The best panettone in Bologna

Panettone, the quintessential Italian Christmas cake, holds a special place in the hearts of Italians and has garnered international acclaim for its rich flavor and delicate texture.

Originating from Milan, this sweet bread has found its way into the culinary traditions of many Italian cities, including Bologna.

In this article, we'll explore the best places to find panettone in Bologna, delve into what makes this Italian Christmas cake so special, understand why it's often considered a luxury item, and discover how Italians traditionally enjoy it

What is an Italian panettone?

Panettone is a baked cake typical of Christmas time in Italy.
Its origins are from the north of Italy, from Milan. The classic version has raisin and candied fruits inside, and a glaze of sugar and almonds on top.

You can find many different variations, also gluten-free or even vegan.

Italians eat panettone as a dessert, after lunch or dinner. It's common to have it also for breakfast, paired with coffee or cappuccino.

A common alternative to panettone is pandoro, another baked and simpler cake loved by kids.

Panettone is an expensive food because it takes time to prepare and includes premium ingredients like vanilla, almonds, and candied fruits.

The price of a panettone ranges from €5 per kg to as much as €50 or €60 per kg for those made by renowned pastry chefs like Carlo Cracco or Igino Massari.

How do you tell a good panettone?
It has to be soft inside and crunchy near the glaze. The list of ingredients should include just flour, eggs, butter, and yeast. The shape should be round and not too flat with holes inside not too large.

What makes panettone special?

Panettone's allure lies in its unique combination of flavor, texture, and the artisanal craftsmanship involved in its creation.
Several factors contribute to its special status:

• Natural yeast (lievito madre): the use of lievito madre, or mother yeast, is pivotal. This natural leavening agent imparts a distinct flavor and contributes to the bread's airy, fluffy texture.
  Maintaining and nurturing this yeast requires skill and patience, as it must be fed regularly and kept under precise conditions.
• High-quality ingredients: authentic panettone is made with premium ingredients, including fresh eggs, high-quality butter, and select candied fruits like orange peel and raisins. These components ensure a rich taste and delightful aroma.
• Labor-intensive process: the production of panettone is a meticulous, multi-day process involving several stages of mixing, rising, and baking.
  The dough undergoes multiple fermentation periods, each lasting several hours, to develop its characteristic texture and flavor.
  After baking, the loaves are often cooled upside down to maintain their dome shape and prevent collapse.
• Cultural significance: beyond its physical attributes, panettone holds a deep cultural significance in Italy.
  It's synonymous with Christmas celebrations and is often shared among family and friends, symbolizing unity and festivity.

The best panettone in Bologna

Here's the list of the best bakeries and pastry chefs where you can buy an excellent panettone in Bologna.

Il Forno di Calzolari

The name of the panettone comes from bread.
So it's not a surprise to find Forno Calzolari bakery on this list.

This family business has its roots in the hills above Bologna, where Francone founded it in the 1960s. Now it's his son Matteo the king of bread.

At Calzolari it's Panettone season since November.
Try their Autumn Panettone with chestnuts, walnuts, and persimmon puree.

Are you late?
Not a big deal, they even make a New Year's Eve version with sour cherries and dark chocolate.

Price: €40 per kg

Info

Il Forno di Calzolari
Via Marchesana, 4/b, 40124 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 001 3858

www.fornocalzolari.it

Cremeria Santo Stefano

If I say Cremeria Santo Stefano and you've been on one of our Bologna food tours, your eyes should start to sparkle.

You're right, Cavallari's family makes one of the best gelato in Bologna.
But not only.

In the last years, the young owner Mattia improved his baking skills and now his panettone is top-notch.

At Cremeria you find the classic one, with raisins and candied fruit, and a special one for New Year's Eve that changes every year.

And if you combine it with his zabajone gelato, well you get my idea of heaven.

Price: €37 per kg

Info

Cremeria Santo Stefano
Via Santo Stefano, 70/c, 40125 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 227045

Forno Brisa

Forno Brisa is the Elon Musk of bakeries in Bologna: cool, young and crazy enough to look further.

This small bakery in Via Galliera is already a reference for bread and friends.

Their pizza is superb, the coffee they serve is surprisingly well made, making it the place to stay from breakfast in Bologna to aperitivo.

Since 2016 Forno Brisa's panettone is on the Christmas table of a lot of Bolognesi.

A cool packaging uncloses different versions like:
- Gianduia (with hazelnuts and chocolate)
- Apricot and chocolate
- Coffee (!)

In 2019 the guys of Brisa decided to bring it to Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana to hear his opinion. A selfie with his large smile is worth more than landing on Mars.

Price: €47 per kg

Info

Forno Brisa
Via Galliera, 34d, 40121 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 248556

fornobrisa.it

Regina di Quadri

Francesco Elmi is not just another pastry chef.

His curriculum began in 1988 and after travels and collaborations found a safe home at Regina di Quadri, his patisserie in Bologna.

His panettone is the classic Milan version: high and with prime ingredients like chosen butter, real vanilla, and candied fruit.

Small production and long rising, which takes up to 3 days, makes Regina di Quadri a must-go destination.

Price: €32 per kg

Info

Regina di Quadri
Via Castiglione, 73/A, 40124 Bologna
Tel. 39 051 644 6201

www.pasticceriareginadiquadri.it

Gino Fabbri

If you only have 1 move to make on your chessboard, get your horse and go to Gino Fabbri, in the countryside of Bologna.

You'll need a car, but there you meet THE master, as we call him.

At his elegant pastry shop, you'll find the perfect version of all the classic desserts of Bologna, from rice cake to fiordilatte.

His Panettone is a soft pillow of dough where you can only make nice dreams.
A crisp glaze made of sugar and almonds covers its top.
Inside small cubes of candied orange peel and raisins.

The only bad news?
They sold out quickly, so booking in advance is mandatory.

Price: €45 per kg (the classic)

Info

Gino Fabbri
Via Cadriano, 27/2a, 40127 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 505074

ginofabbri.com

Pasticceria Beverara

How can you innovate food that seems perfect?
Ask Luca Porretto of Pasticceria Beverara in the countryside of Bologna.

At first, he tried to make a spherical panettone.
Then in 2021, he won the competition of the international federation of pastry chefs.

He called his panettone "Soppa", a local slang meaning "Wow!".
And "Wow!" should be your comment when you read how it's made.

With Soppa Luca mixes together panettone and a typical Bolognese dessert called Zuppa Inglese. So inside the soft dough, you find red alchermes liquor, jelly, and chocolate.

Merry Christmas diet, see you next year!

Info

Pasticceria Beverara
Via Giacomo Matteotti, 185, 40131 Sabbiuno
Tel. +39 051 634 5354

magodelletorte.it

Why is panettone so expensive?

The higher price point of panettone can be attributed to several factors:

• Artisanal production: crafting panettone is a labor-intensive process that requires skilled artisans to monitor and adjust each stage meticulously. This hands-on approach ensures quality but increases production costs.
• Quality ingredients: the use of premium ingredients, such as high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and natural yeast, adds to the overall cost. These components are essential for achieving the authentic flavor and texture of traditional panettone.
• Extended production time: The multi-day fermentation and baking process means that production is time-consuming, limiting the number of loaves that can be made in a given period. This extended timeline contributes to the exclusivity and higher price of the final product.
• Limited production: many artisanal bakers produce panettone in limited quantities, especially during the holiday season. This exclusivity can drive up demand and, consequently, the price.

How do Italians enjoy panettone?

In Italy, panettone is a versatile treat enjoyed in various ways throughout the holiday season:

• Breakfast delight: many Italians savor a slice of panettone for breakfast, often accompanied by a strong espresso. The light, sweet bread pairs well with coffee, making for a delightful start to the day.
• Afternoon treat: it's common to enjoy panettone as an afternoon snack alongside tea or coffee. Some Italians enhance the experience by spreading mascarpone cheese, pistachio cream, or Nutella on a slice, adding a creamy richness to each bite.
• Dessert course: panettone also serves as a dessert, sometimes accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream, custard, or a scoop of gelato. Pairing it with a sweet wine like Moscato or Marsala adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect end to a festive meal.
  
• Christmas tradition: sharing panettone with family and friends during Christmas gatherings is a cherished Italian custom. It's often presented as a gift, beautifully wrapped, to symbolize goodwill and togetherness.
• Creative recipes: beyond enjoying it plain, panettone is often used in recipes like bread pudding, French toast, or even tiramisu. Some creative cooks repurpose leftover slices to craft entirely new desserts, ensuring no crumb goes to waste.

Is panettone eaten warm?

While panettone is delicious at room temperature, warming it slightly can elevate its texture and flavor. Many Italians prefer to gently heat their panettone, here are some common methods:

• Oven: warm slices in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This method revitalizes the softness and enhances the aroma.
• Radiator or heater: in traditional Italian homes, panettone is often placed near a radiator to absorb gentle heat, giving it a cozy feel without drying it out.
• Pan: heating a slice on a non-stick pan over low heat for a few seconds on each side works well, creating lightly caramelized edges.

Warm panettone pairs beautifully with mascarpone, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, making it even more indulgent.

Beyond the panettone

Panettone in Bologna is more than just a Christmas treat; it's a celebration of artistry, tradition, and flavor.

From the natural yeast that gives it life to the premium ingredients that make it shine, this Italian Christmas cake continues to captivate hearts and taste buds worldwide.

But before getting to dessert it's time to eat the rest of Bologna's best food.

Join our Bologna food tour to get a deep introduction to coffee, gelato, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic, and much more.

Enter the family shops, meet the people behind the food and save time and money in trial-end-error.