Hey, Welcome to my little corner of the internet Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m excited to share with you Easter Pie Recipe. Now, let me take you back to a memory that always warms my heart.
Growing up in an Italian-American household, Easter was a time of joy, family gatherings, and of course, incredible food. I remember waiting for Easter Sunday, not just because of the egg hunts and colorful baskets, but because it meant indulging in my grandmother’s famous Easter pie along with Pecan Pie and Sweet Potato Pie.
Now, as an adult, I carry on the tradition of making Easter pie for my own family. It’s a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, connecting me to my heritage and the cherished memories of my childhood.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through the steps of making your own Easter pie, sharing tips and tricks along the way. Let’s get cooking.
What is Easter Pie?
Easter pie, also known as “pizza rustica” or “pastiera,” is a traditional Italian dessert typically served during the Easter holiday season. It’s a rich and indulgent pie filled with creamy ricotta cheese, eggs, and various savory or sweet ingredients like meats, cheeses, and sometimes even chocolate or candied fruits, depending on regional variations. The pie is encased in a flaky pastry crust, baked until golden brown.
Each family might have its own unique recipe, passed down through generations, making it a cherished part of Easter celebrations. It’s often enjoyed as a dessert after Easter dinner or as part of a festive brunch.
Overview: How to Make Easter Pie Recipe?
Making Easter pie is a delightful tradition for many families during the holiday season. To start, prepare your ingredients by gathering eggs, ricotta cheese, and any additional fillings you desire, like meats, cheeses, or sweet add-ins such as chocolate or candied fruits.
Begin by making or purchasing a pie crust for both the bottom and top of the pie. Roll out the bottom crust and place it in a pie dish. Next, mix together the ricotta cheese and beaten eggs until smooth. Then, add in your desired fillings and mix until well combined. Pour this mixture into the pie crust.
Afterward, roll out the remaining dough for the top crust. Place it over the filling, and seal the edges by crimping them together. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake the pie in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Allow it to cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy this savory or sweet treat as a delightful addition to your Easter celebration!
Italian Easter Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Pie Dish
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Pastry Brush (optional)
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Oven Mitts
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ricotta cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 pound cooked ham chopped
- � pound Genoa salami chopped
- � pound mozzarella cheese grated
- � pound prosciutto chopped
- 4 9 inch unbaked pie crusts
- � cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Place ricotta in a large mixing bowl. Beat in eggs, one at a time, with an electric mixer on low speed. Stir in ham, salami, mozzarella, and prosciutto until well combined.
- Line two 9-inch pans with pastry. Divide ricotta mixture between the pans. Sprinkle each pie with Parmesan cheese, then cover with top pastry. Crimp the edges and cut steam vents in tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden brown, about 1 hour. Cool pies on wire racks.
Notes
- Preheat the oven before starting to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Use a well-floured surface when rolling out the pie crust to prevent sticking. - Customize the filling ingredients according to personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Seal the edges of the pie crust tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
Nutrition
How to Prepare Ricotta Cheese?
You should drain the ricotta cheese ahead of time if you happen to have a watery cheese. This often happens with homemade ricotta cheese. However, most of the store-bought versions are already drained, and you can simply pour off any water that is on top.
Tips for Making Easter Pie Recipe!
- Chill Ingredients: Consider chilling the dough and filling ingredients before assembling the pie. This can help maintain the flakiness of the crust and prevent the filling from becoming too runny during baking.
- Layer Fillings: When adding fillings to the pie, consider layering them evenly for better distribution of flavors throughout the pie.
- Egg Wash: Before baking, brush the top crust with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a little water or milk) to give the pie a shiny, golden finish.
- Decorative Crust: Use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to create decorative shapes or lattice patterns on the top crust for an extra-special presentation.
- Adjust Baking Time: Depending on your oven and the thickness of the pie, you may need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the pie and use a toothpick or knife to check for doneness.
- Let it Rest: Allow the Easter pie to rest for at least 30 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for easier slicing.
What to Serve with Easter Pie Recipe?
What to do with Leftover?
- Egg-cellent Breakfast: Easter pie makes a delightful addition to breakfast or brunch. Serve leftover slices alongside scrambled eggs, hash browns, or fresh fruit for a hearty morning meal.
- Savory Pie Sandwich: Use leftover Easter pie slices to create delicious savory sandwiches. Place a slice between two pieces of bread or in a crusty roll, add some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments for a tasty lunch option.
- Salad Topping: Crumble leftover Easter pie over a bed of mixed greens to add a flavorful and satisfying twist to your salads. The creamy ricotta and savory fillings will elevate any salad to a whole new level.
- Easter Pie Pizza: Turn leftover Easter pie into a unique pizza topping! Spread tomato sauce on a pizza crust, sprinkle crumbled Easter pie over the top, add some extra cheese if desired, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
- Pie-stuffed Mushrooms: Hollow out large mushrooms, fill them with pieces of leftover Easter pie, and bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through. This makes for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
- Freeze for Later: If you can’t finish the leftover Easter pie right away, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze them for future enjoyment. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q: Is Easter pie served hot or cold?
A: Easter pie can be served either hot, warm, or at room temperature, depending on personal preference and the specific recipe. It’s delicious freshly baked, but it can also be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Q: Can I make Easter pie gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make Easter pie gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust or adapting the recipe to use alternative flours. There are many gluten-free crust options available, including those made from almond flour, rice flour, or a combination of gluten-free flours.
Q: Is Easter pie a sweet or savory dish?
A: Easter pie can be either sweet or savory, depending on the recipe and regional variations. Savory versions typically include meats, cheeses, and vegetables, while sweet variations may feature ingredients like chocolate, candied fruits, or citrus zest.