14 Walmart Italian Food Staples to Make Authentic Dishes at Home

Cooking authentic Italian dishes at home doesn’t require a trip to Italy. With the right ingredients, you can easily recreate your favorite Italian meals using affordable, high-quality products available at Walmart. Whether you’re making a classic pasta, a flavorful pizza, or a rich sauce, Walmart has a great selection of Italian food staples to help bring those delicious flavors to your kitchen.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is an essential ingredient in almost every Italian dish. Walmart carries several high-quality brands like Bertolli and Pompeian that can be used for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over pasta. Extra virgin olive oil, which is made from the first cold press of olives, has a smooth, fruity flavor and is perfect for authentic Italian cooking. It’s also known for being rich in healthy fats, making it a great choice for both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re sautéing veggies or making your own dressing, olive oil is a must-have in your kitchen.

Pasta

No Italian meal is complete without pasta, and Walmart offers a wide selection to choose from. You can find a variety of shapes and sizes, from spaghetti and fettuccine to penne and rigatoni. Many of these pastas are made from durum wheat, giving them the perfect texture to hold up to sauces. Some brands even offer whole wheat and gluten-free options for those with dietary preferences. Cooking with authentic pasta from Walmart will make any dish feel like it’s straight out of Italy.

Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are a staple for making the perfect Italian sauce or soup. Walmart carries trusted brands like San Marzano, known for their sweet and tangy flavor. These tomatoes are picked at the peak of ripeness and preserved to maintain that fresh, bold taste. Whether you’re making a rich marinara sauce or adding tomatoes to your pasta dishes, these canned tomatoes are a great way to add depth and authenticity to your meals. Be sure to have a few cans in your pantry for quick and easy Italian cooking.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar adds a unique sweet-tart flavor to many Italian dishes, especially in salad dressings and glazes. Walmart offers a variety of balsamic vinegars, with some aged for extra depth of flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over Caprese salads, roasted vegetables, or even meats. High-quality balsamic vinegar is also a great way to add complexity to your sauces or marinades. If you’re looking to elevate your Italian meals, a bottle of balsamic vinegar from Walmart is a must.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is one of the most iconic Italian cheeses, known for its nutty and salty taste. Walmart stocks a range of options, including pre-grated and block Parmesan from trusted brands like Kraft and BelGioioso. The flavor of real Parmesan can transform any dish, especially pastas and risottos. It’s also delicious sprinkled over a Caesar salad or used to make creamy Alfredo sauces. Be sure to buy a good quality Parmesan for an authentic Italian meal.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese commonly used in Italian dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli. Walmart offers ricotta from several trusted brands, making it easy to find this essential ingredient for your Italian cooking. Ricotta is mildly sweet and has a smooth texture, making it perfect for fillings in pasta or desserts. It can also be mixed into sauces to add creaminess or spread on toast. Keep ricotta on hand for both savory and sweet Italian recipes.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes and is used to add a rich, deep flavor to Italian sauces and soups. Walmart offers several brands, including Hunt’s and Cento, which are both known for their high-quality tomato products. It’s perfect for thickening sauces, enhancing flavors, or making homemade pizza sauce. A small amount of tomato paste goes a long way, so it’s a great pantry staple. If you want to make your pasta sauces extra rich and savory, tomato paste is a must-have.

Prosciutto

Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham that’s thinly sliced and perfect for sandwiches, antipasto platters, or wrapping around vegetables. Walmart carries several varieties, including imported prosciutto from Italy, that bring authentic flavors to your kitchen. Its salty, savory taste pairs well with cheese, melon, or even pizza toppings. It’s also an excellent addition to salads or pasta dishes. For a true Italian touch, add prosciutto to your meal for extra flavor and texture.

Pesto

Pesto is a flavorful Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. Walmart offers a variety of pesto sauces, both fresh and jarred, that can easily be added to pasta dishes or used as a spread. The combination of fresh, aromatic basil and garlic makes pesto a perfect topping for your favorite pasta or pizza. It’s also a great dip for bread or a drizzle on roasted vegetables. Pesto brings the vibrant flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen.

Bread Crumbs

Italian-style bread crumbs are used in many Italian dishes like meatballs, breading for chicken, and in baked casseroles. Walmart offers both plain and seasoned bread crumbs that can make your dishes extra crispy and flavorful. The seasoned bread crumbs often include herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic, adding an authentic Italian touch. You can also use them to top pasta dishes or make a crunchy coating for fried foods. Keep these on hand for easy and delicious meal prep.

Anchovies

Anchovies are small, salty fish often used in Italian cooking to add depth of flavor to sauces, pasta dishes, or pizzas. Walmart carries several brands of anchovies, making it easy to find this flavorful ingredient for your recipes. They can be blended into sauces for a rich, umami taste or added to pizzas for an extra layer of savory flavor. Though their strong taste might not be for everyone, anchovies are a key ingredient in many classic Italian dishes. They are an easy way to add complexity to your cooking.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is one of the most beloved cheeses in Italian cuisine, known for its soft, creamy texture and mild flavor. Walmart offers both fresh and shredded mozzarella, perfect for pizzas, lasagna, and Caprese salads. The fresh variety, which often comes in a ball or in water, has a delicate, milky flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and basil. If you’re looking to make a cheesy pasta or pizza, mozzarella is an essential ingredient that should never be skipped.

Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is another must-have ingredient for authentic Italian meals. Walmart offers a variety of Italian sausages, including sweet and spicy varieties, perfect for adding to pasta dishes, sandwiches, or pizza. These sausages are flavored with herbs like fennel, garlic, and red pepper, giving them a distinct, savory taste. You can cook them whole or slice them into your favorite recipes. Italian sausage adds both protein and flavor to many dishes, making it a key ingredient for hearty meals.

Ricotta Salata

Ricotta Salata is a firm, salted version of ricotta cheese that’s perfect for grating over pasta dishes or salads. Walmart carries this delicious cheese, which has a firmer texture and a more intense flavor than regular ricotta. It’s less creamy but still has the mild, slightly sweet taste of ricotta, making it a great addition to Italian recipes. Use it to top a bowl of pasta or mix it into a salad for an extra layer of flavor. Ricotta Salata is a versatile ingredient that brings a true Italian taste to your meals.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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