Celebrate Easter in true Italian style with our Special Italian Easter Pizza. This delightful dish brings together layers of savory Italian meats, cheeses, and eggs, all nestled within a golden crust. Whether you’re gathering with family or simply craving a taste of Italy, this recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition. Let’s dive into the rich flavors and cultural heritage of this special dish.
Ingredients:
- ½ pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
- 1 (1 pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
- 9 large eggs, divided
- ½ pound sliced mozzarella cheese
- ½ pound sliced cooked ham
- ½ pound sliced provolone cheese
- ½ pound sliced salami
- ½ pound sliced pepperoni
- 1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the thawed bread dough on a floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the dough into the bottom of the dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Layer Meats and Cheeses: Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese, cooked ham, provolone cheese, salami, and pepperoni over the dough, creating even layers of each ingredient.
- Add Italian Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked Italian sausage evenly over the top of the layered meats and cheeses.
- Create Wells for Eggs: Using the back of a spoon, create wells in the meat and cheese layers for the eggs.
- Crack Eggs: Carefully crack the eggs, one at a time, into the wells created in the pizza.
- Dot with Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the top of the pizza, filling in any gaps between the eggs.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
- Brush Crust with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the crust with the egg wash.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the eggs are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Italian Easter tradition!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate your favorite vegetables into the pizza for added flavor and nutrition. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach are excellent options.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Fontina, asiago, or pecorino Romano would all make delicious additions or substitutions.
- Make it Spicy: Add a kick of heat to the pizza by including sliced hot peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this pizza, use a low-carb bread dough or cauliflower crust as the base. Replace the ham and pepperoni with keto-friendly deli meats such as roast beef, turkey, or chicken. Use full-fat mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta cheeses, and omit or reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to lower the carb count.
- Low-Carb Version: Similarly, for a low-carb version, use a low-carb bread dough or almond flour-based crust. Choose low-carb deli meats and cheeses, and adjust the amount of ricotta and Parmesan cheese as needed to fit your dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh bread dough if preferred. Simply allow the dough to rise according to package instructions before rolling it out and assembling the pizza.
Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature, and bake as directed.
Q: How should leftovers be stored? A: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I customize the toppings to suit my preferences? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables to create a pizza that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Italian Easter Pizza is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and togetherness. With its layers of savory meats, cheeses, and eggs, this special pizza brings the flavors of Italy to your table in a deliciously satisfying way. Whether you’re celebrating Easter with family or simply indulging in a taste of Italian cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of the season, and enjoy the culinary delights of Italian Easter tradition!
