The Grapevine

If you’re looking for an easy protein for dinner, chicken is always good! Chicken is a staple in diets worldwide for good reason. It’s a lean, low-fat source of protein that offers numerous health benefits. 

Chickens are packed with protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for people of all ages. So if you have a picky eater or you’re looking to get some extra protein into your kids’ diets, chicken is a great option because you can prepare it in so many different ways.

From roasted to fried, grilled to poached, chickens can be prepared in countless ways to suit any taste. Different spices, marinades, dips… There are so many ways to enjoy chicken. 

At Caputo’s, we have tons of different chicken options that the whole family will enjoy. Here are 4 different options we offer that are simple and delicious!

Rotisserie Chicken

Already hot, this is great for a weeknight dinner! Rotisserie chicken is a chicken cooked on a rotisserie, using direct heat to cook because the chicken is placed next to the heat source. The chickens are put onto rods that rotate to ensure optimal juiciness and cooking. 

You can feel good about feeding it to your family. Our chickens are always fresh and never frozen. There are no added hormones or steroids and they are MSG free. In addition to these benefits, the taste is incredible!

Our chicken is known for its outstanding flavor and juiciness. We season it with a special herb rub. The special seasoning is made with a variety of different herbs and spices to give the chicken a unique and delicious flavor. It is our homemade blend that we took the time to test and develop until we got it to the special blend we were proud to feed you and your families!

Chicken Kabobs

Kabobs are a great way to incorporate many vegetables into your dinner without dirtying a lot of dishes. The grill adds great flavors to the protein as well as the vegetables. We offer kabobs together in our meat department. They come in chicken or beef and have peppers, onions, and tomatoes on them. You can get it plain and add your own flavors. You can also ask for them marinated and we will add our own marinade to the kabobs. All you have to do is put them on the grill and enjoy! These kabobs are also great in an air fryer!

Pre-Marinated chicken breast

We all know that the flavor of the main dishes has a lot to do with the marinades, that is why we offer tons of pre-marinated fish, chicken, and meat! In tons of varieties for whatever your taste buds are calling for, this is an easy BBQ staple! Garlic parmesan chicken breast, Mediterranean chicken, Greek chicken drumsticks, chicken fajitas, and more! They are great on their own and in sandwiches. 

Try this recipe for a Mediterranean chicken night!

Chicken Selections in Prepared Foods

Need to get dinner together quickly? Head straight to our hot foods! We have tons of different chicken dishes ready to go. Our prepared foods selections are all made in-house in our kitchen commissary daily. We use all natural, high quality ingredients with no additives or preservatives. You can feel good about what you’re feeding your family when you shop our prepared foods section! We have individual options as well as pans so you can feed the whole family. We have simply grilled, vesuvio, lemon, fried, marsala, breaded, and more! We also offer our sauces so you can marinade them yourself if you prefer!

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From Our Family To Yours

Labor Day is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a classic American BBQ. The warm weather, long weekends, and relaxed atmosphere make it the ideal occasion to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious food.

If you’re looking for simple on-the-grill favorites, head right to our meat department! We have tons of options and we proudly feature Iowa Premium meats! Iowa Premium exclusively offers family farm raised, corn-fed Black Angus Beef. These generational family farms are all local to the Midwest dedicated to animal welfare and sustainability. The black angus are known for their quality marbling which leads to exceptional flavor, tenderness, and juiciness. 

We also make our own sausage! Our sausage is made in-house daily. The process starts with our old-world tradition of using hand-trimmed lean pork. We mix the pork with our private blend of spices and seasonings, developed specifically for our sausage. 

Our recipes and sausage making process have been tested, tweaked, and perfected throughout the years. We believe in transparency, so you can trust that what you’re eating is authentic!

We also have a variety of pre-marinated meats and chicken! We have a variety of pre-marinated meat and chicken for you to choose from. Because they are all pre-marinated, all you have to do is take them home and cook them. Some of our pre-marinated chickens include, rosemary and herb, garlic parmesan, mediterranean style, and more. We have kabobs and steaks too! These are all-natural with no preservatives, making it an easy meal solution that is good for you and your family. 

Need some side ideas? Here are 4 great side ideas!

Italian Potato Salad

This flavorful Italian potato salad is a refreshing and colorful side dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a summer BBQ. The combination of tender potatoes, crisp green beans, red onion, and a light vinaigrette with fresh herbs creates a delicious and satisfying salad.

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/italian-potato-salad-with-red-onions-green-beans-herbs 

Peach Summer Salad

This light and refreshing salad is a perfect summer side dish or even a main course for a lighter lunch. The sweet peaches and creamy mozzarella are balanced by the sharp red onion and tangy homemade vinaigrette for a perfect dish

The recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/summer-salad

Ricotta Pesto Pasta Salad

Ricotta Pesto Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. It combines the creamy texture of ricotta cheese with the vibrant flavor of our homemade pesto sauce, creating a harmonious blend. Tender pasta is tossed with this creamy ricotta pesto mixture with some deliciously grilled veggies. This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any picnic or potluck.

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/ricotta-pesto-pasta-salad-with-roasted-zucchini-and-tomatoes

Elotes

Elotes, also known as Mexican street corn, is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect as a side or snack. This recipe uses traditional ingredients to create the creamy, cheesy, and smoky goodness that defines elotes. We used already blended taco seasoning for all our spices which saves a lot of time and ingredients, and still makes for a delicious spice blend for our elotes!

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/authentic-elotes-mexican-street-corn

Shop Caputo’s for all your Labor Day cookout menu ingredients, and take advantage of Caputo’s Labor Day deals now.

From Our Family To Yours

Is there anything more iconic than a juicy burger? From backyard barbecues to gourmet restaurants, this BBQ staple has captured hearts and taste buds worldwide.  

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect burger. Some prefer it simple with just cheese, lettuce, and tomato, while others love to experiment with bold flavors and unique toppings. Here are 5 different ways to take your burger to the next level

1. Add guacamole

Our homemade guacamole is a fantastic addition to any burger. Its creamy texture, fresh flavors, and hint of spice elevate the classic burger experience. You can go even further and add complementary toppings like grilled onions, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese or bacon

2. Use mini focaccia as the bun

A real game changer! We all know that bread has the power to make or break a sandwich and the same goes with a burger. Slice our homemade mini focaccia in half and use it as a bun for your burger! No burger will ever be the same after! 

3. Try a stuffed burger

If you want to try something different, head to our meat department and try one of our stuffed burgers! We have a variety of burgers that are filled with a mixture of ingredients and will make your tastebuds happy! We have cheddar jalapeno, black pepper, blue cheese, cheddar bacon, and cheddar stuffed!

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4. Add chili

Chili on a burger is a classic combination that delivers a hearty and flavorful experience. The rich, savory chili complements the juicy burger patty perfectly. Award winning, our La Bella Romana Chili is made from scratch daily in our kitchen commissary. We use fresh ground beef and ground pork from our meat department. Our veggies come straight from our produce department. We use strictly california tomatoes and a special, hand mixed blend of herbs and spices that make it different from any chili you’ve had before! 

5. Add different veggies 

Veggies can change the whole flavor of the burger! Roasted Red Peppers are sweet and smoky, adds a Mediterranean touch. Fried Pickles are crispy and tangy. Caramelized Onions: are sweet and savory. Sun-Dried Tomatoes add a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Grilled Corn is sweet and juicy which adds a summery touch. You can even pick up some of our marinated roasted veggies from prepared foods! There are so many different options!

With labor day coming up, the grills will already be going and it’s a perfect excuse to try one of these new ideas! 

From Our Family To Yours

he summer is winding down, and everyone is getting back into the updated routines of the school days. One challenge that comes with the school year starting again can be packing nutritious and appealing lunches that kids will actually enjoy everyday. If you’re looking to switch things up, but still provide kids with filling lunches, we have some ideas on snacks, sandwiches, and more for you!

Homemade

The Classic Peanut Butter Sandwich with a Twist– add granola

Everyone loves a peanut butter sandwich, it’s a classic and simple go-to for lunch. You can jazz it up by adding some of your favorite granola to it! This unexpected combination has some serious flavor and provides a satisfying crunch in every bite. Plus, both peanut butter and granola are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.You can even try adding bananas and granola for even more flavor!

Mini Charcuterie Bites

Think of a sandwich, but undone! Send some sliced lunch meat, sliced cheese, and crackers in your kid’s lunch so they can construct their own bites at lunch

Fruit Kabob

A fun way to put fruit in lunch? Throw it on a skewer! Grab a few of your kid’s favorite fruits and put it on a skewer. 

Use your leftovers

Have leftover pasta and veggies? Turn it into a pasta salad! It can be enjoyed cold, it’s delicious, and you used up some of your leftovers.

Grab and Go

No time to prep? That’s ok! We have 

Cut Fruit

Stop by our cut fruit sections for an ultimate lunch hack. We have small containers of all your favorites that are already cut, cleaned, and ready to eat! The small containers are a great size for a lunch box and all the work is done for you!

Deli Snack Boxes

Deli snack boxes are a fantastic way to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with a variety of delicious foods, these boxes offer a convenient and balanced lunch option. There are differently varieties that have different meats, cheeses, crackers, nuts, etc so you can choose what works best for your little eater! Plus these are great for a mom on the go too!

Uncrustables

Uncrustables have become a lunchtime staple for many, especially kids and busy adults. They are convenient, easy to pack, and delicious! 

Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and delicious lunches!

From Our Family To Yours

At Caputo’s, we love tradition and we are incredibly proud of our Italian heritage. A great way to combine both is with a game of Bocce! We are very excited for our upcoming Angelo & Romana Caputo Foundation Bocce Tournament! This tournament will be a fun day raising money for an incredible organization.

Our family started The Angelo and Romana Caputo Foundation in 2021 shortly after Angelo’s passing as a way to honor our founders. Angelo and Romana’s true pride and passion was family. They loved their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Nothing made them happier than seeing their family together. In addition, they had a unique ability to make people feel at home. Whether staying for a week or an hour, you were made to feel like part of the family and a treasured guest as soon as you walked into the Caputo household. 

With this in mind, we have partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) who exists so families with hospitalized children can get better together.Their goal of keeping families together during an incredibly difficult and unimaginable time is on brand for the Caputo Family. No family should have to be separated from their children, especially in a time of crisis. Ronald McDonald House allows parents who are far from home to stay close to their hospitalized child and benefit from the comforts of home without incurring hotel and food costs.

As a way to continue to support this beautiful mission, we are hosting our first annual Angelo and Romana Caputo Foundation Bocce Tournament at our Carol Stream store on September 21, 2024.

Bocce ball is a classic game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries, including Angelo himself. Its simple rules and engaging gameplay make it a perfect choice for casual gatherings, family outings, or competitive tournaments because it is fun for everyone.

Teams of 4 are $100 and each player will receive a t-shirt, lunch, goodie bag, and opportunity for some cash prizes! Each team is guaranteed 2 games. There are cash prizes and more up for grabs! So get your friends and family and secure your team today! Sign up here

From Our Family To Yours

Is there anything more satisfying than a perfectly made sandwich? At Caputo’s, we take immense pride in our international deli. What sets our delis apart is our commitment to authentic and traditional ingredients. You’ll find an array of cheeses, meats, olives, and breads from around the world. 

Our deli is a sandwich maker’s dream and August is National Sandwich and Panini Month, which makes it the perfect time to get in the kitchen and craft your favorite sandwich. It can be something as simple as prosciutto and bocconcini or turkey and American cheese, or you can get creative in combining meats, cheeses, spreads… the options are truly endless when you visit our stores. 

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Each individual component of a sandwich matters because it is what comes together to make the perfect sandwich. In our family, we have a little competition going about who is the best sandwich maker. 

We know everyone has their go-to sandwiches and we want to hear yours! So we are having a little sandwich contest. Here are the details:

Tell us your go-to sandwich recipe by filling out this form. Be sure to include any details your want us to know about your sandwich

We are going to select a submitted recipe each week. Every Friday throughout the month of August, we will make the sandwich, post it to our socials, and give it a try! If your sandwich is selected, you will receive a $15 Caputo’s gift card. Then at the end of the month, one sandwich will be named the winner! This winner will receive a $25 Caputo’s gift card, a Caputo’s T-shirt, and their sandwich featured in our hot foods as the special for a week!

From Our Family To Yours

Have you ever heard of Passata? If not, prepare to be enlightened! This simple ingredient can transform your kitchen into an authentic Italian kitchen easily. This ingredient is a staple in our family that deserves some attention

What is Passata?

Simply put, passata is a strained tomato puree. Unlike crushed tomatoes, which contain large chunks and skin, passata is smooth and silky, with just the essence of the tomato captured. 

Our La Bella Romana Passata is imported from Italy and made with two simple ingredients– tomatoes and a little bit of salt.

Passata generally has a higher tomato solids content than canned tomatoes, meaning less liquid. This means that a passata will lead to a more intense tomato flavor and a thicker sauce that requires less simmering time. Passata is typically made from ripener, sweeter tomatoes.

Because it’s unseasoned, passata acts as a blank canvas for your creativity. Use it as a base for pasta sauces, pizzas, stews, or simply add a touch to brighten up roasted vegetables.

What to do with Passata

• Sauce: Passata is a quick and easy base for delicious pasta sauces. You can simply simmer it with some olive oil, garlic, and herbs, or add other ingredients like vegetables, meat, or fish.
• Pizza Sauce: Spread passata on your pizza dough for a simple and flavorful base. You can then add your favorite toppings like cheese, vegetables, and meat.
• Soups or stews: Passata adds a rich tomato flavor to soups and stews. It’s a great way to add depth and complexity to these dishes.
• Braised Meats: Use passata to braise meats like chicken, beef, or lamb. The acidity in the tomatoes helps to tenderize the meat and create a flavorful sauce.
• Savory Bakes: Incorporate passata into savory bakes like casseroles or lasagna. It adds moisture and tomato flavor to these dishes.
• Cocktails: Love a bloody mary? Passata can add a savory kick to this classic cocktail!

Need some ideas? This week we used passata to make a quick and flavorful bolognese over polenta. Check out the video and recipe here

So stop in to pick up some La bella Romana passata. This kitchen essential is sure to become your go-to ingredient for creating quick, flavorful, and delicious meals.

From Our Family To Yours

A comfort food for adults and kids alike is the forever classic, mac and cheese! The bubbling cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked pasta is like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. July 14th is National Mac and Cheese day which makes it the perfect day to whip up this classic dish and maybe even put a gourmet twist on it!

The simplicity of mac and cheese is a win for everybody. At its core, it’s just pasta and cheese, but there are so many ways to add a little something extra to it. While the classic boxed version holds a special place in our hearts, venturing into homemade territory opens up a world of flavor possibilities!

Here are 7 simple ways to elevate your mac and cheese game!

The Cheese 

The cheese is the true star of the show which is why choosing the right cheese is the most important first step! Sharp cheddar is a must-have, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Gruyere adds a touch of nuttiness and melts so perfectly, fontina creates a silky texture with a flavor slightly sharper than mozzarella, gouda will add a buttery taste, havarti could add a little bit of tang, and goat cheese brings a tangy surprise. There are so many different cheeses to experiment with and you don’t have to use just one! Try a blend of cheeses in your next dish. Parmigiano always makes for a good topping too! At Caputo’s, we have an extensive cheese department for you to explore!

Veggies

Try adding roasted broccoli, peas, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for a flavor and nutrient boost.

Brighten it Up

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a bright, fresh flavor to your mac and cheese.

Spice it Up 

Can you handle a little heat? Throw in some chopped jalapenos, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, a dash of buffalo sauce or tabasco for a fiery kick.

Add a protein

Chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage can add a hearty element.The best part is that you can throw in your leftover proteins to use them up and add flavor! Even pulled pork.. bbq pulled pork mac and cheese anyone?

Add Some Crunch

A topping of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, potato chips or panko adds a great contrast because you get a delicious crunch added to your otherwise velvety and creamy dish.

Extra gourmet

Looking to impress someone in a classic way? A lobster or truffle mac and cheese takes this classic to a completely new level. You can use already cooked lobster meat or truffle oil as an easy way to elevate this dish.

Mac and cheese is really a blank canvas! It can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even an appetizer in bite-sized form. You can even use 

So, the next time you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to please, mac and cheese is the answer. With a little creativity, you can turn this comfort food classic into a gourmet masterpiece

From Our Family To Yours

If you’re a fan of fresh Italian cheeses, then our homemade bocconcini should definitely be on your radar. Bocconcini, which translates to “little bites” or “small mouthfuls” in Italian, are small, round balls of fresh mozzarella cheese. At Caputo’s we make our own using an age-old process. The fresh mozzarella  is turned over slowly, then hand stretched and tied carefully to ensure easy, not chewy or stringy, bites of delicious! It is incredibly satisfying to see a few simple ingredients transform into a delicious snack.

Bocconcini has a delicate, milky flavor and is incredibly creamy. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.  An unmatched freshness, homemade mozzarella is pure and bursting with flavor. 

You can use our homemade bocconcini to elevate so many dishes and you will taste the difference in every bite. Need some ideas of how to use it?

Here are 4 ways to use it.

Caprese Salad: 

Perhaps the most iconic way to enjoy bocconcini is in a classic Caprese salad. Simply combine slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and bocconcini. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper, and enjoy the flavors of Italy in every bite. To elevate it further, you can turn it into a sandwich, add fresh oregano, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

On Pizza:

Use bocconcini as a topping for pizzas, especially if you prefer a lighter, fresher cheese option. They melt beautifully and add a subtle richness without overwhelming other toppings.

In Pasta:

Adding fresh bocconcini right before serving adds a delicately creamy taste to any pasta dish. Because it is so versatile, it truly goes with any sauce, but we love it with homemade tomato sauce! Try it in your lasagna too!

In panini:

There is something about fresh bocconcini and fresh bread that just pair so perfectly together. Using bocconcini as the cheese in any sandwich or panino is a win. Pair it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy or toast it so the cheese gets nice and melty. 

Bocconcini embody the essence of Italian culinary simplicity and freshness. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or incorporating them into various dishes, bocconcini add a delightful creamy texture and mild flavor that elevate any meal. So, next time you’re looking to add a touch of Italy to your dish, stop by our deli to pick up some homemade bocconcini and let their versatility and deliciousness speak for themselves. Buon appetito!

From Our Family To Yours

This upcoming Sunday is Father’s Day! The day is dedicated to appreciating all the father figures in a person’s life. It is a day to acknowledge all the valuable lessons, laughs, and guidance they have given over the years. Maybe you’re firing up the grill and getting ready for a BBQ, getting ready to golf, or doing whatever dad chooses!  With Father’s Day this Sunday, I can’t help but think of two very important men in my life and in our company. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize my father, Robertino Presta, and grandfather, Angelo Caputo.

My father, Robertino, started working at Caputo’s at a very young age. My grandfather hired him because of his strength and work ethic which is apparent from any encounter with him. His efficiency in unloading the trucks as a teenager is a testament to his ability to work hard. He never hesitates to step in during any task. He embraces all challenges, coming up with unique and efficient ways to get past them. No task is too big or too small for him.

He has helped us and the business grow, including taking us to levels that we never thought were imaginable. Each step and new chapter is still based on the foundation instilled in him by my grandparents and constantly re-enforced by my mom. 

One of the things I feel most fortunate for is that my father believes in us, sometimes more than we believe in ourselves. He doesn’t make us feel like we cannot handle a situation. He uses his mistakes to encourage us to do the same. 

He helps to give us the tools we need to succeed and guides us towards the path of success. I have learned so much from not only my father, but my grandfather too. 

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Angelo Caputo was not only my grandfather, but an inspiration, another father, and a role model. His absence leaves us with a gaping hole, but we know he is always with us.

My grandfather and our patriarch, Angelo Caputo, has always been one of my biggest inspirations. He was a true testament of a hard working, dedicated man. Our whole business is built on his blood, sweat, and tears. 

He led a life of hard work and was the strongest man I knew. He was constantly faced with challenges, but never let anything stand between him and his goal. 

He was always there for a story, a lesson, a phone call, or an esspressino date. He took the time to sit with us and pass along important tools and some of his wisdom. From teaching us how to clean up a produce display or telling us stories from his childhood, he was always there for us.

It still feels impossible that he is no longer with us, but his legacy remains a constant in our lives. The many lessons he taught us are beautiful memories that we will cherish and carry with us forever.

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