Pizza Rustica
This Pizza Rustica—a traditional Italian Easter pie—is a hearty, savory dish filled with creamy ricotta or basket cheese, cured Italian meats, sharp provolone, and a flaky homemade crust. Topped with a beautiful lattice and baked until golden, it's a beloved holiday classic and perfect make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 pound all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 pound butter cold
- milk as much as needed
For the Filling:
- 1 pound basket cheese or ricotta cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 pound provolone – sharp
- 1/4 pound mozzarella
- 4 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese
- 1/4 pound prosciutto
- 1/4 pound sopressata
- 1/4 pound mortadella
- fresh black pepper as desired
- 1 large egg for the egg wash
Instructions
- Prepare dough in a mixer: blend flour, salt, and butter until absorbed.
- Add eggs and just enough milk to form a dough. Let rest.
- Mix filling ingredients: dice meats and cheeses, then stir with ricotta, eggs, pecorino, and pepper.
- Roll out ⅔ of dough and line a greased 9” springform pan. Fill with mixture.
- Roll remaining dough and cut strips to make lattice top. Brush with egg wash.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/pizza-rustica-2/
Notes
- Basket Cheese: This mild, soft Italian cheese is traditional for Easter—if unavailable, use drained whole milk ricotta.
- Meat Additions: You can substitute or add pancetta, salami, or cooked sausage to suit your taste.
- Lattice Tip: Chill dough strips slightly before arranging to prevent tearing.