18+ Italian Easter Ham Pie Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 3, 2024
Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to honor this holiday than with a delicious Italian Easter Ham Pie. This traditional dish, also known as "Pizza Rustica," is a hearty and savory pie filled with cured meats and cheeses. It's a staple in many Italian households during Easter, and each family has their unique recipe passed down through generations. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of this dish and provide you with a mouth-watering recipe to try at home.
Easter is a time for family, faith, and delicious food. And one dish that has become a staple in many Italian households around this holiday is the Italian Easter Pie. This savory dish is filled with a combination of meats, cheeses, and eggs, all baked together in a flaky crust. It's a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any Easter celebration.
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Traditional Italian Easter Pie
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Large
While there are many variations of the Italian Easter Pie, the traditional recipe calls for a combination of prosciutto, salami, and Italian cheeses such as ricotta and mozzarella. Some versions also include hard boiled eggs, which add a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
The Italian Easter Pie, also known as Pizza Rustica, Pizza Gaina, or Pizza Chiena, is a hearty and rich dish that is typically served as an appetizer or main course during Easter festivities. It's a great way to use up leftover meats and cheese and create a delicious and filling dish that everyone will love.
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Italian Easter Pie (Pizza Rustica, Pizza Gaina, Pizza...
Main Ingredients: Ground Sausage, Bread Dough, Ricotta, Large Eggs, Fresh
As mentioned, the Italian Easter Pie goes by many names, depending on the region in Italy. But regardless of what you call it, the ingredients and method of preparation are similar. You start with a flaky crust, fill it with a combination of meats, cheeses, and eggs, and bake it until golden and bubbly.
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Pizza Rustica (Italian Easter Pie)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Butter, Eggs, Ice Water
If you're a fan of pizza, then you'll love the Pizza Rustica version of the Italian Easter Pie. It's essentially a pizza in a pie form, with all your favorite toppings baked into a flaky crust. It's a great way to mix up your traditional pizza night and add some Easter flair to it.
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Easy Southern Italian Easter Pie
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Pie Crusts, Large Eggs, Prosciutto
If you're short on time or don't feel confident in your pie-making skills, then this Easy Southern Italian Easter Pie is the recipe for you. It uses store-bought pie crust and simple ingredients like ham, salami, and cheeses to create a delicious and easy-to-make dish that still captures the essence of the traditional Italian Easter Pie.
Another way to use up leftover meats and cheeses is by making an Italian Sandwich. This hearty and flavorful sandwich is filled with layers of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and other toppings like roasted red peppers and artichokes. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the Easter holiday.
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Pizza Rustica (Italian Easter Pie)
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Mozzarella Cheese, Grated
Yes, we're back to the Pizza Rustica version of the Italian Easter Pie. But this time, we're talking about a different twist on the classic recipe. This version uses a combination of chicken, prosciutto, and spinach for a lighter and healthier take on the traditional dish.
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Italian Pressed Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Ciabatta, Pesto, Pepperoni, Ham, Salami, Fresh
If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer for your Easter gathering, then this Italian Pressed Sandwich is the perfect option. It's made with layers of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and a tangy olive spread, all pressed together for a delicious and portable treat.
While it's not technically a pie, Italian Wedding Soup is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for Easter. It's a hearty and flavorful soup made with meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, and is a great way to use up leftover Easter ham.
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Classic Italian Sub Sandwich with an Herbaceous Red...
Main Ingredients: Sub Rolls, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Genoa Salami
If you're tired of the same old deli sandwiches, then this Classic Italian Sub Sandwich is a must-try. It's filled with layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and toppings, and is topped with a tangy and herbaceous red wine vinaigrette that takes it to the next level.
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Easy Stromboli (Italian Stromboli)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Pizza Dough, Sliced Pepperoni, Capicola, Sliced
If you're a fan of calzones or hot pockets, then you'll love this Easy Stromboli recipe. It's essentially a rolled-up version of the Italian Easter Pie, filled with all your favorite toppings and baked until golden and crispy. It's a great option for a quick and tasty meal during the busy Easter holiday.
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Grilled Italian Panini With Hormel Pepperoni
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Italian Dressing, Provolone Cheese, Ham
If you have leftover Italian meats and cheeses from your Easter feast, then this Grilled Italian Panini is the perfect way to use them up. It's filled with layers of pepperoni, salami, and provolone cheese, and is pressed between two slices of crusty bread and grilled until crispy and melty.
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Easy Italian Easter Pie with Prosciutto & Mozzarella...
Main Ingredients: Frozen Pie Crusts, Refrigerated Pie Crusts, Large Eggs
For a lighter and healthier version of the traditional Italian Easter Pie, try this Easy Italian Easter Pie with Prosciutto and Mozzarella. It uses a combination of prosciutto, mozzarella, and spinach for a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any Easter celebration.
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Even Though It’s Not Yet Easter, This Italian Pie Can...
Main Ingredients: Gold Medal All Purpose Flour, Morton Salt, Instant
While the Italian Easter Pie is a traditional dish served during the holiday, there's no reason you can't enjoy it any time of year. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover Easter ham and create a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love.
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Italian Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Main Ingredients: Dough, Ham, Mozzarella Cheese, Olive Oil, Garlic
If you're looking for a fun and bite-sized appetizer for your Easter celebration, these Italian Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are the way to go. They're made with crescent roll dough, Italian cold cuts, and a creamy cheese spread, and are perfect for snacking on while waiting for the main course.
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Easy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Main Ingredients: Potato, Ham, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Milk, Cheddar
Scalloped potatoes and ham is a classic dish that is often served during Easter. It's a simple and comforting meal that is perfect for using up leftover ham and creating a delicious and filling side dish for your holiday feast.
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Stuffed Manicotti with Beef
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Butter, Carrot, Medium Onion
For a heartier and more filling option, try these Stuffed Manicotti with Beef. This dish uses ground beef, Italian sausage, and a variety of cheeses to create a rich and flavorful filling for the pasta shells. It's a great way to mix things up and add some Italian flair to your Easter menu.
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Italian Sub Salad (low carb)
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Banana Pepper
If you're following a low-carb diet or just looking for a healthier option, then this Italian Sub Salad is the perfect choice. It's filled with all the traditional flavors of an Italian sub, but without the bread. It's a delicious and satisfying option for any Easter gathering.
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Hot Italian Baked Subs
Main Ingredients: Sandwich Buns, Salami, Ham, Pepperoni, Unsalted Butter
Last but certainly not least, we have these Hot Italian Baked Subs. These sandwiches are filled with layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and a tangy olive spread, and are baked until hot and melty. They're a delicious and easy-to-make option for any Easter celebration.
The History of Italian Easter Ham Pie
The Origins
The origins of Italian Easter Ham Pie can be traced back to the 16th century in Naples, Italy. During this time, meat was a luxury and only consumed during special occasions, such as Easter. To make the most out of their limited resources, Italian housewives would create this savory pie using leftover cured meats, cheeses, and eggs.
The Symbolism
Aside from being a delicious dish, Italian Easter Ham Pie also holds symbolic meaning. The pie's shape, which is round and closed on all sides, represents the tomb of Christ, while the ingredients inside represent the gifts brought to him by the three wise men. The pie is typically served on Easter Sunday, symbolizing the end of Lent and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
The Evolution
Over the years, Italian Easter Ham Pie has evolved, and each region in Italy has its own variation. Some use different types of cured meats, while others add vegetables or herbs for added flavor. It has also become a popular dish in Italian-American communities, with families adding their own twists to the traditional recipe.
The Recipe
Now that we've learned about the history of Italian Easter Ham Pie let's dive into the recipe. The key to a delicious pie is using high-quality ingredients, so make sure to visit your local Italian deli for the meats and cheeses. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs of pizza dough
1 lb of diced ham
1/2 lb of diced salami
1/2 lb of diced prosciutto
1/2 lb of diced provolone cheese
1/2 lb of diced mozzarella cheese
6 eggs
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Roll out the pizza dough and use it to line a 9-inch pie dish.
In a bowl, mix together the diced ham, salami, prosciutto, provolone, and mozzarella.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add in the grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the meat and cheese and mix well.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust and fold the excess dough over the top.
Make a few slits on the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Italian Easter Ham Pie is more than just a dish; it's a symbol of tradition, family, and celebration. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or add your own twist, this savory pie is sure to be a hit at your Easter table. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this delicious Italian delicacy. Buona Pasqua!
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