Traditional Italian Easter Pie with Eggs (Pizza Rustica)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
283 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Traditional Italian Easter Pie with Eggs (Pizza Rustica)
Description
Traditional Italian Easter Pie with Eggs (Pizza Rustica) consists of a handmade pizza dough lining a flavorful egg custard packed with cured Italian sausage or pancetta, fresh and aged cheeses, and herbs. The filling is lightly cooked before baking to help it set, giving the pie a dense yet tender texture with savory, salty notes from the Italian meats and cheeses. The pie is sealed with a dough lid, brushed with olive oil for an aromatic, golden crust. This preparation requires shaping and resting the dough for better handling and oven baking at a high temperature to achieve a well-baked crust and cooked filling.
The combination of eggs and rich meats creates a satisfying pie with a balanced flavor profile of creamy cheese, peppery parsley, and the robust taste of sausage or bacon. The custard-like filling contrasts with the crisp outer crust. This pie serves well as a centerpiece dish during festive meals, providing a filling and flavorful option that can be sliced and enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
For convenience, forming two portions of the dough—a larger bottom crust and a smaller top crust—before resting helps with easier handling and assembly. Brushing the top with olive oil before baking promotes a shiny, appetizing finish and contributes to the crust's texture. A slit in the crust allows steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess and ensuring the filling cooks thoroughly.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe pizza dough Neapolitan style (see NOTES for recipe)
- 9 egg
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 tsp salt sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper to taste
- 1 cup Italian sausage cured not fresh, or bacon or pancetta pieces
- ¾ cup fresh cheese (optional)
- ½ cup parmigiano reggiano grated
- 2 Tbsp Italian parsley chopped, fresh
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil as needed for pie dish and to brush on top of dough
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475º F (250º C)
- Shape and flatten by hand ⅔ of the dough for the bottom, and place in an oiled pie dish (let some overhang). The dough is easier to work with if you form two balls and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Beat the eggs, water, salt, pepper. Then add the sausage, bacon or pancetta, fresh cheese (if using), Parmigiano or Pecorino cheese, and parsley, Partially cook this mixture in a non-stick frying pan, you can actually cook it a bit more than I did, as it makes it easier to work with. Pour the mixture into the lined pie dish.
- Flatten out the pizza dough for the top. Wet the edge of the bottom pie dough with water, then place the lid on top, pressing slightly to seal. Try to get another pair of hands to help, so that the dough doesn't fall into the egg mixture.
- Cut off the extra dough with a sharp knife.
- Pour some olive oil on top and brush it over the top.
- Make a slit in the center of the pie and bake for about 30 minutes or until it is a deep, golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly, or completely before cutting. I prefer mine warm, but it is still perfectly delicious when cold, too, making it perfect for serving when you have company and want to have things made ahead of time.
- The red you see in the slice is a bit of cayenne pepper from the sausages. Feel free to add some hot pepper to the egg mixture if you like a little spiciness.
Notes
- Use the suggested pizza dough recipe for an authentic base and better handling.
- Divide the dough into two parts and let them rest about 10 minutes each to ease shaping and prevent shrinking.
- Partially cooking the egg and meat filling before baking helps the custard set firmly and improves manageability when assembling the pie.
- A slit in the top crust is essential to release steam during baking for a well-cooked filling.
- Brush the top crust with olive oil to achieve a golden, flavorful finish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 283 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 slice | |
| Calories | 283kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 94g | 31% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 244mg | 81% |
| Sodium | 1.044mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 172mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 508IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 166mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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