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Pizzagaina (Pizza Rustica)

Pizzagaina (Pizza Rustica): Celebrate Easter with Flavorful Tradition

Pizzagaina is a savory Italian Easter Pie filled with creamy cheeses and hearty meats, perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 lb Pizza Dough Substitute with pre-made dough for convenience.
  • 2 sheets Puff Pastry Can swap with more pizza dough if desired.
For the Filling
  • 11 Eggs 10 fresh and 1 for egg wash.
  • 3 Hard-Boiled Eggs Ensure they are well-chopped.
  • 1 lb Ham Leftover ham works beautifully.
  • ½ lb Italian Sausage Ground turkey sausage is a lighter alternative.
  • ¼ lb Capicola Feel free to sub with prosciutto.
  • ¼ lb Salami Use any deli meat you enjoy.
For the Cheeses
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Romano cheese can be an optional substitute.
  • 1 lb Ricotta Salata Traditional basket cheese or regular ricotta can also be used.
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (sliced) Fresh mozzarella enhances the flavor.
  • 8 oz Provolone Cheese (sliced) Mild cheese can replace if preferred.
Seasonings & Enhancements
  • 4 cloves Garlic Use fresh for the best impact.
  • 1 tsp Coarse Black Pepper Adjust seasoning based on preference.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika works too.
  • ½ tsp Garlic Paste Minced garlic can be used or omitted.
For Garnish
  • Fresh Basil (optional) Adds a lovely touch of freshness.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Springform Pan
  • Pastry Brush

Method
 

Directions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F or your smoker to 300°F.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage for about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess grease and combine with chopped ham, capicola, salami, hard-boiled eggs, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
  3. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until about ¼-inch thick, press it into a greased 10-inch springform pan, and pierce it with a fork to prevent bubbling.
  4. Layer half of the mozzarella and provolone cheese at the bottom of the pan, whisk together 10 eggs, garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ricotta, then pour half of this mixture over the cheese layer, add the meat mixture, remaining cheese, and finish with the rest of the egg mixture.
  5. Cut puff pastry sheets into strips and weave them over the filling, trim excess, and roll the dough edges to form a decorative rim.
  6. Beat the remaining egg with water and garlic paste, then brush this egg wash over the pie top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite ingredients and enjoy the rich tradition of Pizzagaina for Easter!

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