Easter Pie, Or As The Italians Say, "Pizza Rustica"

Every family has that one holiday dish that brings everyone to the table. For us at Di Bruno Bros., that dish is Easter Pie—also known as Pizza Rustica or Ham Pie.

This recipe has been part of our Easter celebrations for over 15 years. It comes from longtime Italian Market manager Johnny Zancolli and his mother, affectionately known as Mama Zancolli, who brought this recipe from Abruzzo, Italy—the same region Danny and Joe Di Bruno came from. It’s a true taste of heritage and home.

Rustic, savory, and packed with Italian cheeses and meats, this pie is everything we love about Italian comfort food.

Italian Easter Pie is a celebratory dish enjoyed from morning to night. Inside the flaky crust, you’ll find:

• Creamy ricotta
• Fresh basket cheese
• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Hard‑boiled eggs
• Soppressata
• Prosciutto Classico

All baked together until the inside sets into a custardy, savory filling. It’s the kind of dish you slice into every time you walk past it.

(Makes four 8" pies)

• 1 lb Basket Cheese
• 2 lb Fresh Ricotta
• ¼ lb Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 4 Hard‑Boiled Eggs, peeled and diced
• 4 Large Eggs (reserve 1 for brushing)
• 1 lb Prosciutto Classico, diced
• ½ chub Mild Soppressata, diced
• 2 tsp Italian Parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Flour
• 4 Unbaked 8" Pie Shells

1. Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Dice the Soppressata, and hard‑boiled eggs.
Grate the Parmigiano.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, basket cheese, parsley, pepper, flour, and the raw eggs (save one for brushing).
Fold in all the diced meats and hard‑boiled eggs until evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Pies

Fill each pie shell generously.
Cut the top crust into lattice strips and weave them over the filling.
Press to seal and trim any excess dough.

4. Brush & Bake

Beat the reserved egg and brush over the lattice.
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the pie is set.

5. Rest Before Serving

Let the pies cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Basket Cheese is the soul of this dish. Soft, fresh, and traditionally shaped in a woven basket, it gives Easter Pie its signature creamy texture.

There’s always a little extra—here’s how we love to enjoy it:

• Lightly batter and pan‑fry francaise-style and drizzle with honey
• Slice thick and finish with olive oil and sea salt

Pure Easter joy.

Stop by any Di Bruno Bros. location or visit DiBruno.com to pick up everything you need to make this beloved family recipe.

From our family to yours—Buona Pasqua!