22 December, 2021

Pizzagaina

Name: Pizzagaina - Italian Easter Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 Pkg. Puff Pastry (2 shets) (defrosted.); 1 15 Oz. Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese; 3 Eggs; 2 cups Italian Cheese Mix. (8 oz. - shredded); 1 cup Parmigiana Cheese.; Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste); 2 to 4 oz. Prosciutto (cubed or thin sliced); ¼ Lb. Genoa Salami (cubed or thin sliced); 1 cup Italian Cheese Mix.; 1 Egg; 1 Tbsp. Water

Posted in : Appetizers, Bread on December 22, 2021 by : MikeZ

Italian Easter Bread

Pizzagaina – Italian Easter Bread

A smaller version of Italian Easter Pie filled with Cheese and rich Italian Meats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Breads

Method Oven

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Baking Sheets & Parchment Paper

INGREDIENTS

1 Pkg. Puff Pastry (2 shets) - defrosted.

Filling

1 15 Oz. Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
3 Eggs
2 cups Italian Cheese Mix. - 8 oz. – shredded
1 cup Parmigiana Cheese.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper - to taste

Additions (Some or All)

2 to 4 oz. Prosciutto - cubed or thin sliced
¼ Lb. Genoa Salami - cubed or thin sliced
1 cup Italian Cheese Mix.

Egg wash

1 Egg
1 Tbsp. Water

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F
Mix Filling ingredients until well combined. Optionally, add a small pinch of salt.
Cut slices of Prosciutto in half lengthwise and in 1” lengths. Fold and distribute evenly into mixture. Chill mixture slightly for easier handling.
Slice salami into 1" long strips.
Place a puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured countertop. Using a Rolling Pin, stretch lengthwise to about 12 inches long. Cut slits as shown in the picture.
Spread half of the chilled ricotta mixture evenly along the center of each trimmed puff pastry. Cover both with half of the salami. Sprinkle both with half the remaining shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining ricotta mixture, salami and shredded cheese. Fold end tab over filling; and lace criss-cross using alternating tabs to form a braided top.
Place both on a tray with parchment paper. Whisk egg with water and apply as a wash to all sides.
Bake on Middle rack for 30 minutes until browned on all sides and filling isn't runny. It will solidify when cooled.
Slice with a serrated bread knife. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This recipe makes 2 identical braids. You can substitute or add pepperoni, soppressata, provolone, and other Italian cheeses and cured meats.

Suggested by Michelle Turillo Frame – August 9, 2021.

YoungstownRecipes.com