Top 36 Italian Egg Dishes

Frittata al tartufo is a traditional Umbrian and Istrian dish made with a combination of eggs, black truffles, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This simple dish is made by pouring beaten eggs into a pan with hot olive oil, and then adding thin shavings of truffles, salt, and pepper to the pan. After the eggs have curdled, all that's left is to sprinkle the dish with finely chopped parsley or dry white wine before serving. If desired, the dish can be additionally flavored with grated cheese on top. In Istria, the dish is called fritaja s tartufima - it's commonly prepared for breakfast and it can easily be found in local restaurants. However, one should be careful when ordering the dish - there is a chance you won't taste real truffles, but truffle oil or tartufata instead - both of those are flavored with a toxic gas that has a fake truffle aroma, while the inexpensive and bland black summer truffles are shaved over the dish only as garnishes, although consumers might think that's where the flavor of truffles in this dish comes from. You should always make sure that the dish doesn't contain truffle oil, truffle butter, truffle cheese, or tartufata. If it does, it's not the real deal, so you shouldn't order the dish. Make sure that the dish contains white Istrian truffles or black winter truffle, Tuber melanosporum.Expand

Frittata di zucchine is a traditional egg-based dish originating from Tuscany. The dish is usually made with a combination of eggs, thin slices of zucchini, olive oil, salt, pepper, sage, and minced parsley. The zucchini slices are cooked in olive oil over high heat until soft and golden. The heat is reduced, and the mixture of beaten eggs, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper is then poured into the pan and cooked until the frittata is golden brown on both sides. Once done, frittata di zucchine is served warm.Expand

Pallotte cacio e uova is a traditional dish originating from the Abruzzo region. The dish is a classic example of the cucina povera – it's believed that these cheese and egg balls probably started as a way to use up leftover cheese and stale bread. The bread and cheese are mixed with eggs and shaped into balls which are then fried and gently simmered in a hearty tomato sauce. Common additions to the balls include garlic, thinly sliced red bell peppers, and chopped parsley. Regarding the cheese, many recipes call for pecorino or parmesan.Expand

Deviled eggs typically consist of shelled and halved hard-boiled eggs that have had their boiled yolks removed and blended with ingredients such as mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, and seasonings into a smooth paste, which is then added back to the cavities of the egg whites. This all-time favorite is usually finished with paprika on top, and it is typically enjoyed chilled either as an appetizer or a side. Often mistakenly considered an American culinary contribution, the first versions of this simple gourmet delicacy are believed to have been invented in ancient Rome. From there, the dish has spread throughout Europe first, and then all over the world, yielding endless interpretations in different countries and resulting in the numerous variations known today. Interestingly, the word deviled in the name of this dish derives from the terms devil and devilling, both of which were used as culinary terms in Great Britain in the late 18th and early 19th century to refer to food that contains hot ingredients, is highly seasoned or spicy. Deviled eggs are a staple at parties, potluck gatherings, and picnics, and these days they’re often enhanced with a wide range of additions such as pickles, kimchi paste, dill, vinegar, chili powder, sriracha hot sauce, bacon, caviar, or crab meat.Expand

Frittata is a traditional flat and round egg-based dish that's closer to a Spanish tortilla than to a French omelette. It's made with a combination of whisked eggs and additional ingredients such as prosciutto (crudo or cotto), grated cheese, or sautéed onions. The frittata should be completely set, yet moist. The eggs should be beaten lightly so that the air bubbles don't form. The egg mixture is traditionally cooked in butter or a mix of butter and oil. When the butter or oil begin to foam, the mixture is cooked slowly over low heat, usually in a heavy-bottomed frying pan. When it has set and the top is still runny, it's placed under the grill until the top sets, but it shouldn't be browned.Expand

Frittata di pasta is an Italian dish that's typically made with leftover pasta as the key ingredient. Spaghetti are among the most popular choices, but the dish can be made with any other type of pasta. Other ingredients vary from one recipe to another, but eggs and grated cheese are always used, while the additional ingredients might include prosciutto, sausage bits, or mushrooms. Once cooked, the frittata is flipped on a plate, then cut into wedges. It's recommended to serve frittata di pasta with a fresh salad on the side.Expand

Frittata al formaggio or cheese frittata is a traditional dish and probably the most commonly made type of frittata in the country. It's often made with a combination of eggs, butter, salt, pepper, and cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Emmentaler. The eggs are whisked, seasoned with salt and pepper, then beaten with the addition of grated cheese. Once the butter in the pan has started to foam, the egg mixture is poured into the pan and cooked over low heat until the eggs set and the top is still runny. The frittata is then placed under the grill and cooked until it's set, but still tender. This cheese frittata is served hot, warm, or at room temperature and makes for a great appetizer or a light main course.Expand

Frittata di cipolle is a traditional frittata dish prepared with onions. The dish is made with a combination of beaten eggs, olive oil, onions, salt, and pepper. The onions are cut into thin slices and cooked in olive oil over low heat until soft and golden. The eggs are beaten, seasoned with salt and pepper, then poured over the onions. The dish is cooked until it becomes golden brown and set on one side. It's then turned on the other side and the process is repeated until the frittata is done and ready to be enjoyed.Expand

Uova alla monachina is a traditional dish originating from Campania. The dish consists of stuffed and fried boiled eggs. Once boiled, the eggs are shelled and the whites are separated from the yolks. The yolks are mixed with bechamel sauce, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The mixture is placed into egg white halves, and it's topped with the other egg white halves. The eggs are then sprinkled with flour, dipped in beaten eggs, rolled in breadcrumbs, and fried in olive oil until golden and crisp. Once prepared, these stuffed fried eggs are drained on paper towels and served while still hot. Uova alla monachina is traditionally served as an appetizer, and it's especially popular during the Easter festivities.Expand

Uova al tartufo is an Italian dish made with eggs, butter, salt, black pepper, and fresh truffles. The eggs are gently fried or softly scrambled in butter over low heat. Once plated, they are topped with shaved white or black truffles. Some cooks add a small amount of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to the eggs. Uova al tartufo is served immediately while hot. It’s recommended to serve uova al tartufo with toasted bread or a fresh salad on the side, although not much is needed due to the luxurious flavor of white truffles.Expand