget to finish with a dollop of creamy vanilla mascarpone or freshly whipped cream to complete this delightful Italian dessert. Buon Natale!
At Pasta Evangelists, we bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Prepared using the freshest ingredients, our gourmet pasta dishes are perfect for those looking to enjoy restaurant-quality meals, delivered to your door, and ready in under five minutes. Order from our weekly menu today, and we’ll offer you 25% off your first delivery – simply enter the code BLOG25 at checkout.
