Rules for Eating Bread in Italy? Hold the Butter!

I recently came across an article that talked about rules for eating bread in Italy. I thought, Really? We need rules for how to eat bread in Italy?

I was intrigued and so clicked on the article. I quickly realized that the article was a great one because it described what I call the customs for eating bread in Italy. Then it all made sense. I thought it worth sharing some of the customs mentioned and one of my own (see number 2 below) and a link to the article by Elizabeth Minchilli for further reference.

Bread Dough & Rolling Pin
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

How to Eat Bread in Italy like the Italians

  • Bread is meant to be eaten with the meal, not before the meal, unless it is baked and drizzled with olive oil, then it is considered an appetizer. Eat away in that case.
  • Italians don’t slather their bread with butter, nor dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. They enjoy it with a light drizzle of olive oil or plain. Resist the urge to dip or ask for butter.
Mediterranean Bread & Olive Oil
Image by RitaE from Pixabay
  • Sometimes the bread is described as tasteless. This is likely due to the lack of salt, which has an historical explanation I will save for a future post on bread. The non-salty bread will be a welcome accompaniment especially with dishes that have their own hefty amounts of salt or extra sauce that need scooping up.
  • Bread and pasta are not the perfect combination. Rather than doubling up on the starches, save the bread for the meat or fish course.
  • Leftover bread is an opportunity to create or contribute to so many other dishes, among them, frizelle, panzanella (Tuscan bread salad), and stuffed tomatoes.

Your Turn!

One of the motivators for creating MP TOURS was to introduce travelers to the unique and local customs in the less travelled areas of Italy. Even something as simple as bread and its place in Italian gastronomy can teach us so much about local Italian culture. I’ve only touched on a few small aspects here. Stay tuned for more on bread – you will be surprised at how much there is to learn – the least of which is to hold the butter! 

Italian Bread Appetizers
Image by Christo Anestev from Pixabay

Here’s an appetizer bread recipe from our Chef Antonio Bedini. Let us know how the recipe turns out for you.

If you would like to travel with us, practice how to eat bread in Italy, and more in Le Marche, Puglia and Sicily, send us an email at info@mp-tours.com.

Tips for Eating Bread in Italy