How to make the best Torta Rustica or savory cheese and onion pie - This authentic Italian recipe uses a refrigerated pie crust to make what is almost like a cheese and onion quiche but much thicker and richer. Great for brunch or dinner. Always a big hit!
Torta Rustica is a cheese pie that contains sauteed onions. The idea is almost like a quiche, but very different.
Many years ago, I saw the recipe for Torta Rustica on the weekend Today Show, presented by some Italian American immigrants who have a famous restaurant in New York City. I've never been to their restaurant (and don't even remember the name now), but I was super impressed by their cheese pie.
I love cheese, and I was drawn to the complex combination of flavors.
Complex as it is, this is a snap to make. It couldn't be easier.
I have served torta rustica for brunch a number of times. It's very heavy meal, so best served in small portions. To do that, serve it with a salad of mixed baby greens with a zippy balsamic vinaigrette like Chef Tim's and something sweet with apples. That's what I do, and guests always love it.
If you want to experiment with the recipe, you could add diced vegetables (like broccoli or spinach), diced ham, or even diced apples.
How to make Torta Rustica or savory cheese pie
- Preheat oven to 350º.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and pepper and sauté until soft.
- Combine onions and peppers with cheddar, mozzarella, ricotta, Romano, and black olives in a large bowl, blending until the mixture is smooth.
- Press the pie crust into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Add filling and wrap any excess pie crust over the top of the pie.
- Bake for one hour or until golden brown.
Here are a few more brunch recipes that you might like:
- Sausage and Cheese Omelet Roll with Broccoli and Mushrooms
- Crustless Zucchini Quiche
- Spicy Oven Baked Omelet
- Cheese & Green Chile Frittata
How to Make Torta Rustica | Savory Cheese & Onion Pie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic pressed
- 1 chili pepper seeded and chopped
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
- 2 pounds ricotta
- 6 tablespoons Romano shredded, can substitute Parmesan
- 1 can black olives drained and chopped
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and pepper in 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Combine all ingredients (except pie crust) in a large bowl and blend until smooth.
- Press crust into bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Add filling and wrap any excess crust over the top of the pie.
- Bake at 350 for one hour, until golden brown.
Brenda says
This looks really, really good! I want to try it.
.-= Brenda´s last blog ..Potato Salad =-.
Lisa@blessedwithgrace says
Tara, that sounds great!! I would love to take that to a brunch!! You always have such yummy recipes!! Thank you for participating in TMTT. Have you recooped from Type A Mom? I am sure it was a blast. Although, I think I saw a tweet about you being stuck in an airport for an extended time. Hope that wasn't too bad.
.-= Lisa@blessedwithgrace´s last blog ..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.. Pear Pie - Oh ME, Oh MY!!! =-.
Cole says
This looks AWESOME! I was planning on quiche later this week... but I think I'll make this instead. Thanks for sharing with TATT!
.-= Cole´s last blog ..Tuesdays At The Table - Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Bread =-.
Cole says
This looks AWESOME! I was planning on quiche later this week... but I think I'll make this instead. Thanks for sharing with TATT!
.-= Cole´s last blog ..Tuesdays At The Table - Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Bread =-.
Jes says
This sounds like a filling meal! Great idea!
Jes
http://findingtrueserenity.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/homemade-pineapple-zucchini-bread/
.-= Jes´s last blog ..Audrey's Glass Willow Giveaway! =-.
Jes says
This sounds like a filling meal! Great idea!
Jes
http://findingtrueserenity.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/homemade-pineapple-zucchini-bread/
.-= Jes´s last blog ..Audrey's Glass Willow Giveaway! =-.
Brenda says
This looks really, really good! I want to try it.
.-= Brenda´s last blog ..Potato Salad =-.
Randa West says
Hi! I posted this recipe on my blog and I linked back to you with a mini review on your blog!
Thanks for the great recipe. http://bewitchinkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/torta-rustica.html
.-= Randa West´s last blog ..Torta Rustica =-.
Randa West says
Hi! I posted this recipe on my blog and I linked back to you with a mini review on your blog!
Thanks for the great recipe. http://bewitchinkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/10/torta-rustica.html
.-= Randa West´s last blog ..Torta Rustica =-.