The Heartwarming Italian Easter Pizza Rustica Recipe

Crafting a delectable pizza rustica brings pure joy to my kitchen during spring celebrations.

Mediterranean families have cherished this savory pie for generations.

Rich layers of cheese, meats, and herbs create a delightful culinary experience.

Flaky pastry embraces a hearty filling that tells stories of traditional gatherings.

Home cooks treasure this Italian classic for its robust flavors and comforting textures.

Eggs and ricotta blend seamlessly with cured meats, promising a memorable meal.

You’ll fall in love with this rustic masterpiece that sparks conversation and appetite.

One bite transports you straight to an Italian Easter feast.

Pizza Rustica That’s Rich Savory And Festive

• Savor Festive Family Tradition: This classic Easter pie brings generations together with its rich, hearty flavors and deep cultural roots.
• Master Impressive Baking Challenge: Tackle a complex recipe that looks stunning and showcases advanced culinary skills without overwhelming home cooks.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare this dish in advance, enjoying convenient storage and the ability to serve at room temperature for stress-free entertaining.
• Celebrate Authentic Italian Comfort: Experience a beloved Italian celebration dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, memorable meal packed with protein and deep, satisfying flavors.

Traditional Pizza Rustica Ingredient Set

• Flour: Fundamental structure for pie crust, all-purpose works best.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of dough.
• Butter: Provides rich, flaky texture to pastry, cold and high-quality recommended.
• Eggs: Binding agent for dough and filling.
• Ice Water: Helps create smooth, cohesive dough texture.

• Diced Meats (Prosciutto, Salami, Ham): Provides savory protein base, mix of cured meats recommended.
• Cheeses (Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan): Adds creamy richness and depth of flavor, use fresh Italian-style cheeses.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle spice and warmth to filling.

• Beaten Egg (for egg wash): Creates golden, shiny crust surface, ensures beautiful presentation.
• Additional Flour (for dusting): Prevents dough from sticking during rolling, use sparingly.

Pizza Rustica (Easter Pie) – Traditional Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.

Chop cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like sandy crumbs.

Pour in beaten eggs and knead briefly.

Add ice water slowly until the dough comes together smoothly.

Gently work the dough on a flour-dusted surface for about 5 minutes until it feels soft and elastic.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Craft the Savory Filling

• Diced ham
• Salami
• Provolone cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Eggs
• Black pepper

Combine all filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Stir thoroughly until everything is well blended and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Build the Rustic Pie

Warm the oven to 350°F.

Split the dough into two portions – one larger piece for the bottom crust, one smaller for the top.

Roll out the larger dough section on a floured surface to fit a rectangular baking dish.

Gently transfer the dough into the dish, letting edges hang over the sides.

Spread the meat and cheese filling evenly across the dough.

Lightly dampen the dough edges with water.

Step 4: Top and Seal the Pie

Roll out the remaining dough and carefully cover the filling.

Trim excess dough from the edges.

Pinch and crimp the edges to create a tight seal.

Use a fork to poke several small holes across the top crust.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pie in the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove and brush the top and edges with beaten egg.

Return to the oven for another 45 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pizza Rustica Tips For Easter Pie Richness

• Knead the dough gently and avoid overworking to maintain a tender, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
• Select high-quality cured meats like prosciutto and salami, and mix different cheeses for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Preheat the baking dish and dust with flour to ensure a crisp, golden bottom crust that doesn't become wet or mushy.
• Brush the surface with beaten egg for a beautiful, glossy golden-brown finish that adds professional-looking shine to the pie.
• Prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making holiday meal preparation easier.

Pizza Rustica Keeps Its Flavor When Chilled

• Store leftover pizza rustica in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to keep edges from burning.
• For quick reheating, zap individual slices for 30-45 seconds. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly and prevent soggy texture.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole pie in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Flavor Combos For Pizza Rustica

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a robust Italian red like Sangiovese or Chianti to complement the rich, savory meats and cheeses in the pizza rustica.
• Zesty Citrus Side Salad: Create a bright, acidic salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh herbs to cut through the pie's heaviness and refresh the palate.
• Crisp Sparkling Aperitif: Serve a chilled Prosecco or sparkling white wine to cleanse the mouth between bites and enhance the pie's complex flavor profile.
• Classic Italian Antipasto Platter: Arrange cured olives, marinated artichokes, prosciutto, and pecorino cheese to serve alongside the pie, creating a traditional Italian dining experience.

Pizza Rustica (Easter Pie) Remixes

• Vegetarian Easter Pie: Replace meats with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use ricotta and mozzarella for protein and creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend like almond or rice flour. Add xanthan gum to improve dough elasticity and prevent crumbling.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Create a crustless version by using a springform pan and focusing on the protein-rich filling. Replace traditional flour with almond flour for a lighter base.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes into the filling. Use olive oil instead of butter for a Greek-style interpretation of the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Pizza Rustica?

The key ingredients include flour, butter, eggs, various diced meats like ham and salami, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and black pepper. The combination creates a rich, savory Easter pie with a flaky crust and hearty filling.

• Is Pizza Rustica only eaten during Easter?

Originally an Italian Easter tradition, Pizza Rustica is now enjoyed year-round. While it has strong roots in Italian holiday celebrations, many families and restaurants serve this delicious pie throughout the year as a satisfying main dish.

• Can I make Pizza Rustica ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Pizza Rustica in advance. The pie can be made a day before serving and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its crispy crust and warm filling.

• What type of meats work best in Pizza Rustica?

Traditional recipes use a mix of Italian cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and ham. You can customize the meat selection based on personal preference, but choose high-quality, flavorful meats that complement the cheeses and create a rich, savory profile.

Pizza Rustica (Easter Pie) Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pizza rustica, a savory Italian masterpiece, brings festive Easter traditions to your table with layers of rich cheeses, cured meats, and flaky pastry. Hearty flavors celebrate family heritage while you savor each delicious bite of this classic holiday celebration.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) prosciutto, diced (1/4-inch)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) boiled ham, diced (1/4-inch)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) pepperoni, diced (1/4-inch)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) soppressata, diced (1/4-inch)

Cheeses:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) mozzarella, diced (1/4-inch)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) provolone, diced (1/4-inch)
• 2 pounds (907 grams) ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) grated pecorino Romano

Dough and Other Ingredients:

• 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound (454 grams) salted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 5 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/4 cups ice water (as needed)
• 10 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust dough by combining flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, then integrate cold butter using a pastry cutter until texture resembles grainy sand.
2. Incorporate beaten eggs and gently knead the mixture, gradually introducing icy water until a cohesive, smooth dough emerges.
3. Allow the dough to rest and relax, wrapped securely in plastic, for a half-hour at room temperature.
4. Preheat the culinary workspace oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C).
5. Combine an array of diced proteins – prosciutto, salami, and other selected meats – with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and pecorino cheeses.
6. Fold beaten eggs and freshly cracked black pepper into the meat and cheese mixture, ensuring thorough integration.
7. Divide the rested dough, allocating two-thirds for the foundational crust and one-third for the protective top layer.
8. Carefully roll out the larger dough portion, creating a thin sheet that generously covers a rectangular baking vessel.
9. Transfer the robust meat and cheese filling into the prepared dough base, smoothing the surface with deliberate strokes.
10. Dampen the dough’s perimeter with water to facilitate secure sealing.
11. Craft the top crust by rolling the remaining dough and draping it over the filling, trimming excess edges.
12. Meticulously crimp and seal the pie’s borders, then perforate the top with strategic fork punctures.
13. Slide the assembled pie into the preheated oven, baking for 45 minutes until the initial golden transformation begins.
14. Remove briefly to brush the surface with beaten egg, enhancing the color and shine.
15. Return to the oven for an additional 45 minutes, monitoring until the crust achieves a rich, mahogany-like hue.
16. Extract from the oven and allow the pizza rustica to cool completely, permitting flavors to harmonize before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using prosciutto, salami, or pancetta for varied flavor profiles and texture.
• Swap traditional meats with vegetarian alternatives like grilled zucchini, roasted eggplant, or plant-based protein crumbles for dietary accommodations.
• Enhance crust tenderness by chilling butter beforehand and handling dough minimally to prevent gluten development and maintain flakiness.
• Ensure even baking by placing pie on lower oven rack and rotating midway through cooking to prevent uneven browning and guarantee consistent texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg