Traditional Italian Easter Pie

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
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Traditional Italian Easter Pie is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors that brings the festive spirit to your table. This savory pie is packed with a delightful mix of cheeses and meats, wrapped in a flaky puff pastry crust. Whether it's Easter or a regular Sunday brunch, this pie is sure to impress!

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Easter Pie

Ricotta cheese provides a creamy base, binding the pie's filling together. The Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. Prosciutto, ham, and salami offer a medley of savory, cured flavors, while mozzarella lends a melty, gooey texture. The eggs not only hold everything together but also offer a rich, custardy texture. A bit of fresh parsley, black pepper, and salt enhance the overall taste, and puff pastry creates a buttery, flaky crust that encases all the goodness inside.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent a soggy bottom, place the pie dish on a preheated baking sheet.
  • If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
  • For a glossy finish, brush the top with a beaten egg before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Italian Easter Pie with a crisp, green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, complements the savory flavors beautifully. For a traditional touch, serve it alongside olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cured meats or whatever you have on hand.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie and refrigerate it unbaked. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What if I don't have puff pastry?
You can use a shortcrust pastry as an alternative for a different texture.

Traditional Italian Easter Pie Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it's ready for the pie. Grab a large bowl and stir together the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Next, fold in the diced prosciutto, ham, salami, and mozzarella. This is where the pie begins to take shape with all those mouth-watering flavors.

In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with chopped parsley, black pepper, and salt. Pour this egg mixture into the cheese and meat bowl, stirring until everything's well-combined. This is the filling that will turn into a deliciously rich and savory pie once baked.

Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and carefully line your pie dish with it, making sure it covers the sides completely. Pour the filling into this pastry-lined dish, spreading it evenly so every bite is packed with flavor. Top it off by covering the pie with the second sheet of puff pastry. Press the edges together to seal, and make a few slits on top to let steam escape during baking.

Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set, making it easier and cleaner to cut.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A hearty, savory dish perfect for festive gatherings.
  • Combines rich, classic Italian flavors with ease.
  • Great way to use up leftover meats and cheeses.
  • Simple enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

1 lb. of ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup diced prosciutto
1/2 cup diced cooked ham
1/2 cup diced salami
1 cup shredded mozzarella
6 large eggs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 sheets of puff pastry

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
3. Stir in prosciutto, ham, salami, and mozzarella until well distributed.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the parsley, black pepper, and salt.
5. Incorporate the egg mixture into the cheese and meat mixture, stirring until fully combined.
6. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and line a pie dish, ensuring it covers the sides.
7. Pour the mixture into the pastry-lined dish, spreading evenly.
8. Cover with the second puff pastry sheet, sealing the edges, and cut slits on top to vent.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
10. Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

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