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!