Best 7 Pizza Chena Pizza Rustica Recipes

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Pizza Chena, or Rustica Pizza, is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the southern region of Puglia. It is a savory and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. The key ingredients of Pizza Chena are simple: a crispy and flavorful focaccia-like bread, filled with a rich and creamy cheese filling made from fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and pecorino. The filling is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, and can be customized with additional ingredients such as cooked meats, vegetables, or sauces. This article provides two variations of Pizza Chena: the classic recipe and a vegetarian version. Both recipes include step-by-step instructions, a list of ingredients, and helpful tips for achieving the perfect Pizza Chena. So if you're looking for a delicious and authentic Italian dish that is easy to make, look no further. Dive into the world of Pizza Chena and let its cheesy goodness transport you to the heart of Puglia.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PIZZAGAINA {PIZZA CHIENA, PIZZA RUSTICA, PIZZA PIENA}



Pizzagaina {Pizza Chiena, Pizza Rustica, Pizza Piena} image

Pizzagaina or Pizza Rustica is a tall, rich Italian rustic ham, salami and cheese pie with pizza crust traditional for Easter time.

Provided by Italian Recipe Book

Categories     Bread     Pizza

Number Of Ingredients 13

500 g flour ((17.5 oz))
1 cup water
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + more to grease the pan
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp salt
500 g ricotta ((17.5 oz))
5 oz Provolone cheese
5 oz Salami
5 oz Ham
5 oz Parmesan
2 oz Pecorino
4-5 eggs
Salt (, pepper to taste)

Steps:

  • Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Egg flour, extra virgin olive. Knead well by hand or using a mixer. Lastly add salt.
  • Let rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
  • Cut all the meats and the cheese into cubes. In a bowl beat the eggs with a bit of salt and pepper. Remember cold cuts already contain salt. Add salami and cheese to the egg mix.
  • Grease and flour a round baking pan with high edges.
  • Divide the dough in 2 pieces (one slightly larger than the other).
  • Roll a larger piece approx 1/4 inch thick. Arrange in the pan.
  • Now pour the filling and cover with another layer of dough. Make sure to close the edges perfectly, in order to prevent the egg mixture from spilling. With a sharp knife, cut the excess dough from around the brim of the pan. Fold the edges inside.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F for at least 50-70 minutes. Let cool completely.

PIZZA CHENA: "PIZZA RUSTICA"



Pizza Chena:

When looking for recipes for pizza chena, you'll find that many use the term interchangeably with pizza rustica, meaning "rustic pie." Both are traditional Easter savory meat and cheese pies that can be made with either a pastry or bread dough crust. Pizza chena, mispronounced by some Italian-Americans as "pizza gaina," seems like an appropriate name since when you eat it you "gain-a" lot of weight. Pizza chena is a Neapolitan dialect term meaning "full pie," a massive, two-crusted savory pie filled with Italian meats, cheeses and eggs.Though traditionally associated with Easter, pizza chena can be enjoyed any time of the year. Given its versatility of ingredients and large size, it makes a great party dish that can be made ahead of time then served at room temperature. This recipe requires beginning at least a few hours in advance. You can make your own dough or cheat and use store bought prepared pie crusts.

Provided by quotFoodThe Way To

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 2h

Yield 10-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups warm water
1 (1/4 ounce) packet active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
5 -6 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 lb fresh hot Italian sausage (in casing)
1/2 lb capocollo ham, thinly sliced (a cured Italian cold cut with spices)
1/3 lb genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/3 lb pepperoni, thinly sliced
1 lb fresh basket cheese
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
1 dozen egg (8 will be beaten, 4 will be hard boiled)
1/3 cup minced fresh flat leaf parsley
15 -20 cranks fresh ground black pepper
1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water for egg wash

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve in 2 cups of warm water, yeast, sugar and salt. Using a spoon, gently blend. Add 5 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to start. Blend with a spoon just until the dough starts to form, then using your hands, transfer dough to a floured surface.
  • Knead well, adding flour if it's too sticky, until the dough becomes springy and smooth. It should take a good 5 to10 minutes of vigorous kneading. It will be soft and silky when done.
  • Place the dough ball in a large, clean bowl coated with olive oil and rub some olive oil on top of the dough. Cover with a clean, dry dishtowel and let rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size (at least 2 hours).
  • Meanwhile, fill a large heavy-bottom saucepan halfway with water. Bring to a light, rolling boil, and place 4 room-temperature eggs in the water. Maintaining a light, rolling boil, cook them for 18 to 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs, place in a colander, and run under cool water. Tap the eggs against the counter top to crack the shells. Remove the shells, and rinse the boiled eggs under cool water. Slice thinly and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and add to the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until browned and crispy. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
  • Place oven rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Brush the inside surface of a 10-inch-by-3-inch spring form pan with olive oil.
  • Once the dough is risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface, divide in half, and roll one half into a 12-inch round. Transfer the dough to the spring form pan. Using your hands, fit the dough snugly in the pan, gently stretching it to hang 1 inch over the edge.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, parsley and black pepper.
  • Fill the inside of the dough with alternating layers of sliced meats, cheeses and sliced hard-boiled eggs. After 5 to6 layers, pour half of the egg mixture over the filling, allowing it to seep down. Continue layering the meats and cheeses, then pour the remainder of the egg mixture evenly over the top. You should have enough for 10 to12 layers.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the second half of the dough to a 12-inch round. Place the dough over the filling, and using a sharp knife, trim excess dough until it just meets the rim of the pan. Using your fingertips, pinch the edges of the dough together, and gently roll the bottom layer over the top layer, creating a seal. Then pinch the dough between your thumb and index finger creating a slightly fluted edge all around. Brush the top of pie with the egg wash.
  • Bake pie for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool 20 to 25 minutes. Release the spring and transfer the pie to a serving plate. Cut into wedges and enjoy at room temperature.
  • Leftover pizza chena can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Individual slices also can be wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and placed in a heavy-duty freezer bag or plastic container and frozen for up to 2 months.
  • *** Fresh basket cheese is a semi-soft cheese that is used primarily for binding ingredients together. It can be found at Italian markets and cheese shops. If you can't find it, then substitute one (15-ounce) container of ricotta cheese (drained) and whisk it with 2 large eggs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 795.7, Fat 44.5, SaturatedFat 18.9, Cholesterol 299.5, Sodium 2432.1, Carbohydrate 54.8, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.9, Protein 41.7

PIZZA RUSTICA



Pizza Rustica image

Pizza rustica (also known as pizzagaina) is traditionally served on Easter and for good reason--it is a showstopper and perfect to dish up on a special occasion. Although it takes a little bit of work to prepare, you can make it a day ahead and bring to room temperature before putting it on your holiday table.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 17h

Yield Serves 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
6 large eggs and 4 large egg yolks
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook's Note)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, frozen, grated on the large holes of a box grater
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1 3/8 ounces)
16 ounces whole milk ricotta (about 2 cups)
One 4-ounce piece prosciutto, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
One 6-ounce piece cooked ham (non-smoked), finely diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
One 6-ounce piece pepperoni, finely diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
One 6-ounce piece salami, finely diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
4 ounces provolone, finely diced (about 1 cup)
6 ounces shredded mozzarella (about 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • Add the olive oil with 3 of the whole eggs to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add the flour, 2 teaspoons salt and the frozen grated butter to a large bowl and stir and pinch with your hands until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the egg mixture and blend with a wooden spoon until large crumbles form (they should be slightly larger than a pea). Add 1/4 cup cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until a dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a work surface lightly dusted with flour and knead until the dough is smooth. Form the dough into a large round disk and divide the dough into 2 pieces, two thirds for the bottom crust and one third for the top crust. Shape the dough pieces back into round disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate until the dough is firm, about 45 minutes. (The dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours at this point but will need to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling.)
  • Add 1 of the egg yolks to a small bowl along with 1 teaspoon water. Whisk to combine, then set the egg wash aside. Add the remaining 3 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks to a large bowl along with the Parmesan, ricotta and several heavy grinds black pepper. Whisk until well combined and smooth. Add the prosciutto, ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone and mozzarella and stir until combined. Set aside.
  • Position a rack on the lowest shelf in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil.
  • Roll out the larger piece of dough on a flat work surface lightly dusted with flour to a 16-inch round a little less than 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared springform pan, pressing the dough into the inside edges and up the sides of the pan, leaving any overhang. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the dough-lined pan and spread it out into an even layer.
  • Roll out the remaining piece of dough on a lightly dusted surface into a 13-inch round a little less than 1/8-inch thick. Place this dough over the filling, gently pressing into the filling and the dough at the edges of the pan. Trim the overhang of both doughs flush with the top of the pan. Pinch the edges of the doughs together to seal, then tuck under so they are directly on top of the filling and on the inside of the pan. Brush the reserved egg wash over the top and edges of the dough. Cut four 1-inch slits on the top piece of dough using a paring knife, then place the pan on a baking sheet.
  • Bake until the crust is deep golden brown, and a long wooden skewer inserted into one of the slits comes out clean, about 2 hours, rotating the pan once halfway through the cooking time.
  • Let stand for 2 hours at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until completely cooled, at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Remove from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before removing the outside ring of the springform pan and transferring the pizza to a serving platter. Cut into wedges to serve.

ITALIAN EASTER PIE (PIZZA CHENA)



Italian Easter Pie (Pizza Chena) image

An Italian recipe that's made with love and takes a little longer to prepare, but the end result is worth every minute. The outcome is a beautiful and delicious Pizza Chena. This looks intimidating but it's not hard to make. We opted to make the traditional dough when testing. It's similar in texture and taste to pizza dough and...

Provided by Joanne Bellezza-Loughlin

Categories     Other Side Dishes

Time 3h15m

Number Of Ingredients 20

DOUGH
ok, I cannot tell a lie...I used Pillsbury ready pie crust to save time. But by all means feel free to make your own.
1 packet of active dry yeast
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 c warm water
5-6 c all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
FILLING
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage (or hot if you prefer) removed from the casing
3 eggs, beaten
2 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
1 lb ricotta cheese
1/3 lb fresh mozzarella, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 c grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/4 lb prosciutto (or American ham if you prefer), sliced and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 lb genoa salami, sliced and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 lb pepperoni, sliced and cut into 1 inch pieces
parsley flakes and pepper, to taste (you can add a little salt, to taste but remember the meats are salty so don't add too much salt)
1 egg yolk for egg wash

Steps:

  • 1. For the dough... In a large bowl, dissolve in two cups of water, yeast, sugar, and salt and gently blend.
  • 2. After the yeast has dissolved, add 5 cups of flour and 2 Tbsp olive oil. Blend with a spoon until the dough starts to form.
  • 3. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 10 minutes. (Add additional flour if the dough is too sticky.)
  • 4. Place dough in a large bowl and coat with a little olive oil. Cover and let rise for 2 hours.
  • 5. While the dough is rising, start to prep your ingredients by cutting meats and grating cheese. Brown the sausage breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  • 6. In a large bowl, add the three beaten eggs, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped eggs, meats, and seasonings. Mix well and set aside.
  • 7. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two pieces.
  • 8. Roll out one piece of the dough.
  • 9. Place the rolled out dough in a 10-inch springform pan sprayed with Pam. The dough should hang about an inch over the sides.
  • 10. Pour the filling into the pastry crust - mine filled to about an inch from the top.
  • 11. Roll the second piece of the dough and place the round crust on top of the filling. Cutaway any excess dough.
  • 12. Crimp around the edges - I used a fork. Cut two strips of leftover dough to make a cross. Place the dough cross on top of the Pizza Chena. Cut slits in dough to vent.
  • 13. Beat the egg yolk and brush on top of the Pizza Chena.
  • 14. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 - 75 minutes.
  • 15. Bake until golden brown and let cool. NOTE: Pizza Chena is best when made a day or two ahead of time. Let it cool and then store in the fridge. Bring to room temp before serving!

CHEF JOHN'S PIZZA RUSTICA



Chef John's Pizza Rustica image

Some people describe pizza rustica as an Italian meat-filled quiche, but I think this traditional Easter recipe is way closer to a savory cheesecake filled with a massive amount of goodness. The light, flaky crust holds together an embarrassment of riches--sausage, smoked ham, salami, and pepperoni, plus ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano cheeses. It's definitely not like pizza! Note: To be sure you have enough dough for the crust, you might want to double the dough recipe!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup very cold butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg, beaten
4 tablespoons cold water, or more as needed
1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese, drained
8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cubed
2 ounces grated Pecorino Romano cheese
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
7 large eggs, beaten
¾ pound cooked, crumbled Italian sausage
¼ pound smoked ham, cubed
¼ pound salami, cubed
¼ pound pepperoni slices, cut into strips
1 large egg
1 teaspoon water

Steps:

  • Combine flour, salt, butter, and olive oil for the crust in a large bowl. Blend butter into the flour with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour-butter mixture, pour egg into the well, and mix with a fork until egg is mixed in, about 1 minute. Add cold water and mix briefly with a fork. Switch to mixing with your hands and press mixture into a ball. If it seems dry, sprinkle in some more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until dough comes together.
  • Transfer dough to a work surface and press into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to rest for at least 1 hour.
  • While the dough is resting, combine drained ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, black pepper, beaten eggs, cooked Italian sausage, smoked ham, salami, and pepperoni for the filling. Mix thoroughly until extremely well combined; don't worry about overmixing. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Rub a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil and dust with flour.
  • Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut off 1/3 of the dough and set aside for the top crust. Roll out the remaining dough for the bottom crust, using only as much flour as needed, into a 15-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Roll the dough onto the rolling pin and transfer to the prepared pan. Tuck the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, being careful not to stretch it. Remove any excess dough, dampen it with water, and use it to fill in where needed.
  • Transfer filling into the pan, press firmly into the edges to ensure there are no air pockets, and smooth out the top.
  • Roll remaining dough into a circle that's slightly wider than the pan. Roll dough onto the rolling pin and transfer to the pan. Position the top crust properly and press to seal it with the side edges.
  • Mix egg and water for egg wash together in a small bowl.
  • Brush egg wash on top of dough to moisten entire surface. Trim off excess dough if desired. Fold the side dough down from the pan edges onto the top crust and crimp edges with your fingertips until fully sealed. Brush once more with egg wash.
  • Place in the center of the preheated oven, and immediately reduce the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake until top crust is a beautiful golden brown, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the ring and let cool another 15 minutes before slicing into wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 766.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.9 g, Cholesterol 332.2 mg, Fat 50.8 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 40.1 g, SaturatedFat 23.1 g, Sodium 1816.7 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

PIZZA RUSTICA (EASTER PIE)



Pizza Rustica (Easter Pie) image

A deep-dish cousin to quiche that's packed with Italian deli meats and cheeses like prosciutto, pepperoni, soppressata, mozzarella and provolone, this rich pie, also called Easter pie, is traditionally made on Good Friday and served on the holiday to celebrate the end of Lent. This version came to The Times from Carlo's Bakery, in Hoboken, N.J., of "Cake Boss" fame, and it is the only savory item the bakery makes. It's typically eaten at room temperature, but the staff at Carlo's enjoys it warm right out of the oven.

Provided by Alex Witchel

Categories     dinner, casseroles, pies and tarts, pizza and calzones, main course

Time 2h30m

Yield One 10-by-15-inch pie

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound chilled salted butter, cut into large pieces
5 large eggs, beaten
12 ounces prosciutto, in 1/4-inch dice
8 ounces boiled ham, in 1/4-inch dice
8 ounces pepperoni, in 1/4-inch dice
8 ounces soppressata, in 1/4-inch dice
8 ounces mozzarella, in 1/4-inch dice
8 ounces provolone, in 1/4-inch dice
2 pounds ricotta
4 ounces grated pecorino Romano
10 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, beaten, for brushing crust

Steps:

  • For the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 cups flour and the salt. Using a pastry cutter, large fork, or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and knead for 1 minute. Add about 1 1/4 cups ice water, a little at a time, to form a cohesive dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a large smooth ball, about 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 30 minutes.
  • For the filling: Mix the meats, cheeses, the 10 eggs and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Divide the dough into two pieces: two-thirds for the bottom crust and one-third for the top. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of the dough into a rectangle to line the bottom and sides of a 10-by-15-inch glass baking dish, with some overhang. Add the filling and smooth it lightly. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water.
  • Roll out the remaining dough to cover the top of the dish with some overhang. Trim off excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Poke several sets of holes across the top with a fork. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush top and edges with the beaten egg, then return to the oven until golden brown, another 45 minutes. Let pie cool completely before serving.

PIZZA RUSTICA (PIZZA CHENA)



Pizza Rustica (Pizza Chena) image

This is a very old family recipe from my Great Aunt Mary. It is very easy and delicious! You can substitute salami for the pepperoni or add it if you like.

Provided by Lisa Cancilla @lbrbt3

Categories     Other Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 15

FILLING
12 - eggs, beaten
3 pound(s) ricotta cheese
2 pound(s) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 pound(s) pepperoni, sliced
1/2 pound(s) prosciutto
2 stick(s) butter
- salt and pepper to taste
DOUGH
6 cup(s) flour
2 stick(s) butter
2 tablespoon(s) crisco
3 - eggs
- salt and pepper to taste
- a little water to hold the dough together

Steps:

  • Mix all the filling ingredients together.
  • Make the dough & roll out. Put it into a 13x10 baking dish or pan. Leave enough dough to cover top.
  • Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes or until brown & done. The cooking time will vary depending on the size pan you use.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don't overmix the dough, or it will become tough.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to the highest temperature possible before baking the pizza.
  • Use a pizza stone or baking sheet to get a crispy crust.
  • Don't overload the pizza with toppings, or it will become soggy.
  • Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Pizza chena is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its simple ingredients and customizable toppings, it's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you're making it from scratch or using pre-made dough, pizza chena is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pizza chena a try!

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