You may know Giada De Laurentiis for cooking up classic Italian dishes or adding a California spin to cooking and entertaining on Giada at Home. As a versatile chef, Giada has shown Food Network fans how to make everything from fresh pasta to light and healthy West Coast eats. Most recently we’ve seen Giada exploring her homeland on Giada in Italy — sharing those family traditions and recipes that influenced her early love for cooking — and providing her culinary expertise as a mentor on Food Network Star. Check out Giada’s best-ever dishes below, from her Sunday-supper-ready Bolognese to creamy tiramisu and rich ravioli bites ideal for parties.
1. Simple Bolognese: If you can make a Bolognese, you’re well on your way to mastering one of the basics in Italian cooking. Giada combines the staple ingredients — chuck beef, tomatoes and fresh herbs — in her hearty sauce that, when combined with your favorite pasta shape, makes for a classic Italian meal.
2. Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde: Just as light and refreshing as it is quick and easy to make, Giada’s salmon with a fruity salsa verde is the epitome of her California style. She tops the fish with a fresh, bright topping featuring juicy orange segments, plus capers for tang and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
3. Sausage, Peppers and Onions: An Italian version of a hot dog and condiments, Giada’s Sausage, Peppers and Onions is a hearty eat-with-your-hands dish. After browning the sausage, saute the onions and peppers until tender and sweet, and add a splash of wine and some diced tomatoes to form a rich sauce. Either pile the sausage and veggies on a roll, or enjoy them as is.
4. Fried Ravioli: With just six ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, Giada’s fried ravioli are an easy go-to appetizer. She opts for store-bought ravioli to save time, then coats them in buttermilk and breadcrumbs before frying them until golden brown. Serve along with marinara sauce for dipping.
5. Roman-Style Chicken: Giada likes to make her juicy chicken for guests, because it can be made in advance and heated up when you’re ready to serve. She browns the chicken to flavor the base of her tomato-white wine sauce featuring tender peppers and prosciutto. Just before serving, add capers for a tangy bite and parsley for a bright finish.
6. Warm Chocolate Cakes with Berries: Break into one of these individual-serving cakes and be prepared for a gentle ooze of warm chocolate to pour out. Giada gives this chocolatey treasure extra-rich flavor by adding espresso powder and hazelnut liqueur to the batter. Cook these cakes until the edges are set but the center stays molten, and then serve with fresh berries and mint.
7. Lasagna Rolls: For a crowd-pleasing twist on an Italian classic, give Giada’s lasagna rolls a try. They still feature that decadent, creamy filling — with ricotta, Parmesan, spinach and prosciutto — and are topped with a rich cream sauce and a store-bought marinara for ease. For a gooey finish, add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the top and cook until bubbly.
8. Tiramisu: Think of this indulgent dessert as an Italian pick-me-up. Giada’s tiramisu comes together with a few simple ingredients, but the key lies in layering: first espresso-soaked ladyfinger cookies, then a custard-like mascarpone cheese. Refrigerate the dessert until the ladyfingers become soft and the flavors blend. Giada’s elegant twist: bittersweet chocolate shavings on top.
9. Fried Zucchini: Just like her fried ravioli, Giada’s fried zucchini are a delicious appetizer that takes only a few ingredients to make. Batter zucchini strips with eggs, Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown for an Italian twist on french fries.
10. Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies: There’s no doubt that chocolate chip cookies are a favorite of children (and adults). Giada ups the ante with this dessert by adding hazelnuts and chopped English toffee.
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10 Recipes Every Giada De Laurentiis Fan Should Master