Italy is renowned for its exquisite cuisine. If you're eager to dive into the world of Italian cooking while also picking up some Italian language skills, YouTube is a treasure trove of resources.
From entertaining Italian chefs to authentic Italian recipes passed down through generations, there's something for everyone.
Here are 10 YouTube cooking channels that offer a delightful blend of delicious recipes and Italian learning.
1. Pasta Grannies
Pasta Grannies travels around Italy searching for Grannies (Nonne) who are still cooking for their families and happily sharing their culinary wisdom.
British creator Vicky Bennison started Pasta Grannies in 2014, and in 2019, the first Pasta Grannies cookbook was introduced. She has interviewed and fimed more than 400 grannies and watching these amazing Nonne will bring you nothing but joy.
The shows have English subtitles when the Nonne are speaking, and there is an English narrator for the rest.
2. Ricette Della Nonna
This is such a simple beautiful channel to watch, especially if you love Italy and Italian food.
Watching Nonna Maria makes you feel like you are part of the family…just hanging out in the kitchen cooking with Grandma, making pizza and pasta dishes. So amazing.
3. Giallo Zafferano
This channel is maybe the most famous one on the list. Giallo Zafferano, which means “Yellow Saffron” in Italian, has been around since 2006.
Giallo Zafferano’s “ricette per bambini” (recipes for kids) are also great to watch with your little ones because they are quite unique and fun.
Giallo Zafferano is available in English and Spanish on YouTube now as well.
4. Cook Around Recipies
This Italian cooking channel was created by a Luca Pappagallo with the idea of trying to kindle a passion for cooking in those who've never wielded a pan before.
You'll find a vast array of original, delectable dishes: from appetizers to main courses, and desserts, spanning both Italian and international cuisines.
The channel is a joy to watch…especially if you need to awaken your guests' appetite.
5. Vincenzo’s Plate
This channel is fantastic! Vincenzo's Plate Italian recipes are in English, but he is 100% Italian. He sometimes has his Italian Nonna in them too, which is always a pleasure to watch.
If you go to his website, you can get information about his tours in Italy, as well as cooking classes you can take (if you happen to live in Sydney, Australia).
6. Cucina Con Noi (cucinaconoi)
This is an interesting channel. There are some videos that have speaking, but most of the videos that I have seen are just of the cooking with Italian subtitles that tell you the cooking instructions.
This is kind of a neat way to learn basic Italian vocabulary, not to mention all the yummy Italian food you get to see being made.
They have an English YouTube channel as well. They also have a website (In Italian) with all of their recipes.
7. Laura in the Kitchen
'Laura in the Kitchen' is an interactive cooking program led by Laura Vitale. While the spotlight is on Italian cuisine, viewers are also encouraged to share their requests.
You'll notice that many of the recipes featured on the show stem from audience suggestions.
8. The Pasta Queen
Nadia Caterina Munno's "The Pasta Queen" offers a delightful and authentic exploration of traditional Italian food recipes and culinary traditions.
Her family history traces back to ancestors who owned a pasta factory in southern Italy, instilling in her a profound appreciation for pasta making. Growing up surrounded by her grandparents' winemaking and the bountiful harvests of fresh ingredients, she developed a love for fresh, seasonal, rich ingredients.
9. Authentic Italian Cooking
Based in Mandello del Lario at Lake Como, this channel provides access to quality ingredients sourced from all over Italy, ensuring they are 100% natural, embodying the concept of "a chilometro zero."
Authentic Italian Cooking is a channel focused on preparing the best Italian food recipes in their original form, while also being open to adding a slight personal touch.
Most recipes shared on the channel are easy to prepare, taking approximately 20 minutes.
10. Buon-A-Petitti
The channel name "Buon-A-Petitti" cleverly combines the phrase 'Buon Appetito' with Gina's surname, 'Petitti'. Born in 1935 in Faeto, Italy, a province of Foggia in the Puglia region, Gina delights in preparing food for her family using traditional methods passed down from her mother and grandmother in Italy.
She also embraces new culinary techniques learned from family and friends in the US. Apart from cooking, Gina finds joy in gardening and actively participates in her church community. Her cookbook, 'Cooking with Grandma Gina', is readily available on Amazon.
Why Start Learning Through Delicious Italian Recipes
Learning Italian through delicious Italian recipes on YouTube can be a unique and immersive experience.
As you delve into the culinary delights of Italy, you're likely to encounter an entertaining Italian chef infusing their videos with charisma and charm, making the learning process enjoyable.
From traditional dishes passed down through generations in an Italian family to innovative twists on classic recipes, you'll gain insight into the amazing Italian cuisine.
Whether you're starting to learn Italian or seeking to practice your language skills, trying some of these Italian recipes offers a dynamic way to engage with vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation—all for free.
How to Make the Most of Your Learning Experience on YouTube
Learning Italian through YouTube videos opens up a world of possibilities for language learners. With a wealth of channels offering diverse content and engaging lessons, mastering Italian has never been more accessible.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your learning experience and accelerate your progress in mastering the language.
1. Choose Quality Channels: Select reputable YouTube channels that offer engaging content. Look for channels hosted by native Italian speakers or experienced language teachers who provide structured lessons and clear explanations.
2. Supplement with Resources: Complement your YouTube learning with additional resources such as textbooks, workbooks, language apps, and online courses. This multi-faceted approach provides a well-rounded learning experience and reinforces concepts learned from the videos.
3. Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable language learning goals and track your progress over time. Whether it's mastering a specific topic, building vocabulary, or holding conversations, having goals helps keep you motivated and focused on your learning journey.
4. Immersive Experience: Immerse yourself in the Italian language and culture by watching Italian movies, listening to Italian music, reading Italian books, and practicing with native speakers. The more exposure you have to the language, the faster you'll progress in your learning.
5. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to language learning success. Dedicate regular time to watching Italian YouTube videos, practicing speaking and listening, and reviewing previous lessons. Even short, daily study sessions can yield significant progress over time.
These channels not only provide tantalizing Italian recipes and culinary inspiration but also serve as immersive language-learning platforms.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let the journey of language and gastronomy begin!
FAQs
In this section, we'll explore some of the most frequently asked questions about learning Italian through a YouTube cooking show
What is the best YouTube channel to learn Italian?
For learning Italian, "Learn Italian with Lucrezia" is highly recommended. Lucrezia provides engaging lessons, cultural insights, and practical language tips, making it an excellent choice for language learners.
What is the best channel on YouTube?
"Tasty" is often regarded as one of the best cooking channels on YouTube. With its wide range of recipes, cooking tips, and visually appealing videos, it's a go-to destination for culinary inspiration.
Which cooking channel on YouTube has the best Italian food recipes?
"Giallo Zafferano" stands out for its collection of authentic Italian dishes. With its focus on traditional food and expert guidance, it's the perfect Italian cooking channel for mastering the art of Italian cuisine.
How can I teach myself Italian?
Teaching yourself Italian can be a rewarding journey. Start by immersing yourself in the language through resources like language learning apps, online courses, and immersion experiences.
Practice regularly, explore Italian dishes, and engage with the culture to enhance your learning experience.
What is harder Spanish or Italian?
The difficulty of learning Spanish or Italian depends on various factors such as your native language, learning style, and exposure to the languages.
While both are Romance languages and share similarities, some may find Italian slightly easier due to its simpler grammar and pronunciation. However, mastering either language requires dedication, practice, and a love for languages.
Summing Up: The 10 Best Cooking Channels to Learn Italian
Learning Italian through cooking an authentic Italian dish is a delicious journey that combines the love for food with the passion for language.
With these 10 YouTube cooking channels, you can explore the rich flavors of Italian cuisine while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Italian language.
Take your Italian learning to the next level with Lingopie! Sign up for a free trial today and enjoy watching Italian cooking shows that make learning the language deliciously fun.
Buon appetito!
