Polpette di pane, or Italian bread dumplings, are a delightful and comforting dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions. This recipe transforms stale bread into flavorful dumplings that are perfect for any occasion, embodying the essence of rustic Italian cuisine. The beauty of polpette di pane lies not only in their taste but also in their versatility and the ability to reduce waste by using leftover bread. With garlic and herb flavors bursting in every bite, these savory bread balls are loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, making them an enticing option for family-friendly dinners or traditional Italian feasts.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 4 cups stale Italian bread, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free variant)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Flavorings:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the stale bread cubes with the milk. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soften and absorb the milk.
3. Once the bread has soaked, add in the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until it forms a sticky dough. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour until it’s manageable but still slightly sticky.
5. With your hands, form the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the formed dumplings on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the dumplings, ensuring they are lightly coated. This helps achieve a golden brown finish during baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. You can turn them halfway through for even browning.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your polpette di pane, consider these practical tips: You can learn more about this topic.

• Stale Bread: Using stale bread is essential as it holds its shape better. Fresh bread can make the mixture too soggy.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking.
• Pan-Frying Option: For added flavor and a crispy texture, consider pan-frying the dumplings in olive oil until golden brown before baking.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a crispy exterior.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough dumplings. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your taste: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Herbal Twist: Add different herbs such as basil or thyme for a unique flavor profile. Experiment with your favorites!
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in some mozzarella cheese for a gooey surprise inside the dumplings.
• Vegetarian Add-Ins: Incorporate chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the dough for added nutrition and flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk.

Serving Suggestions

Polpette di pane can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Serve them with a marinara sauce for a comforting appetizer reminiscent of classic meatballs with spaghetti.
• Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish with additional parsley or grated cheese for an appealing presentation.

Now that you have the recipe for polpette di pane at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and bring a taste of Italy to your home. These delightful Italian bread dumplings are not only easy to prepare but also make for a hearty vegetarian meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that embody Italian culinary traditions!

Polpette di pane

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Italian Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep Time

10 min

🍳

Cook Time

25 min

🔥

Calories

250 kcal

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Polpette di pane, or Italian bread dumplings, are a delightful and comforting dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions. This recipe transforms stale bread into flavorful dumplings that are perfect for any occasion, embodying the essence of rustic Italian cuisine.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups stale Italian bread, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free variant)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the stale bread cubes with the milk. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soften and absorb the milk.

3.

Once the bread has soaked, add in the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

4.

Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until it forms a sticky dough. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour until it’s manageable but still slightly sticky.

5.

With your hands, form the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the formed dumplings on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

6.

Drizzle olive oil over the dumplings, ensuring they are lightly coated. This helps achieve a golden brown finish during baking.

7.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. You can turn them halfway through for even browning.

8.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Reviews

• hassan★★★★★May 18, 2026

  Excellent recipe!

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