Panettone is the tall, golden Christmas bread that appears on Italian tables every December. It is light, buttery and a little sweet, with a soft, pull-apart crumb from a long, slow rise. If you have never bought one, this guide covers which to choose, how to serve it and how to keep it fresh.
What is panettone?
Panettone is a sweet Italian bread from Milan, traditionally baked for Christmas. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs and rises slowly, which is why it is so airy. The classic loaf is studded with candied orange and raisins. Newer versions fill the crumb with chocolate, pistachio cream, limoncello cream or tiramisu cream.
Which panettone should you buy?
| Panettone | Good for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | The traditional loaf, with candied citrus and raisins | $36.99 |
| Chocolate | Guests who skip fruit | $42.99 |
| Pistachio Cream | Dessert lovers and gifting | $34.99 |
| Limoncello | A bright finish after a rich meal | $34.99 |
| Tiramisu Cream | Coffee and cream flavors | $39.99 |
| Mini gift tins (chocolate drops, classic, pistachio cream) | Hosts, neighbors and stocking stuffers | $19.99 |
| Pumpkin Spiced | Fall tables | $49.99 |
| Savory (sun-dried tomato, basil and Sicilian olive oil) | A cheese and cured meat board | $47.99 |
| Gluten-Free (Sicilian tangerine and tangerine cream) | Gluten-free guests | $69.99 |
| Sourdough (Sicilian orange and raisins) | A showpiece for a crowd | $99.99 |
| Etna Dark (dark chocolate and red blossom orange) | Chocolate lovers | $99.99 |
| Dammuso (soaked in Passito di Pantelleria) | A rich, wine-soaked gift | $99.99 |
| Panettone with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena | Something unexpected | $49.90 |
New this year: Fratelli Sicilia. We are adding Sicilian panettone to the lineup for the first time. The pumpkin spiced, savory, gluten-free, sourdough, Etna Dark and Dammuso loaves and the mini gift tins are all from Fratelli Sicilia.
How to serve panettone
- Leave the loaf in its wrapper until you are ready to serve.
- Cut it into wedges, like a cake, with a serrated knife.
- Serve it at room temperature with coffee, or warm a slice for a few seconds to bring out the butter.
For dessert, serve it with mascarpone or whipped cream and a glass of Moscato or another sweet wine. Slice the savory loaf and serve it alongside cheese and cured meats. Leftover slices make very good French toast, and panettone also works as the base for bread pudding.
How to store panettone
Keep it wrapped at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. Once it is cut, wrap the open end tightly or keep it in an airtight bag so it stays soft. Check the best-by date on the package.
Panettone as a gift
A boxed panettone is an easy gift for hosts, neighbors and coworkers, and the mini gift tins start at $19.99. For something bigger, pair a loaf with cheese and cured meats in one of our gift boxes.
Frequently asked questions
What does panettone taste like?
Light and buttery, with a faint citrus sweetness. Chocolate and cream versions taste richer.
Is panettone a cake or a bread?
It is a yeast bread enriched like a cake, so it eats somewhere between the two.
Do you have gluten-free panettone?
Yes. The Gluten-Free Panettone with Sicilian Tangerine and Tangerine Cream is $69.99.
How long does panettone last?
Check the best-by date on the package. Keep the loaf wrapped at room temperature, and wrap cut loaves tightly.
Can panettone be savory?
Yes. Our savory loaf has sun-dried tomato, basil and Sicilian olive oil, and it is made to serve with cheese and cured meats.
Do you ship panettone?
Yes. Qualifying orders over $149.99 ship free by ground, and exclusions apply. Some items may ship separately.
