Hy-Vee Recipes and Ideas

Cook the pasta, but leave the toppings to your guests. Have several sauces warming—vodka, arrabbiata, and truffle tomato sauce—and set out loads of veggies and herbs. Let your guests pick and choose what they want, keeping the pressure off of you.

Set out several varieties of charcuterie boards: one with spicy salami and specialty cheeses; one with mild meats and soft cheeses; and one filled with fun sides, like pickled vegetables, apples, and almonds.

Italians can serve enough appetizers to last an entire dinner. Dish out apps like crostini and dips, charcuterie, and steamed mussels for a party that will last all night.

Using flavored syrups, sparkling water and whipped cream, you can make an easy Italian soda bar. Set up a variety of flavors and have your guests create their own concoctions! Fill your glass with ice, pour in 1 to 2 ounces (1 shot glass) of syrup, fill with carbonated water, and top with whipped cream. Cheers!

For a classic Northern Italian meal, spread mounds of polenta on one large cutting board. Portion out the polenta and use different sauces, meats and vegetables in sections to bring different flavors to the table.

Artisan bread soaks up any delicious flavor you pair with it. Have everyone in your party bring a dipping oil or sauce to share.

Introduce guests to fresh herbs. Have bouquets of herbs around the serving area along with individual herbs for guests to garnish their dish or cocktail. Be sure to label them so everyone knows what they're getting into.

Italians make dinner an event. Serve each course—Apertivo, Antipasti, Primi, Secondi, Contorni, Insalata, Formaggi e Frutta, Dolce, Caffe, and Digestivo—and look like a true Italian.