Abundant with rich meat, warming marinara sauce, and savory melted cheese, pasta al forno is often served on Christmas to satisfy many appetites. Finished with crispy toasted breadcrumbs, the traditional Sicilian dish is a favorite across all generations of holiday revelers.

Created in the eastern Sicilian city of Catania, Pasta alla Norma is quintessential Sicilian cuisine. While the recipe may vary depending on the household, the core ingredients of this classic remain the same: eggplant, basil, tomatoes and a wonderfully salty ricotta salata.