Italian Cheese and Meat Pie
This Italian Cheese and Meat Pie is a delightful savory dish that can serve as a hearty main course or a delicious appetizer, perfect for any gathering or family meal. Packed with layers of rich cheeses and a medley of meats, this pie boasts a creamy, flavorful filling nestled in a flaky crust. Ideal for slicing into bite-sized pieces, it is just as enjoyable served cold as it is warm, making it a versatile dish you can prepare ahead of time. Feel free to freeze any leftovers; this pie retains its taste and texture beautifully after thawing.
N/A
Servings
196
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra-sharp provolone cheese
0.5 lb (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
Sharp provolone cheese
0.5 lb (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
Genoa salami
0.25 lb (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
Boiled ham
0.25 lb (cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Ricotta cheese
32 oz (container)
Locatelli Romano cheese or Pecorino cheese
0.5 lb (grated)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Frozen deep dish pie shells
2 (9 inch) (unbaked)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the extra-sharp provolone cheese, sharp provolone cheese, Genoa salami, boiled ham, shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, grated locatelli romano or pecorino cheese, and eggs.
3
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the ricotta mixture.
4
Carefully spoon the filling mixture equally into the two frozen deep dish pie shells.
5
For a decorative touch, you can create a lattice pattern on top using strips of pie crust.
6
Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the tops are a deep golden brown and the centers are set.
7
Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool for about 45 minutes before slicing to ensure the filling sets nicely.
8
Serve warm for the best flavor, or refrigerate and serve cold for a refreshing option.
Nutrition Information
14.4g
Fat
5.6g
Carbs
11.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Italian Cheese and Meat Pie?
It is a savory dish featuring layers of rich cheeses and a medley of meats in a flaky crust, suitable as a main course or appetizer.
What types of meat are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses Genoa salami and boiled ham, both cut into 1/4-inch pieces.
Which cheeses are used in the filling?
This pie contains extra-sharp provolone, sharp provolone, mozzarella, ricotta, and Locatelli Romano or Pecorino cheese.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the Italian Cheese and Meat Pie bake?
It should bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Can I serve this pie cold?
Yes, it is just as enjoyable served cold as it is warm, making it a versatile option.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the pie retains its taste and texture beautifully after being frozen and thawed.
How long should the pie cool before slicing?
Allow the pies to cool for about 45 minutes to ensure the filling sets properly.
What kind of pie shells are needed?
You will need two 9-inch frozen deep dish pie shells.
How should I prepare the meats and hard cheeses?
The Genoa salami, boiled ham, and provolone cheeses should be cut into 1/4-inch pieces.
Can I substitute the Locatelli Romano cheese?
Yes, you can use Pecorino cheese as a substitute for Locatelli Romano.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
The recipe calls for 3 beaten eggs to bind the ricotta mixture.
Is this dish considered a main course or an appetizer?
It can serve as either a hearty main course or a delicious appetizer for gatherings.
How many pies does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to fill two 9-inch deep dish pie shells.
Can I add a decorative touch to the top of the pie?
Yes, you can create a lattice pattern on top using extra strips of pie crust.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
One 32-ounce container of ricotta cheese is needed.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 196 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 11.4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this pie?
Each serving contains about 14.4 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5.6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I mix the filling ingredients?
Combine all cheeses, meats, and eggs in a very large mixing bowl and mix until evenly distributed.
Do the pie shells need to be baked before adding the filling?
No, the recipe uses unbaked frozen deep dish pie shells.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The tops should be a deep golden brown and the centers should be firmly set.
What is the best way to serve this for flavor?
Serving the pie warm provides the best flavor, though cold is also an option.
Can I use mild provolone instead of sharp?
The recipe specifically calls for sharp and extra-sharp provolone for a more robust flavor profile.
Is this a good dish for a party?
Yes, it is tagged as a party appetizer and is great for slicing into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of ham is recommended?
Boiled ham is recommended for this recipe.
How much Locatelli Romano or Pecorino is needed?
The recipe requires 0.5 lb of grated Locatelli Romano or Pecorino cheese.
Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
Yes, since it can be served cold or reheated, it is a great make-ahead dish.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a savory Italian meat and cheese pie and comfort food.