This Easter Savory Pie, known in Italy as Pizza Rustica, is a hearty, cheesy, and meat-filled dish traditionally served during Easter.
Made with a rich ricotta filling, a mix of Italian cold cuts, and melty cheeses all wrapped in a buttery pie crust, it’s the ultimate celebration food — perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a festive centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Savory Pie
Ultra savory & satisfying – Loaded with cured meats and creamy cheeses
Perfect for celebrations – A beautiful centerpiece dish
Make-ahead friendly – Even better the next day
Deeply traditional – A recipe rooted in Italian heritage
Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves a cheesy slice!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ricotta cheese – Soft and creamy base for the filling
Mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey meltiness
Parmesan cheese – Sharp, salty flavor
Eggs – Bind the filling and provide richness
Prosciutto, salami, ham – Classic Italian meats
Fresh parsley – Adds color and texture
Pie crusts – Store-bought or homemade
Black pepper – To balance the richness
Pro Tips Before You Start
Drain ricotta if it’s watery to avoid soggy pie
Sauté and drain spinach well to prevent excess moisture
Dice meats evenly for the best texture and flavor distribution
Use egg wash for a golden crust finish
Let cool before slicing to set the filling properly
How to Make Easter Savory Pie (Pizza Rustica)
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and eggs until combined.
Stir in chopped spinach and diced meats. Season with pepper.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
Fill with the ricotta mixture and smooth the top.
Step 3: Add the Top Crust
Place second pie crust over the filling. Crimp edges to seal.
Cut steam vents on top and brush with egg wash.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is firm.
Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, at room temp, or chilled.
What to Serve It With
Crisp green salad with lemon dressing
Roasted carrots or asparagus
Fresh fruit platter
Sparkling water with citrus
Italian cookies or biscotti
Variations / Substitutions
Use provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile
Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers
Substitute cooked sausage or pancetta for other meats
Make it vegetarian by skipping meats and adding more spinach
Try puff pastry instead of pie crust for a flakier top
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 4 days
Freeze: Wrap slices and freeze up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or enjoy cold
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Rustica ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better after resting overnight.
What meats work best?
Cured meats like ham, salami, and prosciutto are classic choices.
Is it served warm or cold?
Either! Italians often enjoy it at room temp or cold.
Can I make it crustless?
It won’t hold together as well, but you can bake it as a crustless casserole.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes – just thaw, squeeze out moisture, and add to the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Savory Pie is an irresistible blend of tradition, comfort, and flavor.
Whether it’s part of your holiday spread or a new addition to your family table, its rich filling and flaky crust will leave everyone asking for seconds.
A true Italian-American Easter classic!
