Description
Layered Italian Pizza Rustica is an indulgent savory pie filled with a rich blend of cheeses, Italian meats, and vegetables, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. This hearty dish, often served during holidays or family gatherings, offers layers of comforting flavors that make it the perfect centerpiece for your next celebration or special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb ricotta cheese
- 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 lb Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 lb provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 lb cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 lb cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup sautéed spinach or Swiss chard
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add olive oil, cold water, and vinegar, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses. Stir in the cooked sausage, ham, sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, black olives, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. - Roll out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into two pieces: one larger than the other. Use the larger dough to line a greased 9-inch round pie or tart pan. - Assemble the Pizza Rustica:
Fill the dough-lined pan with the cheese and meat mixture, pressing it down firmly. Roll out the smaller dough portion and place it over the top of the filling. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal, trimming any excess. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. - Bake the Pizza Rustica:
Brush the top with an egg wash (beaten egg) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil. - Cool and Serve:
Let the pizza rustica cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prepare the pizza rustica in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply bake it when ready to serve.
- The filling can be customized by adding other ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms or artichokes for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the meats for more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting time for dough)
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Italian, Savory Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian