Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, but have you ever tried its rich, savory cousin—pizza rustica? This delicious Italian pie, often served during special occasions like Easter, is a mouthwatering combination of rustic pizza dough and hearty fillings like ricotta, mozzarella, ham, and salami. Unlike the traditional flat pizza, pizza rustica is a deep-dish, stuffed pie that’s as filling as it is flavorful. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a weekend treat, this pizza rustica recipe brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen with every bite.
Imagine slicing through a golden, flaky crust to reveal a melty, savory interior packed with Italian cheeses and cured meats. Intrigued? Let’s dive into this authentic and easy-to-make dish that will elevate your pizza game to a whole new level.
Pizza Rustica Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium8-10
servings30
minutes1
hour350
kcalDiscover how to make an authentic pizza rustica with this easy recipe. A savory Italian dish packed with rich fillings and encased in rustic pizza dough – perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!
Ingredients
- For the Dough
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
3/4 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Filling
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 lb cooked ham, diced
1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/4 lb salami, chopped
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, diced ham, cooked sausage, and chopped salami.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture, followed by the pepper, nutmeg, and chopped parsley. Stir everything until well combined.
- Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Rustica
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions—one slightly larger for the base and one for the top.
- Roll out the larger portion of dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish (about 10 inches in diameter).
- Transfer the dough to a greased pie dish and press it gently to fit.
- Spoon the filling into the dough-lined dish, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the top of the filling. Pinch the edges to seal the pie, and use a knife to cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
- Step 4: Bake
- Bake the pizza rustica for 45–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pizza rustica can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually improve after resting.
- If you want to make your own rustic pizza dough recipe, you can substitute it with store-bought pizza dough if short on time.
- You can customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as sautéed spinach or artichokes for a vegetarian version.
- Serve pizza rustica warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Rustica:
- Let the Dough Rise: Patience is key when working with yeast-based dough. Let it rise properly for a light, airy crust.
- Use Quality Cheese: The filling relies heavily on the quality of cheese, so opt for fresh ricotta and a good mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overstuff the Pie: While it’s tempting to fill the pie with as much filling as possible, be sure to leave some space at the top to prevent the filling from spilling over.
- Pre-cook the Meats: Make sure to cook and crumble the sausage and ham before adding them to the filling to ensure they don’t release too much moisture during baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pizza rustica to rest for a bit before cutting. This ensures the filling stays intact when you slice it.
Recipe Variants:
- Vegetarian Pizza Rustica: Skip the meats and fill the pie with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes for a lighter, plant-based version.
- Spicy Pizza Rustica: Add some chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Seafood Pizza Rustica: For a coastal twist, replace the meats with seafood like shrimp, crab, or anchovies.
FAQ:
Yes! You can use any rustic pizza dough recipe that you prefer. Just make sure it’s a dough that can hold up to the heavy filling.
The crust should be golden brown, and when you cut into it, the filling should be firm and not runny.
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pie or the leftovers. To bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
If you loved this pizza rustica recipe, you’ll also enjoy our Chimichurri Tomato Pizza Recipe for a lighter, traditional Italian pizza option!
Pizza rustica is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of Italy right to your home. With its flaky, buttery crust and savory filling of cheeses, cured meats, and eggs, this hearty dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and always delicious. So, grab your apron and get ready to enjoy a slice of Italy with this easy-to-follow pizza rustica recipe!
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