italian pizza rustica recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian pizza rustica recipe

I’m thrilled to share with you my family’s favorite Italian Pizza Rustica recipe. This traditional dish hails from the Campania region of Italy, where it’s been a staple for generations.

The name ‘rustica’ translates to ‘rural’ or ‘country-style,’ which is fitting, as this hearty pie is often served at family gatherings and community events. The crust is thick and crispy, with a delicate balance of sweetness and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.

My kids adore helping me assemble the layers of sauce, cheese, and meats, and we always have a blast making memories together in the kitchen. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Plus, the health benefits of using fresh vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains make this dish a guilt-free indulgence for our family. In fact, we love serving Pizza Rustica at family gatherings because it’s an easy way to feed a crowd without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

With its rich history, satisfying taste, and versatility in preparation and serving methods, Pizza Rustica has become a staple in our household. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a delicious way to entertain friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Italian Pizza Rustica

4.5 from 1275 votes

Italian Pizza Rustica is a hearty and delicious savory pie filled with cheese, meats, and vegetables. It is perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time90 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp instant yeast
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling

1 lb Italian sausage
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Egg Wash

1 egg
1 tbsp water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast.
3Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
4Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6While the dough is resting, prepare the filling.
7In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
8Drain excess fat.
9In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
10Add the cooked sausage to the cheese mixture and stir well.
11On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
12Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet.
13Spoon the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
14Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
15In a small bowl, beat the egg and water to make an egg wash.
16Brush the egg wash over the folded edges of the dough.
17Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
18Allow the pizza rustica to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Rolling pin
Pizza cutter

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables and meats. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add more vegetables.

This Italian Pizza Rustica recipe has become a staple in our household due to its rich history, satisfying taste, and versatility in preparation and serving methods.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a delicious way to entertain friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

When storing leftover pizza for later use, simply refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months before reheating in the oven until hot and bubbly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Pizza Rustica

1.

What is Pizza Rustica?
Pizza Rustica is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the Campania region. It’s a thick-crusted pie made with layers of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, meat (usually prosciutto or ham), and various vegetables.

2.

What type of meat is used in Pizza Rustica?
Traditionally, Pizza Rustica features prosciutto or ham as its primary meat component. However, you can also use other cured meats like pancetta or guanciale for added flavor.

3.

Can I customize the toppings on my Pizza Rustica?
Absolutely! While classic ingredients like mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce are essential to the dish’s authenticity, feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.

4.

How do I store leftover Pizza Rustica?
You can refrigerate leftover pizza for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months. Before reheating, simply thaw the frozen pie at room temperature or reheat it in the oven until hot and bubbly.

5.

Is Pizza Rustica suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the prosciutto or ham from the recipe and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers instead.

6.

Can I make Pizza Rustica gluten-free?
Yes! To accommodate gluten-free diets, use gluten-free pizza dough made from ingredients like rice flour or almond flour.

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