Italian Bakeries Go All Out for St. Joseph's

You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy a zeppola or two this St. Joseph’s Day. That said, as someone with an Italian American mom, I’m making it my mission to guide you through some of the tastiest in Lil Rhody. Not to be confused with donuts, Zeppole di San Giuseppe are often made using fried dough, but that’s where the similarities end. A traditional Rhode Island version marries light and crispy pâte à choux-style dough with sweet cream filling, and is topped off with more cream, powdered sugar, and a cherry.

Antonio’s Bakery: This bake shop, family-run and around for 31 years and counting, is a go-to all year long for their delightful scratch-made calzones, bread, pizza, cakes, and pastries. During zeppole season, though, they really go to town, with five different kinds, including a strawberry and a triple chocolate. Warwick

DeLuise Bakery: The original Chalkstone Avenue location that the DeLuise family opened in 1938 has plenty of delish options for the zeppole lovers in your life. Of course there are the yummy old-school ones, along with cute miniatures and chocolate zeppole that have local foodies and regular customers expressing delight. Providence

LaSalle Bakery: The zeppole selection at this family-run business dating back to 1930 is eccellente! They have not only one or two but three different takes, in either fried or baked pastry shells: traditional, chocolate mousse-filled, and a popular St. Patty’s version (the holiday is, after all, the same week as the feast of St. Joseph) with Bailey’s Irish Cream-flavored filling. Providence

The Original Italian Bakery: Established in 1967, and credited with creating the pizza chip (think I speak for everyone when I say grazie), The Original Italian Bakery is also known for their tempting zeppole. Their menu of these highly anticipated treats includes original and Bailey’s Cream-filled (another nod to St. Patty’s) ones as well as an awesome pistachio cream. Johnston

Solitro’s Bakery: A family-owned and -operated bakery in the Knightsville neighborhood in Cranston that’s been a local favorite for 65 years (my husband grew up in the vicinity and is a fan), Solitro’s offers both baked and fried versions of this classic southern Italian dessert. Whether or not they’re offering cute mini versions like they did last year, you’ll want to order the regular-sized ones early, before they sell out. Cranston

Taunton Avenue Bakery: At their current 217 Taunton Avenue location since 2016, this Portuguese bakery has a passionate customer base made up of townies (a nickname for EP residents thanks to the youth football team) and non-townies alike who adore their coffee, custard cups, breads, and more. This time of year, they also have their scrumptious spin on zeppole, which you’ll immediately be adding to your takeout rotation. East Providence