Comprising creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this Traditional Italian Easter Pie also known as Pizza Rustica Recipe is a savory treat. Perfect for Easter or any other special occasion, this Italian classic is covered in a buttery, flaky crust. Present it warm or room temperature for a rich, filling meal!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Rich and Savory: a creamy ricotta filling bursting with great Italian tastes.
- Perfect for Celebrations : Special Occasions Great year-round and a classic Easter favorite.
- Customizable; add roasted red peppers, ham, spinach, or your preferred stuffing.
- Flaky, Buttery Crust: Homemade dough makes this pie very unique.
If you love hearty, comforting dishes, you might also enjoy this Chicken and Dressing Recipe, which has a similarly rich and satisfying texture.
Materials
Concerning the Dough:
- The basis for a strong but flaky crust is all-purpose flour.
- Salt improves taste.
- Cold and cubed unsalted butter gives a delicate, flaky texture.
- Eggs assist in dough binding.
- Cold water lets the dough come together without overworking.
About the Filling:
- The creamy basis of the filling is ricotta cheese.
- Parmesan cheese gives a strong, nutty taste.
- For extra cheesiness, melts of mozzarella cheese look rather lovely.
- Beaten eggs help to solidify the stuffing.
- Black pepper gives a little kick.
- One brings the richness of taste with garlic powder.
- Italian seasoning is a timeless concoction of herbs.
- Either Turkey or Diced Ham adds a flavorful protein component.
- Cooked spinach, optional, adds nutrients and color.
- Optional roasted red peppers taste sweet and smokey.
Egg wash:
- For a golden, glossy crust, use egg yolk.
- Milk thins the egg wash for consistent application.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
For a guide on making a perfect dough, you might also be interested in the King Arthur Pizza Dough Recipe.
Making Pizza Rustica: Methodology
First step: get ready for the dough.
- In a mixing dish, toss salt and flour. Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks to be coarsely crumbs. Add eggs and cold water; stir until a dough starts to form. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill for thirty minutes.
Second: Set the oven’s temperature.
- Grease a 9-inch pie plate and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Third step: create the filler.
- Mix ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian spice in a big bowl. Fold if used in ham, spinach, and roasted red peppers.
The fourth step is pie assembly.
- Roll out half of the dough into the ready made pie dish. Pour into the ricotta mixture, and pour in the flour. For a lattice topping, roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips; alternatively, cover it totally and create vents.
Step Five: Use the Egg Wash
- Whisk egg yolk with milk and brush on top crust for a golden finish.
The sixth step is to bake.
- Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes in the oven.
Step 7: Refrigerate and Present
- Allow to cool for fifteen minutes before cutting. Present either warm or at room temperature.
For a pre-made crust alternative, check out this Crisco Pie Crust Recipe.
Advice on Making the Recipe
Tips for Success
- Use cold butter to maintain a flaky and soft dough.
- Mix until just blended to prevent harshness; don’t overwork the dough.
- Tailor the filling by substituting or adding other cheeses, meats, or veggies.
- Let it rest before slicing; this aids in the appropriate filling set.
How to Present?
Serving Suggestions
- As an Easter Brunch Dish, it is a classic approach to honor the holiday.
- A basic green salad helps to counter the richness with a side salad.
- Perfect for picnics or meal prep, this is a Make-Ahead Meal.
Make Ahead and Organize Storage
Saving leftovers
Refrigerator storage in an airtight container will be kept for up to four days.
Colding
Store pizza rustica frozen, baked, or unbaked for up to two months. Thaw overnight before bringing back to heat.
reheating
Under 350°F (175°C), reheat for 10 to 15 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Frequent Questions
Can I prep the dough ahead of time?
True! The dough can be prepared and chilled two days ahead.
Is store-bought pie dough something I could use?
True, but homemade dough has a more real, flaky quality.
Which cheese combo tastes best?
Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella together produce the greatest taste and texture.
Can I put several meats?
Exactly! Work excellent with prosciutto, pancetta, or Italian sausage.
Conclusion
Rich, creamy, and bursting with taste, this Pizza Rustica is a great savory Italian Easter pie. Whether preparing this dish for a festive celebration or a laid-back dinner, this dish will wow. Nice!
Pizza Rustica
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Pie Dish (9-inch)
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced ham or turkey optional
- 1/2 cup cooked spinach chopped, optional
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers chopped, optional
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Fold in ham, spinach, and roasted red peppers if using.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out 2/3 of the dough and fit it into the prepared pie dish. Pour in the ricotta mixture. Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips for a lattice topping or cover completely and cut vents.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk egg yolk with milk and brush over the top crust for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.