Forget The Flight To Rome Because This Wisconsin Bakery Has Italian Pastries Worth Traveling For

Your plans are in trouble the moment you spot a tray of freshly filled cannoli. Add buttery cookies, golden pastries, and loaves of fresh bread, and that quick bakery stop suddenly becomes a serious test of self-control.

Italian baking has a way of making even the simplest treats feel special. And when recipes carry generations of tradition, every bite has a little extra personality.

Wisconsin might be famous for cheese, but its Italian bakery scene deserves some attention, too. One family-run favorite proves that you don’t need fancy surroundings to find incredible flavors.

Behind the counter, colorful cookies compete with delicate pastries, while fresh bread makes choosing just one thing nearly impossible.

The real temptation comes when you realize there’s always something else worth trying. A box of cannoli sounds reasonable until a few cookies join the order. Before long, your simple bakery visit has turned into a delicious little shopping spree.

Cannoli That Make Rome Feel Close

A great cannoli lives or dies by its shell. At Scordato Bakery, that crunch is the first thing you notice, followed by a smooth, sweet ricotta filling that tastes clean and rich at the same time.

You should know a helpful trick here. Ask the staff whether your cannoli can be filled fresh, which helps keep the shell crisp. If you plan to share them later in the day, ask for them filled closer to when you leave, or carry them home carefully in the box.

Cannoli come from Sicily, where they were once a treat for festival season. Today you can enjoy them any day of the week, and this Wisconsin bakery treats the recipe with real respect. The filling is not overly sugary, so you taste the creamy cheese clearly.

You can pair one with a cup of coffee for a simple morning treat. Some people even grab a slice of Sicilian pizza and a cannoli together for breakfast, which sounds unusual but works surprisingly well.

If you are new to Italian pastries, start here. You will understand quickly why so many families keep coming back for a dozen at a time, especially before holidays and big parties.

Over 20 Italian Cookies Sold By Weight

Picture a glass case lined with rows of cookies in every shape and color. That is the scene waiting for you at Scordato Bakery, where you can pick from at least 20 varieties of Italian cookies.

Here is the fun part. The cookies are sold by weight, so you can mix and match as many kinds as you like. You do not have to commit to a full box of one flavor.

You will find lemon cookies with a bright, slightly tart taste. Others are dipped in white chocolate, rolled in sugar, or packed with walnuts. Some even have two flavors in one bite, which kids seem to love.

Many of these cookies are soft and tender, while others, including traditional biscotti, offer a satisfying crunch.

You should try building a sampler tray on your first visit. Pick two or three of each type, then decide which ones become your favorites. A cookie tray also makes a thoughtful gift for coworkers, teachers, or neighbors.

During the holidays, these trays fly out the door. If you want a large order around Christmas, plan ahead and call before you go.

Fresh Bread And Rolls Baked Every Single Day

Bread is the quiet star of the show. Rolls are one of the most talked-about items at Scordato Bakery, and once you taste one, you will see why. Every day, the shelves fill with long rolls, round rolls, Italian bread, baguettes, and more. The seeded rolls have a nutty crunch on top.

The small dinner rolls are soft inside and perfect for family meals.

You can turn these rolls into almost anything. Use them for sandwiches, serve them with pasta, or set out a basket at a backyard party. A loaf of Italian bread pairs nicely with soup on a cold Wisconsin evening.

Some families have bought their bread here for as long as they can remember. That kind of loyalty usually comes from steady quality, day after day.

You should arrive earlier in the day if you want the best selection. Popular rolls can sell out, especially on weekends and before holidays.

For big events, think about ordering ahead. The staff can help you figure out how many rolls you need for a graduation party or family reunion. Fresh bread makes a simple meal feel special, and these rolls do that job well without any fuss.

Sunday Hot Ham Is A Local Tradition

Sunday mornings in Milwaukee have a special flavor. For many local families, that flavor is warm sliced ham tucked inside a fresh roll from Scordato Bakery.

The bakery opens early on Sundays, at 7 am, and the hot ham is one of the biggest reasons people line up. Even better, the ham comes with rolls, so you get a complete meal in one easy stop.

This tradition runs deep in Wisconsin. Ham and rolls after church or before a family gathering is a habit that goes back generations in many neighborhoods. You can keep that custom going or start your own.

You should plan your timing carefully. Sunday hours are shorter, ending at 1:30 pm, so the morning is your best window. Lines can form, but the staff moves people through quickly and kindly.

Pick up some potato salad or coleslaw from the deli case while you are there. Add a few cookies for dessert, and your Sunday lunch is done.

Hosting a crowd? Ham and rolls are easy to serve and please almost everyone. You simply set everything out and let guests build their own sandwiches. It is relaxed, filling, and full of hometown comfort.

Sicilian Pizza Worth Getting Up Early For

Ever heard of sfinciuni? It is a thick, Sicilian-style pizza, and Scordato Bakery makes a version that disappears fast. The crust is thick with crunchy spots along the edges. The tomato sauce is full of flavor without being heavy, and the slices are not greasy.

That balance makes it easy to enjoy a second piece.

One fun detail stands out. This pizza tastes great hot and just as good cold. You can grab a slice for breakfast, save one for lunch, and still enjoy it later.

Sfincione comes from Palermo, where it is a popular street food and a holiday favorite. The name loosely means sponge, which describes the soft, airy dough inside.

You should arrive early if you want to try it. On busy days, the trays can empty before the afternoon. Showing up shortly after the 7:30 am opening on weekdays gives you a better chance.

Pair a slice with a cannoli for a meal that feels straight out of Sicily. You can also bring a few pieces to work or a game night. People tend to ask where you found it, so be ready to share the name of the bakery.

Tiramisu, Eclairs, And Flaky Turnovers

Sweet tooth calling? The pastry case at Scordato Bakery has plenty to answer it. Tiramisu is a top pick. Layers of coffee-soaked cake and smooth cream make each bite light and rich at once.

You will also find eclairs filled with cream and topped with chocolate, plus cream horns that are crisp outside and soft inside. Turnovers deserve special attention. These flaky pockets of fruit are a morning favorite, and they tend to sell out early.

You should stop by before mid-morning if turnovers are on your list.

Chocolate-filled crescents, black and white cookies, and coffee cake round out the choices. The pastries are fluffy and flaky, and you can tell they are made with care. A fun way to explore is to build a small dessert box. Choose one tiramisu, one eclair, a turnover, and something new.

Share it at home and let everyone vote on a favorite.

Donuts are also available, though they can run low later in the day. The bakery is happy to take advance orders, so you can call ahead if you need a dozen for a meeting or a weekend breakfast with family.

A Deli Case Packed With Italian Favorites

Baked goods are only half the story. Scordato Bakery also runs a cold deli that makes it easy to plan a whole meal in one trip.

You will find sliced deli meats, olives, and pasta salads. The green olive salad has a loyal following, and the potato salad is a crowd-pleaser at picnics. Coleslaw is another solid side, especially with grilled Italian sausage.

Each day also brings a special. You might see homemade pizza dough, meatballs, or lasagna, depending on the day of the week. That rotation gives you a reason to check back often.

Pizza dough is a great shortcut for a family pizza night. You can roll it out at home, add your favorite toppings, and bake. Kids love helping with this.

You can find everything at 5011 W Howard Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53220. The shop sits in a small strip plaza with plenty of parking, which makes quick stops simple. Inside, the space is small but clean and organized. A few seats are available if you want to eat on the spot.

Most visitors grab their food to go, so plan for a picnic or a cozy meal at home.

Why This Family Bakery Keeps Pulling You Back

Some places feel like part of the neighborhood. Scordato Bakery is one of them, a family-owned shop that has become part of birthdays, holidays, and quiet Sunday mornings across Milwaukee.

The staff is a big reason. They are friendly, patient, and quick, even when lines stretch during Christmas week.

Sometimes they even offer small samples so you can try something new before you buy. You get a real sense of tradition here. Cookies and breads are homemade, and recipes carry an old-world feel.

Many customers ship treats to family members living outside Wisconsin, which says a lot about how much they love it.

Here are a few tips before you go. The bakery is closed on Mondays. Tuesday through Friday hours run from 7:30 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 7:30 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 7 am to 1:30 pm.

You should call ahead for large orders or holiday trays. Planning ahead saves time and makes sure your favorites are ready.

A trip to Italy is wonderful, but you can taste a slice of that experience right here in Wisconsin. Bring an empty box and an open mind, and you will leave with new favorites.