Italian Foods That Start With B

If you have never tried Italian food, you are missing out on a culinary adventure. Italian cuisine is varied, delicious, and offers something for everyone. Pasta, pizza, and gelato are just some of the favorites that have fans all over the world. Italian dishes are often simple, made with fresh ingredients, and prepared with care. From the richness of risotto to the simplicity of a caprese salad, you will taste the love in every bite.

From pizza to pasta, Italy has an extensive culinary history that goes back centuries. So, attempting to compile a list of all the different dishes was no small task. But I was determined to put my best foot forward and do the research that was required. I spent hours scouring the internet, reading cookbooks, and even traveling to the country to taste-test various delicacies. It’s safe to say that by the end of this process, I was an Italian food expert.

So, let’s begin exploring this list of italian foods starting with B!

46 Italian Foods That Start With B

And here’s the list of italian foods that begin with B letter.

Baci di Dama

These delicate bite-sized cookies are a Piedmontese specialty. The name, which means “lady’s kisses,” perfectly describes the two hazelnut biscuits sandwiched together with a dollop of rich chocolate ganache in between. The soft and crumbly texture of the biscuits melts in your mouth, while the ganache provides a creamy and indulgent contrast. Baci di Dama are the perfect treat to accompany a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Bagnun

This traditional Ligurian dish is a rustic fish stew made with anchovies, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and bread. The bread is soaked in the flavorful broth until it becomes a thick and hearty soup, perfect for cold winter days. The sweet and tangy taste of the tomatoes complements the saltiness of the anchovies, while the garlic adds a bold and pungent flavor. Bagnun is typically served with a glass of dry white wine and a slice of toasted bread rubbed with garlic.

Baicoli

These thin and crispy Venetian biscuits are a classic accompaniment to a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine. Baicoli are made with a simple dough of flour, sugar, yeast, and butter, which is rolled out, cut, and baked until golden brown. The resulting biscuits are light and airy, with a delicate buttery flavor. Baicoli are traditionally served as a sweet or savory snack, but they can also be crumbled and used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. The pasta is cooked until al dente, then mixed with a rich and hearty tomato sauce made with ground beef or sausage, onions, garlic, and herbs. The mixture is then layered in a baking dish with plenty of shredded mozzarella cheese, which melts into gooey and stretchy strings of hot cheese. Baked ziti is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Balsamic vinegar of Modena is a protected designation of origin product made from sweet white grapes grown in the Modena region of Italy. The grapes are cooked into a syrupy reduction, then aged in wooden barrels for at least two months (and up to several decades) to develop a complex flavor and aroma. The resulting vinegar is dark, viscous, and sweet with a delicate acidity. Balsamic vinegar of Modena is a versatile ingredient that’s used in many Italian dishes, from salads and marinades to sauces and reductions.

Barbajada

Barbajada is a traditional hot drink from the Piedmont region made from chocolate, milk, sugar, and espresso. The chocolate is mixed with the milk and sugar until melted, then the espresso is added to create a rich and velvety beverage. Barbajada is typically served in small cups and topped with whipped cream or cocoa powder. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a cold winter day, and it’s especially popular in Turin, where it originated.

Barbajuan

Barbajuan are savory beignets from the Ligurian region made with a filling of Swiss chard, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and herbs. The mixture is wrapped in a thin layer of dough, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The resulting beignets are hot and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy and savory exterior. Barbajuan are typically served as an appetizer or snack, but they can also be eaten as a light meal with a salad or soup.

Barbine

Barbine is a traditional Tuscan flatbread made with flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt. The dough is rolled out thin and baked on a hot griddle until lightly charred and crispy. The resulting flatbread is tender and chewy, with a mild flavor that pairs well with the bold flavors of Italian cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Barbine can be served as a snack or appetizer, or used as a base for sandwiches and pizzas.

Bavette

Bavette is a long and thin ribbon pasta similar to tagliatelle, but slightly narrower. The pasta is typically made with durum wheat flour and eggs, and has a delicate texture that pairs well with light tomato-based sauces or olive oil-based sauces with fresh herbs. Bavette is a popular pasta shape in central and southern Italy, and is often served with seafood or vegetables.

Baxin

Baxin is a traditional cheese from the Piedmont region made with cow’s milk and aged for at least three months. The cheese has a semi-hard texture with a mild and buttery flavor. Baxin is typically eaten as a snack or used as a table cheese, but it can also be grated over pasta or melted in a fondue.

Beach Pizza

Beach pizza is a Neapolitan specialty that’s often sold by street vendors in the summer months. The pizza is made with a thin and crispy crust, tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese. The toppings can vary, but they typically include anchovies, capers, olives, and oregano. Beach pizza is designed to be eaten on the go, and it pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of prosecco.

Bela Badia

Bela Badia is a traditional cheese from the Italian Alps made with cow’s milk and aged in natural caves for at least three months. The cheese has a hard and crumbly texture with a nutty and sharp flavor. Bela Badia is typically eaten as a table cheese with bread and wine, or used as a grated topping for pasta dishes.

Berlingozzo

Berlingozzo is a traditional cake from the Tuscany region made with flour, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. The cake has a dense and chewy texture with a delicate lemon flavor. Berlingozzo is typically served as a dessert, and it pairs well with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet wine.

Bicerin

Bicerin is a traditional hot drink from the Piedmont region made with layers of espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped cream. The drink originated in Turin in the 18th century, and it’s still served in many cafes and bakeries in the city. Bicerin is typically served in a small glass, allowing you to taste the distinct layers of coffee, chocolate, and cream separately. It’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for a cold winter day.

Biga

Biga is a pre-ferment used in Italian bread-making to enhance the flavor and texture of the dough. It’s made with flour, water, and a small amount of yeast, and left to ferment overnight until it becomes bubbly and aromatic. The biga is then used to make the bread dough, resulting in a loaf with a chewy and flavorful interior and a crispy crust. Biga is a traditional Italian technique used in many types of bread, from rustic country loaves to delicate ciabatta.

Bigoli

Bigoli is a long and thick pasta shape from the Venetian region made with flour and water, but no eggs. The pasta has a dense and chewy texture with a mild flavor that pairs well with hearty meat-based sauces or seafood-based sauces with tomato and garlic. Bigoli is typically served as a first course, accompanied by a glass of red wine such as Valpolicella or Amarone.

Bigoli in Salsa

Bigoli in salsa is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish from the Venetian region made with bigoli pasta, a sauce of chopped onions, anchovies, butter, and olive oil. The sauce is slow cooked until the onions become caramelized and the anchovies melt into the mixture, creating a rich and savory sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Bigoli in salsa is a traditional comfort food that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Biroldo

A traditional sausage from Emilia-Romagna made with pig’s head and blood boiled with spices and vinegar. Its texture is soft and it has a strong, slightly sour flavor.

Bisciola

A typical dish from the Valchiavenna area in Lombardy, made with rye flour, butter, raisins, and walnuts. It has a sweet and nutty taste and is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Biscotti

A crunchy, almond-flavored cookie originally from Tuscany, usually served with coffee or dessert wine. It has a long shelf life and is perfect for dipping in a hot drink.

Biscotti Regina

A variation of the classic biscotti made with sesame seeds, honey, and almonds. It has a sweet and nutty taste and is perfect as a snack or dessert.

Biscuit Tortoni

A frozen dessert made with egg yolks, whipped cream, vanilla, and chopped macaroons. It has a creamy and delicate flavor and is perfect for a fancy dinner party.

Bitto

A cheese from Lombardy made with cow’s milk and a small amount of goat’s milk, aged for at least 70 days. It has a tangy and slightly nutty flavor and is perfect for grating over pasta.

Bocconcini

Small, ball-shaped mozzarella cheese from Campania. It has a soft and creamy texture and a mild, milky flavor. It’s perfect for salads and sandwiches.

Bocconotto

A traditional pastry from Abruzzo, filled with jam, chocolate, or ricotta cheese. It has a sweet and creamy taste and is often served with coffee.

Boletus Edulis

Also known as porcini mushrooms, they are a delicacy all over Italy, especially in Tuscany and Piedmonte. They have a meaty and earthy flavor, perfect for risotto, pasta, and sauces.

Bollito Misto

A dish from Piemonte made with a mix of boiled meats, such as beef, chicken, and veal, served with sauces and seasonal vegetables. It has a hearty and rich taste and is perfect for a cold winter night.

Bolognese Sauce

A meat-based sauce from Bologna made with tomatoes, minced beef, and pork, cooked slowly with herbs and spices. It has a robust and savory flavor and is perfect for pasta.

Bomba Calabrese

A spicy and fragrant spreadable salami from Calabria made with pork, chili flakes, and garlic. It’s perfect for sandwiches, pizza, and pasta.

Bombardino

A warm, creamy cocktail made with Advocaat liqueur, brandy, and hot chocolate, from Northern Italy. It’s perfect for après-ski or a cozy winter night.

Bombolone

A round pastry filled with custard, cream, or jam, from Toscana. It has a soft and fluffy texture and is perfect for a morning snack.

Borlengo

A thin and crispy crepe-like flatbread from Emilia-Romagna, traditionally served with cured meats and cheese. It has a delicate and neutral taste and is perfect for a light lunch.

Bra Cheese

A PDO-protected cow’s milk cheese from Piedmonte, aged for at least 45 days. It has a mild and buttery flavor, perfect for pairing with red wine.

Bra Sausage

A salami from Piedmonte made with lean pork and seasoned with garlic, pepper, and red wine. It has a savory and spicy taste and is perfect for antipasti.

Braciola

Thin slices of beef or pork rolled with cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley, from Campania. It has a flavorful and juicy taste and is perfect for grilling or sautéed dishes.

Breadstick

A thin and crispy stick-shaped bread from Torino, usually served as an appetizer or a snack. It has a delicate and crunchy texture and is perfect for dipping in sauces.

Bresaola

A cured beef meat from Valtellina, Lombardy, aged for at least 2 months with herbs and spices. It has a lean and tender texture and a slightly salty flavor, perfect for a charcuterie plate.

Brudet

A traditional fish stew from Croatia, particularly popular in the nearby regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. It’s made with different kinds of fish and shellfish and served with polenta.

Bruttiboni

A traditional Christmas cookie from Mantova made with almond flour, sugar, eggs, and spices. It has a crunchy and nutty taste and is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Bruzio

A cured meat from Calabria made with pork, chili pepper, and fennel. It has a distinctive and spicy taste, perfect for pizza and sandwiches.

Buccellato

A sweet bread from Toscana, made with anise seeds and candied fruits. It has a soft and aromatic taste and is usually eaten on festive occasions.

Budino

An Italian dessert similar to a pudding, made with milk, sugar, and starch, flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or caramel. It has a creamy and smooth texture and is perfect for a light dessert.

Buffalo Mozzarella

A delicious cheese from Campania made with buffalo milk, characterized by a soft and milky texture and a delicate, slightly tangy flavor. It’s perfect for Caprese salad and pizza.

Buridda

A fish soup from Liguria made with different kinds of fish, potatoes, and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. It has a rich and savory flavor and is perfect for a winter dinner.

Burrata

A creamy cheese from Puglia made with cow or buffalo milk, similar to mozzarella but filled with fresh cream. It has a delicate and buttery flavor and is perfect for a simple salad or bread.

Bustrengo

A traditional cake from Romagna made with cornflour, raisins, apples, and nuts. It has a sweet and rustic taste and is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of B italian foods.

Creating a list of authentic Italian foods was an undertaking that I anticipated would be intimidating. I knew that the process would require extensive research, and that I would have to dive deep into the country’s culinary history. However, I did not anticipate the goodness of the work it would entail. From wine tastings in the Tuscan Hills to trying the most flavorsome pizza in Napoli, the entire process was thrilling. With the help of my team, I was able to put together a list that gives a mouthwatering glimpse into the delights of Italian cuisine.

To sum up, Italian cuisine is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, skillful cooking techniques and traditional flavors. From the appetizers to the desserts, each course is a celebration of Italian culture and heritage. The passion for food is evident in every dish, and the love for cooking is deeply ingrained in the Italian psyche. So, take a culinary journey to Italy and enjoy the exquisite flavors of its cuisine.

Hope this post on italian foods beginning with B alphabet has been useful to you!