Idea for an Italian themed potluck?

Question

I need an idea for an Italian themed potluck.....

people are already bringing shrimp scampi, chicken alfreado, and lasagna.....any ideas? I have a really good Chicken Tetrazzini recipe...is that really an Italian dish?

Answer 1

Bruschetta!

Answer 2

cheese tortellini with a mushroom cream sause

Answer 3

Chicken florentine is nice and works well at a pot-luck

Answer 4

Sounds like the main course is taken care of, so do some apps. I suggest stuffing tomatoes with mozzarella, pancetta, basil (fresh whole leaf).  

Answer 5

Sausage and peppers!

Answer 6

I'd do a caprese salad with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomato, roasted peppers and basil-drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.  If not, maybe you can do an antipasto platter with rolled meats, cheeses and pickled and fresh veggies.  

Answer 7

chicken piccata is easy and delicious.  Or you could do a vendure al forno - that means veggies baked.  I do layers of zucchini, red onion, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, swiss, bread crumbs, and heavy cream.  Just make layers like lasagna, and bake at 350 for about 45 min.  Then you would have a nice veggie dish to go with the entrees.  Or maybe an antipasta salad, or just an antipasta platter.

Answer 8

Since it seems like the main courses are covered, then I would suggest salads using Romaine, Arugula, Spinach, Red Leaf or Raddichio, pasta vinaigrette salads, Italian roasted or grilled veggies, An marinated Olive Plate, antipasto platter, Italian Deli Meat/Cheese platter garnished with Artichoke Hearts, Pepperoncinni's, Roasted Red Peppers, Stuffed Cherry Peppers, Banana Peppers, Garlic cheese bread with fresh Italian Herbs, or desserts.  Here's some simple, delicious recipes that I have found for you:

Sicilian Cheesecake



INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

3 cups crushed chocolate cookies

1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons butter

  

5 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 cup finely chopped candied lemon and orange peel

1/4 cup creme de cacao liqueur

4 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, grated

  

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, or to taste

4 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, grated



DIRECTIONS

This recipe's Ingredients were scaled to yield a new amount. The directions below still refer to the original recipe yield of 10 servings.

In a small bowl, mix together the crushed cookies and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Stir in candied peel and 2 ounces of grated chocolate by hand. Spoon the filling over the chilled crust, and smooth out the top surface. Refrigerate for 6 hours, or overnight.

Just before serving, whip cream with 1 tablespoon of confectioners' sugar until stiff in a small bowl using an electric mixer. Run a knife around the outside edge of the cake, and remove the sides of the pan. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake, and sprinkle with remaining grated chocolate. Serve immediately.

Easy Walnut Raisin Biscotti

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

1/2 cup butter, softened

1-1/3 cups white sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 cups chopped walnuts

2 cups raisins



DIRECTIONS

This recipe's Ingredients were scaled to yield a new amount. The directions below still refer to the original recipe yield of 2 1/2 dozen.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

In a medium sized bowl beat together the butter or margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Mix well then stir in the walnuts and raisins. Knead until dough comes together.

Divide dough in half and shape into long loaves, 1 1/2 inches thick. Place loaves onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes. Allow loaves to cool enough to handle (about 10 minutes). With a sharp knife cut loaves diagonally into 3/4 inch thick slices. Place cut sides down on baking sheets. Bake slices for an additional 10 minutes or until lightly browned.



Italian Love Cake

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix

2 pints part-skim ricotta cheese

3/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 eggs

1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix

1 cup milk

1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS

Prepare cake mix as directed on box. Pour batter into 9 x 13 x 2 inch greased baking dish. Set aside.

Combine ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Blend well. Spread mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 75 minutes if using a glass baking dish, 90 minutes if using a metal pan.

Blend pudding mix and milk until thickened. Blend in whipped topping. Spread over cooled cake.

I configured all of these recipes to feed approximately 20 people, so I hope that helps you.  Italian Ice is another favorite dessert and so is Tiramisu, but a really good one takes some time, that's why I didn't send that recipe to you. I hope these suggestions help you to decide what's best for you and your party!  Have fun!