Rustic Pizza

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 300
• Protein: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 28 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 500 mg

Why Make This Rustic Pizza

Rustic pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, offering a homemade taste that will elevate your dinner experience. With its flaky crust and creamy cheese filling, this dish is perfect for gatherings with friends or cozy family nights. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich, gooey texture, while the optional spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. Plus, it’s a versatile dish, allowing you to customize the fillings to suit your taste. With its inviting aroma and golden-brown crust, this rustic pizza is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.

How to Make Rustic Pizza

Making rustic pizza is a rewarding process that doesn’t require expert baking skills. Follow the simple steps to whip up this comforting dish that your entire family will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
• 1 cup chopped spinach (optional)

Directions:

• Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.

• Step 2: Preparing the Dough

  In a mixing bowl, combine your flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the water until it forms a dough. Knead it slightly until smooth, then wrap in plastic wrap and chill for about 15 minutes.

• Step 3: Mixing the Filling

  In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, black pepper, oregano, and optional crushed red pepper. Gently fold in the crumbled Italian sausage and chopped spinach until well combined.

• Step 4: Assembling the Pizza

  Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a greased pie dish. Pour the cheese mixture into the crust. Roll out a second piece of dough for the top and place it over the filling, sealing the edges well to prevent any leaks. To let steam escape, cut a few slits in the top.

• Step 5: Baking

  Place your rustic pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

• Step 6: Cooling and Serving

  Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the filling set slightly for easier serving.

How to Serve Rustic Pizza

Rustic pizza serves beautifully as a main dish, paired with a simple side salad or a basket of garlic bread. It is ideal for casual get-togethers or family dinners. For a touch of elegance, serve it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

How to Store Rustic Pizza

If you have leftover rustic pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Expert Tips for Perfect Rustic Pizza

• Chill Your Butter: Ensure your butter is well-chilled for a flaky crust. This is an essential step in achieving that beautiful texture.
• Mix Thoroughly: When combining your filling, ensure that everything is evenly mixed for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Customize Fillings: Feel free to add other vegetables or meats you enjoy, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even leftover roasted chicken.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Rustic Pizza: Omit the sausage and load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
• Spicy Italian Pizza: Add extra crushed red pepper to the cheese filling for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Crust: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or rosemary into the dough for added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use store-bought crust? Yes! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust can save you effort. Just follow the baking instructions provided.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

• Can I substitute ricotta cheese? Yes, cottage cheese or a cream cheese blend can work well if you don’t have ricotta on hand.

• Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, cooked rustic pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure it is well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

• What should I serve with rustic pizza? A fresh garden salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or even some garlic knots pair wonderfully with rustic pizza.

Conclusion

Rustic pizza is not only a joy to make, but it also brings warmth and delicious comfort to any dining table. With its flaky crust and rich filling, it’s a dish that delights both the eyes and the palate. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal with loved ones, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing this scrumptious rustic pizza!

Rustic Pizza

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on traditional pizza, featuring a flaky crust and creamy cheese filling, perfect for gatherings or family nights.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
• 1 cup chopped spinach (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine your flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the water until it forms a dough, knead slightly until smooth, then chill for about 15 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, black pepper, oregano, and optional crushed red pepper. Gently fold in the Italian sausage and spinach until well combined.
4. Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a greased pie dish. Pour the cheese mixture into the crust. Roll out a second piece of dough for the top and seal the edges.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a touch of elegance, serve with balsamic glaze or fresh herbs. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 150mg