Easter Pie
Easter Pie is a savory, hearty dish featuring a flaky pastry filled with ricotta, spinach, ham, and melted mozzarella. Its vibrant flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of cheesy, meaty, and vegetable notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out half of the pastry dough and line a 9-inch buttered pie pan with it.
- Saute sliced red bell pepper and precooked ham in 1 teaspoon of olive oil for 3 minutes; season with pepper.
- In a large bowl, whisk 2 eggs and ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Spread the ricotta mixture in the pastry shell.
- Pat the thawed chopped spinach dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle the spinach over the ricotta mixture.
- Top with the sautéed peppers and ham mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Add dried basil leaves.
- Roll out the remaining pastry dough and cover the pie, sealing the edges.
- Cut four vents in the top crust and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let rest for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese. You can substitute the mozzarella with provolone for a sharper flavor. If you don't have smoked ham, cooked bacon or turkey can work in its place. To save time, use store-bought pastry dough, though homemade adds a nice touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Easter Pie pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and a light vinaigrette. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for brunch or a festive gathering. For a delightful beverage pairing, consider a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispness of the crust while ensuring the filling is heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easter Pie contains roughly 416 calories, with 16g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 475mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Easter Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the spinach?
If you prefer, you can use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach. Both provide a similar texture and flavor profile. Just ensure to sauté them briefly to soften before adding to the pie.
Is it possible to make this pie vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the smoked ham and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes for added flavor. You can also increase the amount of cheese for a heartier filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).