Rustic Italian Pizza

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Rustic Italian Pizza.

1. Step 1

   Begin by gathering a large bowl and combining flour, salt, cold butter, and olive oil.

2. Step 2

   Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture takes on a coarse crumb texture.

3. Step 3

   Create a well in the center of this mixture and pour in the beaten egg, mixing with a fork until fully incorporated, which should take about a minute.

4. Step 4

   Next, add cold water and mix briefly with the fork.

5. Step 5

   Transition to using your hands to form the mixture into a cohesive ball.

6. Step 6

   If the dough feels too dry, add more water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together nicely.

7. Step 7

   Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk.

8. Step 8

   Wrap this disk in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to relax.

9. Step 9

   While the dough rests, prepare the filling by combining drained ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, black pepper, beaten eggs, cooked Italian sausage, smoked ham, salami, and pepperoni in a bowl.

10. Step 10

    Mix everything thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble.

11. Step 11

    Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

12. Step 12

    Grease a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil and dust it lightly with flour.

13. Step 13

    On a floured surface, cut off one-third of the dough for the top crust.

14. Step 14

    Roll out the remaining dough into a 15-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick.

15. Step 15

    Carefully roll the dough onto a rolling pin and transfer it to the prepared pan, tucking it into the bottom and up the sides without stretching.

16. Step 16

    Trim any excess dough, dampen it with water, and use it to patch any gaps.

17. Step 17

    Pour the filling into the pan, pressing it firmly against the edges to eliminate air pockets and smoothing the top.

18. Step 18

    Roll out the reserved dough into a circle slightly larger than the pan.

19. Step 19

    Place it over the filling, pressing the edges to seal it with the bottom crust.

20. Step 20

    In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and a splash of water to create an egg wash.

21. Step 21

    Brush this mixture over the top crust to give it a beautiful sheen.

22. Step 22

    If desired, trim any excess dough, fold the edges down onto the top crust, and crimp to seal.

23. Step 23

    Place the pizza in the center of your preheated oven, then immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C).

24. Step 24

    Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top crust turns a lovely golden brown.

25. Step 25

    Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.

26. Step 26

    Carefully release the ring from the springform pan and allow it to cool for another 15 minutes before slicing into wedges.

27. Step 27

    Enjoy the delightful layers of flavor and texture in every bite!.