With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying portions, Italian food offers something for everyone. In fact, 84% of the global population says they enjoy Italian food — making it the most popular cuisine in the world.
Authentic Italian dishes are a great choice for building camaraderie and bringing your team together. There’s something about gathering around a family-style Italian spread that invites conversation and creates a fun, casual vibe. Even better? It’s one of the most budget-friendly catering options, making it easy to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Need some inspiration for your next workplace meal? Check out these suggestions.
The most authentic Italian dishes for catering
When ordering Italian catering for work, you’ll want to select options that are flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and easy to serve. Here are some of the best picks for your next office meal.
Italian appetizers
1. Caprese skewers
These colorful skewers feature cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. They’re a light and refreshing start to any meal.
2. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that’s always a hit. These bite-sized pieces of toasted bread are topped with a flavor-packed mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
3. Antipasto platter
An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables, an antipasto platter is perfect for grazing or kicking off a casual gathering.
4. Arancini
Pronounced “aran-chini,” these risotto balls are often stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, then deep-fried. Deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re great for sharing and easy to eat.
Italian main courses
5. Lasagna
Layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a variety of cheeses make lasagna a hearty and satisfying main course. Plus, it’s easy to serve and can be made vegetarian or gluten-free.
6. Chicken parmesan
A classic dish of breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, chicken parm is a familiar and comforting choice. It pairs well with pasta or a side of vegetables.
7. Penne alla vodka
This creamy pasta dish features a tomato-based sauce with a splash of vodka and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s a delicious vegetarian option that feels indulgent. And don’t worry — the alcohol cooks off, so it won’t leave your team feeling tipsy.
8. Chicken marsala
If you’re looking for a lighter dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, chicken Marsala is an excellent choice. It features tender pan-fried chicken breasts served with a rich Marsala wine and mushroom sauce.
Italian side dishes
9. Garlic bread
No Italian feast is complete without plenty of warm, buttery garlic bread. Use it to sop up extra sauce, or enjoy it on its own.
10. Roasted vegetables
This side dish adds color and nutrients to classic Italian meals. It’s a simple mix of seasonal vegetables tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted until tender.
11. Caesar salad
Caesar salad is a classic side that pairs well with any Italian dish. It combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing made with anchovies and parmesan cheese.
Italian desserts
12. Tiramisu
Featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, tiramisu is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
13. Cannoli
Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream and chocolate chips, cannoli are a beloved Italian dessert that’s easy to serve and share. Choose bite-sized cannoli for indulgence with just the right amount of sweetness.
Pro tip: Don’t forget the extras
When it comes to Italian food, the little things matter. Make sure you have plenty of Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and high-quality olive oil for drizzling over dishes. It will make the meals more authentic and allow everyone to customize the experience to their tastes.
Is Italian food good for food allergies?
With dairy, eggs, and wheat topping the list of the most common food allergies, you may wonder whether serving authentic Italian dishes in the office is practical. However, many Italian caterers now offer gluten-free pasta, bread, and pizza crusts. When you’re looking for meat-free options, consider dishes like pasta primavera, minestrone soup, and eggplant parmesan. Need to satisfy some vegan colleagues? Opt for a large veggie-only salad with a side of vinaigrette dressing or an antipasto platter minus the meats and cheese.
How to serve authentic Italian dishes at the office
Create a family-style spread in the office to create a festive, social atmosphere. Set up large platters of pasta, salad, and bread in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. This breaks down barriers, encouraging sharing and conversation.
Want to mix things up a bit? Try a build-your-own pasta bar. Offer a variety of pasta, sauces, and toppings, so each person can create a dish that perfectly suits their tastes and dietary needs. You may be surprised how much fun the team has building their meals and discussing their favorite combinations. By encouraging this type of socializing during the workday, you can turn lunchtime into the new office happy hour (minus the alcohol, of course).
Consider Italian catering today
From a casual office pizza party to a full four-course spread, food at work is always a hit. Now that you’ve seen the variety that authentic Italian dishes can bring to the table, it’s time to start thinking about treating your team. With just a few clicks, you can have a mouthwatering Italian feast delivered right to your office, complete with all the extras that make it special. Head over to ezCater’s Italian catering page and explore the delicious options available in your area.
