Pizza Rustica
This classic Pizza Rustica—also known as Italian Easter Pie—is a rich, deeply satisfying dish made with a flaky homemade crust and packed with eggs, ricotta, provolone, Pecorino, ham, and salami. It’s a traditional Easter favorite that's as impressive as it is comforting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups 00 flour
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter
- ½ cup cold lard
- 2 large eggs
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 pound ricotta drained
- 8 ounces provolone cubed
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano
- 8 ounces ham cubed
- 8 ounces Napoli salami cubed
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, butter, and lard until mixture resembles meal.
- Add eggs one at a time, then water just until dough comes together.
- Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and fold in ricotta, cheeses, meats, salt, and pepper.
- Roll 2/3 of dough into a 1/8″-thick circle and line a 9″ springform pan.
- Pour in filling and smooth top.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/pizza-rustica-recipe/
Notes
- Dough Tips: The mix of butter and lard gives the crust unbeatable flakiness and flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: Fontina or mozzarella can be used in place of provolone for a milder melt.
- Meat Additions: Add pancetta, mortadella, or spicy capicola for variety.
- Advance Prep: Bake a day ahead and refrigerate. Bring to room temp or gently warm before serving.