1. Lasagne alla Bolognese
15 Italian Baked Dishes. The Real Ones
Italy doesn't have a word for casserole. And after these fifteen dishes, you'll understand why it never needed one!
Italy doesn't have a word for casserole. It doesn't need one.
What it has instead is a culinary tradition built around the oven that spans twenty regions and as many grandmothers — each with her own version, her own baking dish, and a firm opinion about everyone else's. From the semolina discs of Rome to the mussel-and-rice layered dishes of Puglia, from the eggplant domes of Sicily to the savory green pies of Emilia-Romagna, these are dishes that were born in a specific kitchen and never really left.
Some of these you already know. Most you don't. All fifteen are worth making!
2. Cannelloni
3. Gnocchi alla sorrentina
4. Baked trofie pasta
5. Pasta alla siciliana
6. Eggplant pasta bake
7. Eggplant parmigiana
8. Zucchini parmigiana
9. Meat and sausage stuffed peppers
10. Potato gateau (gattò)
11. Tiella barese (riso, patate e cozze)
12. Sartù di riso
13. Erbazzone
14. Baked Sardines
15. Baked Frittata
The nonna was right. She always is. Every one of these dishes started in someone's kitchen, got passed down without being written, and ended up here. That's how Italian cooking works.
Related: Forget the Casserole. Italy Does It Differently. / Lasagna Has More Versions Than You Think. Here's Where to Start. / Bolognese Is Just the Beginning: The Italian Ragùs You've Never Tried.
