Rustic Pizza Pie
A hearty rustic pizza pie featuring Italian sausage, cheeses, vegetables, and a bread crust, perfect for sharing at family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 loaves frozen Italian bread and pizza crust dough (48 oz. pkg.) ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. loose Italian sausage, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Provolone cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 cup pizza or spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, salami or ham ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Grease a 10 x 1 1/2-inch pie plate.
- Press or roll one loaf of bread dough into a 13-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the dough in the prepared pie plate.
- Sprinkle cooked and drained Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Add sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, pepperoni, sliced onion, and pizza sauce over the cheese.
- Roll the remaining bread dough into an 11-inch circle.
- Place the second dough circle over the filling.
- Pinch the edges to seal and pull up to form a rim.
- Prick the top of the crust with a fork.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot with a green salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using turkey sausage or a meat substitute. You can also swap out the cheeses; for instance, use ricotta for a creamier texture or add some grated Parmesan for extra flavor. If you're short on time, pre-made pizza dough is a great alternative. To enhance the flavor, add herbs like oregano or basil to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
This Rustic Pizza Pie is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a side of Italian Sausage And Spaghetti for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch, making it a fun option for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Rustic Pizza Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a quicker option, microwaving for 1-2 minutes can also work, though the crust may become softer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rustic Pizza Pie contains roughly 439 calories, with 15g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% 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 pizza pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use if I don't like mushrooms?
If you're not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute them with other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts. This will still provide a delicious flavor and texture to your Rustic Pizza Pie.
Can I freeze the Rustic Pizza Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, you can cook it from frozen; just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
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).