Sicilian food just hits differently.
From sweet treats like creamy gelato to savory bites of tender Panelle, this collection of 30 recipes really covers it all.
The regional cuisine stands out because it brings together unique ingredients such as sardines, pine nuts, and raisins.
You get so much flavor packed into every single bite.
If you are ready for some exciting new meals, you need to check out these Sicilian favorites.
1. Brioche Bun Recipe (Sicilian Style)
This bun is everything a good brioche should be. It is slightly sweet and bakes up to a perfect golden brown.
The shape is also pretty interesting. If you want to show off your baking skills to guests, this recipe is the one to try.
2. Macco di Fave
You can make this light and tasty soup with just five simple ingredients. It comes together in about 30 minutes and serves as a lovely appetizer or a meal alongside a hearty salad.
The nutrition profile is great since it is high in fiber but low in calories. I also love that you can flour and fry the leftovers for a different texture.
3. Pane Siciliano (Sesame Seed Sicilian Bread)
This gorgeous loaf is almost too beautiful to slice. Homemade bread takes some time, but the tender result is worth the effort. The crust is golden brown and just begging to be dipped in olive oil.
I love the slight sweetness here. Just be careful about gifting it because people will ask you to make it again and again.
4. Sicilian Cassatelle with Ricotta
You might think these look like mini apple pies, but they are actually sweet ravioli. The crust gets fried until it is perfectly golden.
Inside, you find a sweet ricotta mixture spiced with cinnamon. I definitely recommend making a double batch because people will want seconds.
5. Make Ahead Sicilian Antipasto Platter
Call it charcuterie or antipasto, but this platter is the ideal appetizer. You can prep the whole thing in under 30 minutes.
I picked this specific recipe because the selection is fantastic. Feel free to get creative and add whatever ingredients you like best.
6. Sicilian Pizza aka Lo Sfincione
This pizza is calling your name if you love extra sauce. The crust is thick and pleasantly chewy.
It gets topped with robust tomato sauce, cheese, and anchovies. A layer of breadcrumbs finishes it off perfectly.
7. Sicilian Cannoli
My sweet tooth loves the dessert options from Sicily. These treats feature a crispy shell with a hint of chocolate.
Inside is a filling that is both rich and tangy. You can customize them with fun extras like chopped pistachios or a swirl of raspberry.
8. Caponata
This dish is perfect for anyone who loves eggplant and relish. It combines those flavors with peppers, onions, celery, and olives.
You mix everything with tomatoes for a robust salad. The flavor is fresh and briny in the best way.
9. Linguine with Sicilian Pesto
You can have this simple meal on the table in half an hour. It really only requires linguine and the pesto sauce.
I suggest adding the toppings to boost the flavor even more. The breadcrumbs and capers are my favorite additions.
10. Lemon Granita
If you want something invigorating and sour, this is the treat for you. It is just as simple to make as the strawberry version.
The flavor is incredibly bright and zestier than other options. It is a light and refreshing way to cool down.
11. Sarde a Beccafico Recipe | Sicilian Stuffed Sardines
This recipe is a zesty way to serve sardines. You stuff the fish with a mix of pine nuts, raisins, oranges, and parsley.
It sounds like a unique combination, but the flavors work together beautifully. It is savory and very easy to enjoy.
12. Arancini di Riso: Sicilian Rice Balls
Deep fried rice balls are the appetizer you never knew you needed. They look a bit like hush puppies on the outside.
The breadcrumb coating gives them a delightful crunch. Inside, you get warm mozzarella and meat that tastes like a meatball.
13. Pasta Alla Norma
This delicious pasta dish comes together with fewer than ten ingredients. You combine pasta with marinara and eggplant.
It is less pungent and salty than caponata. Give this a try if you want a meal that feels familiar and comforting.
14. Italian Potato Crocchè
Imagine mashed potatoes flecked with parsley and then deep fried. These golden brown bites are absolutely heavenly.
They have a crunch that reminds me of tater tots. Except these are so much better.
15. Busiate Pasta with Trapanese Pesto
This cheesy pasta dish is actually lighter than it appears. Fresh basil, garlic, and tomatoes help cut through the richness.
You can have the whole thing ready in about 35 minutes. It makes a great lunch or a light dinner.
16. Brioche Gelato
You can turn those sweet buns into a decadent sandwich by adding gelato. Pile on three or four scoops for a real treat.
I love topping it with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Don’t forget to sprinkle some nuts on top.
17. Pasta Con le Sarde (Sicilian Pasta With Sardines)
This meal is totally decadent and perfect for a special occasion. It is rich and packed with umami goodness.
You will love the combination of anchovies and golden raisins. The taste is worth the splurge on carbs and calories.
18. Original Sicilian Cassata Cake
This phenomenal dessert starts with a short crust cake. It features a filling made of ricotta cream and dark chocolate.
You can keep it simple or add a candied fruit topping. I personally love using candied cherries and bananas.
19. Sicilian Pasta
This is a great starting point if you are new to Sicilian cuisine. It feels very similar to the Italian pasta dishes you already know and love.
The sauce is packed with tomatoes, cheese, garlic, and basil. Hot pepper flakes and eggplant add a nice kick.
20. Cipollate Catanesi
You only need two ingredients to make these spectacular appetizers. It is simply green onions wrapped in bacon.
You just throw them on the grill for an easy snack. I love how simple and tasty they are.
21. Sicilian Almond Granita
This frozen treat is richer and nuttier than the fruit versions. You only need almonds, sugar, almond milk, and powdered sugar.
It makes a cool and sweet beverage for summer. I love sipping this by the pool.
22. Cuccidati – Sicilian Fig Cookies
These traditional Christmas cookies taste just as good as they look. The dough is sweet and buttery on its own.
The filling is a mix of figs, nuts, chocolate, and honey. They make your kitchen smell incredible while they bake.
23. Pasta chi Vruoccoli Arriminati (Sicilian Pasta With Cauliflower and Toasted Breadcrumbs)
This hearty meal features a delicious combo of cauliflower and toasted breadcrumbs. You also toss in pine nuts and raisins for extra texture.
Saffron threads make the dish feel extra special. The whole thing comes together in just 30 minutes.
24. Panelle (Sicilian Chickpea Fritters)
You often see these crispy yellow fritters sold by street vendors. They are super simple to make at home with just five ingredients.
A whole batch takes less than 45 minutes to whip up. You can eat them as an appetizer or serve them on a bun.
25. Sicilian Almond Cookies
These cookies come together with just four simple ingredients. You mix sugar, vanilla, almonds, and egg whites to create them.
They are gluten free and have a crunchy texture. I like dipping them in hot coffee or tea.
26. Parmigiana di Melanzane (Eggplant Parmigiana)
This version of eggplant parmigiana is one of the easiest I have found. It uses eight ingredients to create a garden fresh flavor.
You can serve it as a hearty side or a main course. It is so tasty that even meat eaters will enjoy it.
27. Minni di Virgini (St. Agatha’s Breasts)
These cakes have a very unique name and shape. They look like small breasts and even have a cherry on top.
The taste is incredible thanks to the soft sponge cake. Inside is a filling of tangy ricotta and chocolate.
28. Strawberry Sicilian Granita
This is the ultimate refreshing dessert for summer. You just need a blender and a few simple ingredients like strawberries and lemon.
It requires zero cooking skills to make. The result is sweet, tart, and naturally vegan.
29. Involtini di Pesce Spada
Swordfish rolls are packed with savory umami flavor. You stuff the fish with herbs and seasonings before grilling.
I like serving them with lemon slices and salmoriglio for dipping. They work as an appetizer or a filling main course.