Classic Pizza Rustica Recipe with Savory Fillings
If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a savory Italian delight that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor, this Pizza Rustica Recipe is your answer. This classic Italian pie is a treasure chest filled with rich meats, creamy cheeses, and fragrant herbs all nestled inside a tender, golden crust. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a special holiday, every slice offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will make you feel like you’re dining in an authentic Italian trattoria.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Robust flavors: A harmonious blend of assorted cured meats and cheeses creates a symphony of savory notes.
- Perfect for any occasion: From casual dinners to special celebrations, this dish fits every table with ease.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and enjoy the ease of reheating without sacrificing taste.
- Family-friendly comfort: A crowd-pleaser loved by kids and adults alike, offering familiar, comforting flavors.
- Impressive presentation: The golden crust and colorful filling make for a stunning centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pizza Rustica Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to contribute to layers of taste, texture, and color, combining to create an unforgettable pie.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb of the crust.
- Butter and eggs: Add richness and moisture to the dough and filling.
- Italian cured meats: Such as prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni, bringing depth and savory nuances.
- Cheese variety: A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan ensures a creamy, melty, and flavorful bite.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and basil infuse fresh, aromatic qualities that brighten the pie.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Milk: Adds softness to the filling and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
Variations for Pizza Rustica Recipe
This classic Pizza Rustica Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it to match your tastes, dietary needs, or pantry staples without losing its authentic charm.
- Vegetarian option: Replace meats with roasted vegetables and add extra cheese for richness.
- Gluten-free dough: Use a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the pie without gluten concerns.
- Spicy twist: Incorporate spicy Italian sausages or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Herb variations: Swap parsley and basil with rosemary or oregano for different aromatic profiles.
- Cheese substitutions: Try fontina, provolone, or gouda if you want to experiment with textures and flavors.
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How to Make Pizza Rustica Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine all-purpose flour, cold butter, eggs, a pinch of salt, and a splash of cold water to create a pliable yet firm dough. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and improve texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Chop the cured meats finely and mix them with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten eggs, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined into a rich, savory filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Roll out two-thirds of the dough and place it into a greased pie pan, forming an even base and sides. Fill with the prepared meat and cheese mixture, then cover with the remaining dough rolled out to fit. Seal the edges tightly and cut a few small slits on top for steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is set. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld and slices to hold their shape.
Pro Tips for Making Pizza Rustica Recipe
- Rest the dough: Chilling your dough allows for easier rolling and prevents shrinking during baking.
- Even filling distribution: Spread the filling uniformly to ensure every slice is balanced in flavor.
- Use room temperature eggs: They blend more thoroughly with the filling and help achieve the right texture.
- Don’t skip the slits: Cutting vents on top avoids soggy crusts and helps the inside set properly.
- Let it cool before slicing: This makes cutting cleaner and prevents filling from spilling out.
How to Serve Pizza Rustica Recipe
Garnishes
Serve garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves and a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance freshness and add a subtle fruity aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pizza Rustica with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or a simple antipasto platter filled with marinated olives, artichokes, and roasted peppers to balance the richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the pie into wedges and arrange on a wooden board with small bowls of pickled vegetables and crusty bread for a rustic Italian feast. You can also serve in individual mini pies for party-friendly portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Pizza Rustica tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully: wrap individual slices or the whole pie securely with foil and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
What is Pizza Rustica?
Pizza Rustica is a traditional Italian savory pie filled with a mixture of meats, cheeses, eggs, and herbs baked inside a tender pastry crust.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! By substituting the meats with vegetables such as roasted mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version without losing the essence of the dish.
Is Pizza Rustica served hot or cold?
Pizza Rustica is delicious both warm and at room temperature, making it versatile for serving during meals or as a snack.
How long does Pizza Rustica last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped, it will remain fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare Pizza Rustica in advance?
Yes! This dish is perfect for make-ahead cooking. You can assemble it a day before, refrigerate, and bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Rustica Recipe is a beautiful celebration of Italian flavors and culinary tradition. Its rich filling and satisfying crust combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. I encourage you to give it a try, customize it your way, and share it with loved ones to experience a true taste of Italy right at your table.
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Pizza Rustica Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Gluten, Dairy, and Meat
Description
Pizza Rustica is a classic Italian savory pie featuring a tender golden crust filled with a rich blend of Italian cured meats, creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and eggs. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or casual dinners, it offers robust flavors and comforting textures that evoke the charm of an authentic Italian trattoria.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
Filling Ingredients
- 4 oz prosciutto, finely chopped
- 4 oz salami, finely chopped
- 4 oz pepperoni, finely chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine all-purpose flour, cold butter, eggs, a pinch of salt, and a splash of cold water to create a pliable yet firm dough. Mix until just blended, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and improve the texture.
- Prepare the Filling: Finely chop the prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni. In a large bowl, mix the chopped cured meats with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, fresh parsley, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and milk. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined into a rich, savory filling.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough and fit it evenly into a greased pie pan, forming the base and sides. Pour in the prepared meat and cheese filling, spreading it uniformly. Roll out the remaining dough and cover the pie, sealing the edges tightly. Cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and slices to hold their shape.
Notes
- Rest the dough in the refrigerator before rolling to make it easier to handle and prevent shrinking during baking.
- Distribute the filling evenly inside the crust for balanced flavor in every slice.
- Use room temperature eggs in the filling to achieve a smoother texture.
- Don’t skip cutting steam vents on top of the pie to avoid soggy crusts and ensure the filling sets properly.
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing to get clean cuts and prevent filling from spilling out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
