Rosa Morellini
Growing up in a large Italian family, I remember Panettone being at every Christmas lunch – both as a dessert, and also given as gifts. We would go shopping for them beforehand, and I remember looking up at the towers of Panettone, wondering how on Earth she chooses the best one. They all look the same! But of course, they don’t all taste the same.
Personally, I’ve never been much of a fan of Panettone, but my mum, Rosa? She has been eating it every Christmas for the last five decades. When I asked her which supermarket Panettone is her favourite, her answer surprised me.
How to choose a good panettone – an Italian mum’s tips
Here are three easy ways to identify a good panettone from the not-so-good ones.
- Check if it is made in Italy. Italian-made panettone tends to be a good bet, as producers there have been perfecting the craft for generations.
- Concerned the panettone will be dry? Look for options with filling.
- Look for natural, high-quality ingredients like real butter, fresh eggs and real vanilla.
When you’ve bought and opened the panettone, an easy way to tell if the one you selected was good is:
- It has a soft, elastic texture with irregular air pockets and a pleasant citrus aroma.
- It should tear easily in strips rather than crumble like cake.
- It will feel substantial in weight.
Rosa’s all-time favourite panettone is…
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Chocolate chip panettone
ALDI, $9.99
Mum says, after all her experience eating panettone over the years, ALDI’s Mantovani Chocolate Chip panettone is her favourite.
“If I had to choose one panettone, it’d have to be the ALDI chocolate chip panettone. I find that some brands can be quite dry, but this one is buttery, and I love the dark chocolate chips that add a hint of both sweetness and bitterness. It brings it to the next level. It’s also made in Italy and so much cheaper than other brands (and some expensive brands don’t even taste as good!).”
What other Panettone does she rate?
Mum also loves panettone with cream fillings.
“There are so many delicious flavoured fillings to choose from! If I’m hosting someone, these are the four types of panettone I get. The cream inside helps to keep it moist, and I find most people enjoy it. A few of my favourites are limoncello, chocolate, pistachio (one I recently discovered!), and tiramisu. These are my go-to for gifting because I can choose the filling based on the taste of who I’m giving it to.”
Woolworths Dolce Segreto Gianduia Panettone Gift Wrapped 1kg, $35
Voglia di Pistachio e Nocciola, available in most Delis
ALDI Limoncello Panettone 750g, $14.49
Voglia di Stracciatella, available in most Delis
What about traditional panettone?
Traditional panettone
Coles, $20
Panettone is traditionally made only with dried fruit. While traditional panettone isn’t my mum’s personal favourite (she says it can be quite dry without the inclusion of cream, custard or chocolate) she has discovered some nice ones over the years. One of her favourites is Adalgisa’s classic panettone, which can be found at Coles.
“It’s made in Italy, the cake is buttery, and it has a hint of citrus, which I love. If I’m going traditional from a supermarket, this is the one I’d opt for.”
How are you supposed to eat pannetone?
Traditionally, Italians have panettone as a dessert or a snack. It can be eaten on its own or paired with a glass of sweet wine, such as Marsala or Moscato. Even better, pair it with a cup of tea or coffee. My Nonni often dip a slice of pannetone into their coffee, just as many would a biscuit, which helps when the panettone is a dry texture. Some people have it as breakfast (panettone French toast has become a popular recipe), or it can be used to make bread pudding.
Why is panettone so expensive?
Panettone can be quite expensive, sometimes costing up to $100. This is because it can take several days to make and is quite labour-intensive. It also requires high-quality ingredients like premium butter, eggs and candied fruits. Luxury packaging can also add to the cost.
Do you keep panettone in the fridge?
No, panettone should not be put in the fridge. It needs to be kept at room temperature to ensure optimal preservation and the best flavour.
Should panettone be served warm or cold?
I’ve never had warm panettone and can’t imagine it tasting nice. But many people do enjoy it warm and insist it accentuates the flavours and aroma. So it’s personal preference!
Can you freeze slices of panettone?
You can freeze panettone, but it isn’t advised if you want to enjoy it at its freshest.
How long does panettone last?
The shelf life of panettone depends on its type. Industrial panettone can last for months if unopened, while artisan panettone is best consumed within a few days to a couple of weeks. In my family, we follow this rule: once opened, eat it within seven days. Once opened, store it in a cool, dry place wrapped tightly.
