Southern Italian Easter Pie: A Tradition of Love and Celebration

Name: Southern Italian Easter Pie: A Tradition of Love and Celebration
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 oz prosciutto, cut into chunks; 4 oz hard Italian sausage, diced; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 refrigerated pie crusts; 6 large eggs, whisked (reserve 1 tbsp for egg wash)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 19, 2025

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A Taste of Family and Heritage

Every Easter, my grandmother’s kitchen became the heart of our home. The scent of freshly baked Italian Easter Pie filled the air, mingling with laughter, stories, and the comforting hum of family traditions. This pie wasn’t just a dish; it was a symbol of love, heritage, and the joy of gathering around the table.

I can still picture her skillful hands cutting chunks of prosciutto and mozzarella, carefully layering them into the golden crust. She never needed a recipe—her memory, shaped by years of cooking alongside her own mother and grandmother, guided every step. Watching her, I learned that cooking wasn’t just about feeding people; it was about passing down history, connecting generations, and keeping traditions alive.

Southern Italian Easter Pie, known in Italy as “Pizza Ripiena”, is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of family, faith, and the season of renewal. And even now, as I prepare this dish in my own kitchen, I feel a deep connection to my roots and to the generations before me who made this pie with the same love and care.

What Makes Southern Italian Easter Pie So Special?

1. A Rich, Savory Tradition

Unlike the sweet pies and cakes that often fill Easter dessert tables, this pie is a savory masterpiece. It’s packed with Italian cured meats, cheeses, and eggs, all nestled inside a flaky, golden crust. The result is a dish that’s hearty yet elegant, rich in flavor, and deeply satisfying.

2. A Dish with History

Southern Italian Easter Pie has been a part of Italian Easter celebrations for centuries. Originating in the regions of Campania and Calabria, it was traditionally made to mark the end of Lent, when families could once again enjoy meat and cheese after weeks of fasting. Over time, it became a staple of Easter Sunday meals, enjoyed alongside other Italian favorites like Neapolitan Pastiera and Easter Bread.

3. A Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing Dish

This pie is not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making it an ideal addition to a brunch spread, picnic, or buffet. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just enjoying it with family, this dish never fails to impress.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

Prosciutto (cut into chunks)
Hard Italian sausage (diced)
Fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Black pepper

For the Crust and Egg Mixture:

Refrigerated pie crusts
Large eggs (whisked, with some reserved for egg wash)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust and Filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with one pie crust. Add the cubed mozzarella, diced meats, and grated Parmesan. Season with black pepper.

2. Add the Egg Mixture

Reserve a small portion of whisked eggs for the egg wash. Pour the remaining eggs over the filling to bind everything together.

3. Seal and Bake

Place the second pie crust on top and press the edges to seal. Brush the top with the reserved egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 55 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

Calories: 523 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 37g
Sodium: 979mg
Calcium: 251mg

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

The Meats: A Savory Depth

A classic Italian Easter Pie includes prosciutto and hard salami, both of which bring a deep, savory flavor to every bite. The meats are cut into small cubes, ensuring that every slice of the pie is rich and flavorful.

The Cheeses: A Creamy, Melty Contrast

Fresh mozzarella adds a smooth, creamy texture, while grated Parmesan provides a sharp, salty kick. The combination creates a balanced, cheesy filling that complements the richness of the meats.

The Eggs: The Binding Element

Eggs play a crucial role in this recipe, not only adding richness but also binding all the ingredients together. When baked, the eggs create a light, custard-like consistency that holds the filling in place and enhances the pie’s structure.

The Crust: A Buttery, Flaky Shell

While traditional recipes call for homemade dough, using store-bought pie crusts makes preparation much easier without compromising taste. The crust is brushed with an egg wash, which gives it a beautiful golden-brown sheen and a satisfying crispness.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Easter Pie

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

Since this pie is made with just a few key ingredients, the quality of those ingredients makes a difference. Opt for fresh mozzarella, high-quality prosciutto, and aged Parmesan for the best flavor.

2. Don’t Overfill the Pie

It’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, but overstuffing can cause the pie to become too dense or even spill over. A balanced ratio of eggs, meats, and cheeses will ensure a perfectly textured pie.

3. Let It Cool Before Slicing

This pie is best when it has had time to rest and set after baking. Letting it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing will help maintain its structure and prevent the filling from oozing out.

4. Serve It at Any Temperature

One of the best things about this pie is its versatility. It tastes great fresh out of the oven, but it’s just as delicious at room temperature or even chilled. This makes it a great make-ahead dish for Easter gatherings.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Italian Easter Pie

1. Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, this pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat or serve at room temperature.

2. How Long Does It Last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this pie will stay fresh for up to five days. It’s a great dish to enjoy as leftovers for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack.

3. Can I Freeze It?

Absolutely! Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. To serve, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

4. Can I Add Other Ingredients?

Yes! Some variations of this pie include ricotta cheese, spinach, or even different types of cured meats like capicola or soppressata. Feel free to customize it to your taste.

5. Is This Pie Only for Easter?

Not at all! While it’s a traditional Easter dish, it’s delicious year-round. It makes a great brunch option, holiday dish, or even a weeknight dinner.

A Dish That Brings People Together

Cooking is about more than just following a recipe—it’s about preserving traditions, sharing love, and creating memories. Southern Italian Easter Pie is a dish that has stood the test of time, passed down through generations and served as a symbol of family, faith, and celebration.

Every time I make this pie, I think of my grandmother and the many Easters we spent together. I think of the stories shared around the dinner table, the laughter that filled the room, and the feeling of warmth that came from knowing I was part of something bigger—a tradition that had been carried on for years.

This Easter, as you prepare your meal, I encourage you to try this recipe. Make it with love, share it with those who matter most, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of tradition. Because sometimes, the best way to celebrate is with a simple, homemade pie that tastes like history, love, and home.