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Single slice of savory ricotta lattice pie on a white plate. Striped cloth and rest of pie in the background.
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Italian Pizza Rustica (savory ricotta pie)

This is a classic Italian savory pie made with ricotta, cheese, and cold meats. The crust is amazing and slightly sweet, something that goes incredibly well with the salty filling. It's a traditional dish for Easter and a great recipe for leftovers.
Course Pies & Tarts
Cuisine Italian
Keyword pizza rustica, savory ricotta pie
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 tablespoons sugar scant ⅓ cup
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter diced
  • 2 eggs

For the filling:

  • 1 pound ricotta cheese
  • 3 eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • cup grated parmesan cheese or pecorino romano or asiago cheese
  • ½ cup chopped salami or pepperoni or soppressata or a mix
  • ½ cup chopped mortadella or ham or a mix of both
  • ½ cup diced mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped basil or parsley optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Have ready a 9-inch pie plate or pie dish with a removable bottom, about 3 inches tall. 

For the pie dough: 

  • Process 2 cups all-purpose flour, 5 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt a few times to mix. Add ½ cup cold unsalted butter, in small pieces, and pulse until the size of peas.
  • Add 2 eggs and process using on/off until beginning to come together. Do not let it become a ball. 
  • Transfer to a floured counter and gather into a smooth ball, without working it much or it will be tough. The butter must be cold and not begin to melt.
  • Divide the dough into two parts, one larger (about ⅔ of the amount) and one smaller (about ⅓). Wrap each one in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. 
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180ºC). Have ready a 9-inch pie pan with a removable bottom.
  • Roll the larger piece of pie dough (keep the remaining dough wrapped in the refrigerator) on a floured counter or working table until it's a few inches larger than the pan. Line the prepared pan, being careful not to stretch the dough. Prick the bottom with a fork and chill (put it in the freezer or refrigerator) while preparing the filling. 

For the ricotta filling: 

  • Stir 1 pound ricotta cheese with 3 eggs and 1 tablespoon olive oil to mix in a large bowl. Don't beat but incorporate well.
  • Add ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup chopped salami or pepperoni or soppressata, ½ cup chopped mortadella or ham, ½ cup diced mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped basil or parsley. Mix well. 
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Take into account how salty the cheeses and cold meats you use already are. 

To assemble: 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Roll out the remaining dough piece using a rolling pin until it's at least the diameter of the pie pan you're using. 
  • Cut strips of dough (I use a pizza wheel) but you can use a kitchen knife). Make sure the dough is cold so it'll be easier to lift the strips.
  • Pour the filling into the cold pan lined with the bottom dough and smooth the surface.
  • Place the dough strips on top of the filling, starting in the middle with the long strips and pressing on the edges of the dough where it meets the bottom dough. Remove excess dough. Make a criss-cross pattern, patching together strips that might break or are not long enough. 
  • Brush with a mixture of beaten egg and a tablespoon of milk or water if you want a shinier, deeper-colored crust. I personally don't do it but it looks nice and shiny.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the dough is dry and lightly golden and the filling is puffed. It might take even longer. 
  • Let cool on a cooling rack (wire rack). Serve warm or at room temperature. 
  • Keep leftovers refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container. 

Notes

Baking time: keep in mind that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look the same or very similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as it can be, but it might take you more or less time. You can use a thermometer that is placed inside the oven to check that your oven is at the right temperature. I recommend you keep track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust. 
Pie dough: we use a slightly sweet pie crust, but you can also use a savory dough like the basic shortcrust pastry for quiche or the great flaky pie crust recipe we use for holiday pies.
Make-ahead: you can make the pie crust ahead and freeze or keep it refrigerated for several days before rolling and baking. And you can freeze the whole baked pie, always well wrapped in double plastic and foil.
You can also use a 9-inch round springform pan (cake pan with a removable bottom). The dough should reach about half up the sides, roughly 3 inches. 
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