If you’ve never had Pizza Rustica before, let me introduce you to your new favorite Easter tradition. Also known as Italian Easter Pie, this deep-dish, savory pie is loaded with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a mix of cured Italian meats, all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s rich, indulgent, and completely over-the-top—in the best way possible.

Growing up, we always had a giant Pizza Rustica sitting on the counter the day before Easter. My mom would make it in the morning so it had plenty of time to cool, and by the time dinner rolled around, we were all sneaking slices before she could even set the table. The smell alone—cheesy, buttery, with just a hint of peppery spice—was enough to drive us crazy waiting for that first bite.

A golden-brown Italian Easter pie, or pizza rustica, with a flaky crust and a rich filling of meats and cheeses, displayed on a rustic wooden table.

pizza oven cta 2025 ver2b Pizza Rustica (Italian Easter Pie) Recipe: A Savory, Cheesy, Authentic Holiday Tradition

Your Grocery List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easter classic:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
3 large eggs (for the dough)
1 tablespoon cold water
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup provolone cheese, shredded
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 large eggs (for the filling)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ pound prosciutto, chopped
½ pound salami, diced
½ pound cooked ham, diced

The Crust: Store-Bought or Homemade?

Traditionally, Pizza Rustica is made with a homemade, buttery pie crust that’s sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling. If you have time, I *highly* recommend making the dough from scratch—it’s super easy and gives you the best texture. But if you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought pie crust will absolutely work in a pinch.

How to Make Pizza Rustica

Even though this looks like a show-stopper (and it is!), it’s surprisingly simple to make. Here’s how it’s done:

Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, eggs, black pepper, and oregano. Stir in the prosciutto, salami, and ham.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the dough and press it into the prepared pie dish.
Fill It Up: Pour the cheesy, meaty filling into the crust and spread it evenly.
Top It Off: Roll out the remaining dough and lay it over the filling. Trim the edges, pinch them together, and cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Egg Wash & Bake: Brush the top with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a splash of water) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

How to Eat Pizza Rustica (Hot, Cold, or Room Temp?)

Every family has their own way of serving this, but personally, I think it’s best at room temperature when all the flavors have had time to settle. Some people love it warm, straight from the oven, while others swear by eating it cold the next day. Either way, it’s delicious.

Make It Even Better

Want to put your own spin on it? Try these variations:

Add Some Greens: Sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers add extra flavor.
Switch Up the Meats: No prosciutto? No problem! Use cooked sausage, pancetta, or even pepperoni.
Go Extra Cheesy: Swap out provolone for fontina or add extra Parmesan for more bite.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Pizza Rustica tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day. Wrap leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a slice in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Pizza Rustica?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.

What to Serve With Pizza Rustica

Since this dish is *very* rich, I like to pair it with something light and fresh, like:

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or other spring veggies
A side of marinated olives for a salty contrast

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices

Fun Fact About Pizza Rustica

Did you know that Pizza Rustica dates back to 17th-century Naples? It was originally made to celebrate the end of Lent, when people could finally indulge in all the meats and cheeses they had been avoiding. Over time, it became a staple of Easter celebrations, and today, Italian families all over the world still carry on the tradition.

Allergen Warnings & Substitutions

This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pie crust. If you need a vegetarian option, skip the meats and add more veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.