18 Savory Pancetta Recipes Perfect for Every Occasion

Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these 18 mouthwatering pancetta recipes, perfect for every occasion! Pancetta, an Italian cured meat made from pork belly, adds a rich and savory flavor to any dish. From classic comfort foods to elegant appetizers and main courses, pancetta is the ultimate ingredient to have in your pantry.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner party, these pancetta recipes are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of savory pancakes, with dishes ranging from creamy carbonaras to crispy pizzas and more. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in the smoky, salty goodness of pancetta!

Creamy Pancetta Carbonara

Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy pancetta carbonara recipe, perfect for a cozy night in. This indulgent dish combines the savory flavors of pancetta, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired creamy consistency.
6. Stir in cooked pancetta and chopped parsley (if using).
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus

Elevate your asparagus game with this elegant and flavorful recipe that combines tender spears with the savory goodness of pancetta.

Pancetta-Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 6 slices pancetta, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the asparagus spears on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Cut the pancetta slices into thin strips and wrap each asparagus spear with 1-2 pieces of pancetta, securing with toothpicks if needed.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the wrapped asparagus and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pancetta is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Serve warm and enjoy!

Pancetta and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

Elevate your mushroom game with this savory and rich recipe, perfect for a cozy night in or as an impressive appetizer. Pancetta adds a smoky depth, while Parmesan cheese provides a salty kick.

Ingredients:

– 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini), cleaned and stems removed
– 6 slices of pancetta, diced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with a spoonful of pancetta, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pancetta and Sage Roasted Chicken

Elevate your roasted chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of pancetta with the earthy sweetness of sage. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
– 6 slices of pancetta, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried sage leaves
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pancetta, olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Pancetta and Caramelized Onion Pizza

This savory pizza combines the rich flavors of pancetta and caramelized onions with a crispy crust, perfect for a comforting dinner or weekend gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb pizza dough
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add olive oil and caramelized onions cooked for 20-25 minutes or until dark golden brown. Season with salt.
5. Spread onion mixture on pizza dough, leaving a small border around edges.
6. Top with pancetta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme leaves (if using).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Pancetta and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Elevate your pasta game with this creative twist on traditional stuffed shells. The combination of crispy pancetta, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese will become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1/2 cup pancetta, finely chopped
– 1 bunch fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pancetta, spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the pancetta-spinach mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Top with marinara sauce and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until shells are tender.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes to golden brown the top.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Pancetta and Leek Quiche

This quiche is a perfect blend of crispy pancetta, sweet caramelized leeks, and creamy eggs. It’s an excellent addition to any brunch or dinner menu.

Ingredients:

– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 6 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 large leeks, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add leeks and garlic. Cook until leeks are caramelized and tender.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Arrange cooked pancetta and leeks in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around.
7. Pour egg mixture over the filling and fold edges of the pastry up over the filling.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Pancetta and Sweet Pea Risotto

This creamy risotto is infused with the rich flavor of pancetta and the sweetness of fresh sweet peas, making it a perfect springtime dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices pancetta, diced
– 2 cups fresh sweet peas
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the warmed broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
4. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in the sweet peas and cook until they’re tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Pancetta and Garlic Butter Shrimp

Elevate your seafood game with this decadent and aromatic dish that combines succulent shrimp, crispy pancetta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of pancetta, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add butter to the same skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve shrimp topped with crispy pancetta and garnish with parsley or thyme if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts Hash

A savory twist on a classic breakfast dish, this pancetta and Brussels sprouts hash is the perfect combination of crispy, smoky, and sweet. This recipe is a great way to elevate your morning meal with a flavorful and nutritious start.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of pancetta, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized.
3. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add garlic (if using) to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add roasted Brussels sprouts to the skillet with pancetta. Toss to combine and serve hot.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Pancetta and Gruyere Grilled Cheese

Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creamy, savory, and indulgent combination of crispy pancetta and melted Gruyère. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or a sophisticated dinner party.

Ingredients:

– 2 slices of artisanal bread (e.g., baguette or ciabatta)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup pancetta, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, buttered side down, on the grill.
4. Top with Gruyère cheese, pancetta slices, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes

Pancetta and Fig Crostini

Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of crispy crostini, creamy pancetta, and caramelized figs.

Ingredients:

– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 6 oz pancetta, thinly sliced
– 2 ripe figs, stemmed and chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle pancetta slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
4. Meanwhile, cook chopped figs in a skillet over medium heat with honey until caramelized.
5. To assemble, place a piece of crispy pancetta on each crostini round, followed by a spoonful of caramelized figs.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pancetta and Potato Frittata

A rich and savory breakfast or brunch option, this frittata combines the crispy sweetness of caramelized potatoes with the smoky depth of pancetta.

Ingredients:

– 6 large eggs
– 1 medium potato, peeled and thinly sliced
– 4 slices of pancetta, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the sliced potatoes until caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked potatoes and pancetta in the skillet.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the frittata is fully set.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Pancetta and Rosemary Focaccia

This recipe combines the rich flavors of pancetta, rosemary, and olive oil to create a deliciously savory focaccia perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite soups or salads.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons pancetta, finely chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Coarse sea salt, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle pancetta, rosemary, and coarse sea salt over the dough. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pancetta and Butternut Squash Soup

This rich and creamy soup combines the savory flavor of pancetta with the sweet, nutty taste of roasted butternut squash. Perfect for a chilly fall evening, this recipe serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 6 slices of pancetta, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the butternut squash for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add chicken broth, roasted squash, and cooked pancetta to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Pancetta and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates

These bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of dates with the rich flavors of pancetta and blue cheese. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack.

Ingredients:

– 12 pitted Medjool dates
– 1/4 cup pancetta, diced
– 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff each date with a small piece of pancetta, leaving a small opening at the top.
3. Place a dollop of blue cheese on top of the pancetta.
4. Drizzle a small amount of honey over the blue cheese.
5. Close the date and secure it with a toothpick if needed.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the pancetta is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Pancetta and Egg Breakfast Sandwich

Start your day with a flavorful and satisfying breakfast sandwich featuring crispy pancetta, creamy scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese on toasted brioche bread.

Ingredients:

– 4 slices of pancetta (Italian bacon)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of brioche bread
– 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the pancetta in the skillet until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Crack in eggs and scramble until cooked through.
4. Toast the brioche bread slices.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of toasted bread on a plate, topping with scrambled eggs, a few pieces of pancetta, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Pancetta and Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet impressive recipe, combining the richness of pancetta with the tanginess of balsamic glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 6 slices of pancetta, diced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of balsamic glaze (or 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar reduced to 3 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat.
3. Add olive oil, garlic, and carrot slices to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until carrots start to soften.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes or until carrots are tender and caramelized.
5. Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve warm.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Summary

Get ready to elevate your cooking game with these 18 savory pancetta recipes! From classic carbonara to innovative pizza toppings, pancakes and pasta dishes, and even sweet treats like crostini and dates. Each recipe showcases the rich, smoky flavor of pancetta, whether it’s wrapped around asparagus or added to a quiche. Perfect for every occasion, these dishes are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion centerpiece, this collection has something for everyone.