If you’re looking for a twist on the classic Italian dish, try our Pizza Rustica Stuffed Pizza Dough! It’s packed with all the delectable fillings of the famous Easter pie, but wrapped up in a delightful pizza dough. This tasty creation includes cooked meats, ricotta cheese, eggs, and a medley of your favorite cheeses, making it not only savory but incredibly satisfying! It’s a delightful alternative to the traditional pie and perfect for sharing during family gatherings.

Scroll down for a full list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions to whip up this mouthwatering Pizza Rustica Stuffed Pizza Dough.

Why Make This Recipe for Rustica Stuffed Pizza Dough?

1. Pizza Rustica is a mouthwatering meat pie, and this simple all-in-one dough is excellent for slicing and serving as a delicious appetizer.
2. Feel free to mix and match your favorite cooked meats in the Easter Rustica mix. We love using sautéed mild Italian sausage, capicola, and pepperoni, combined with a variety of cheeses for that truly authentic taste.
3. This Pizza Rustica Roll is convenient for transporting to picnics or lunches.
4. Why limit yourself to Easter? This Rustica pizza roll can be made year-round and enjoyed for any occasion!

Filling for Pizza Rustica Roll: Substitutions or Additions

• Meats (cooked, chopped, or shredded):
  • Capicola
  • Pepperoni
  • Prosciutto
  • Sausage
  • Salami
  • Bacon
  • Ham
  • Steak
  • Chicken
  • Pork
  • Meatballs
  • Seafood (like anchovies, shrimp, etc.)
• Vegetables:
  • Chopped spinach or escarole (cooked)
  • Eggplant
  • Mushrooms
  • Broccoli rabe
  • Broccoli
  • Peppers
  • Black olives (sliced)
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
• Cheeses:
  • Grated Romano or Parmesan
  • Asiago
  • Fontina
  • Provolone
  • mozzarella
  • Cheddar
  • Swiss
  • Pepper Jack
  • Ricotta

Ingredients

• 1 pound of Italian pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 beaten egg (for egg wash, add 1 more egg beaten and set aside)
• 3 tablespoons of whole milk ricotta cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 chopped fresh basil leaf
• 2 slices of prosciutto, chopped
• 2 slices of Genoa salami, chopped
• 1 slice of capicola ham, chopped
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 4 thin slices of pepperoni
• 1 slice of soppressata, chopped
• 3 slices of provolone and mozzarella (sliced or shredded)
• 3 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano cheese
• Optional: 1 link of cooked, sliced mild Italian sausage

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow the pizza dough to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the meats, basil, salt, pepper, cheeses, hard-boiled egg, and the raw egg. Gently mix until well combined.
3. Fold in the ricotta cheese carefully so it incorporates without breaking down too much.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick, shaping it into a round or rectangular form (roughly 12 inches in size).
5. Evenly spread the meat and cheese mixture over the pizza dough.
6. Roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, tucking in the sides to seal the filling.
7. Place the rolled dough on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
8. Let the roll rest for 30 minutes to rise slightly.
9. If using, brush the top with an egg wash to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
10. Sprinkle the top with Italian herbs, sesame seeds, or leave it plain if desired.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown.

Notes

Feel free to get creative and adjust the filling ingredients according to your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand! This dish is versatile and perfect for experimenting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! You can use puff pastry or even a whole wheat dough, depending on your preference.

How should I store leftovers?

Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze this stuffed pizza roll?

Absolutely! You can freeze it either before or after baking. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly and use it within 2 months for best results.

What can I serve with Pizza Rustica?

This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or marinara sauce for dipping!

Is this recipe vegetarian friendly?

This particular version is not vegetarian due to the meats involved. However, you can easily substitute the meats with your favorite vegetables and cheeses for a delicious vegetarian alternative!