Pizza & Friends

Easter cheese pie

⏱ 200 min🍳 60 min👤 8 pp★★★★☆

Easter cheese pie – known as ‘La crescia di Pasqua al formaggio’ in Italian - is a leavened bread typical of the Easter tradition in Marche but is also common in Lazio. It is made with a simple flour and egg dough with Parmesan and pecorino cheese. If you prefer, you can add cubes of Emmental or Provolone to make it even tastier. Let your Crescia cool once cooked and accompany it with salami, cheese and a glass of red wine. Also known as ‘cheese pizza’ it is enjoyed by all ages and palates. It is great to eat while still warm but also good the next day, if there’s any left! It is really simple, but it requires a bit of patience while you wait for it to rise. So, be brave, follow our step-by-step recipe and you be assured of an excellent result.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
16g
Carbohydrates
58g
Fat
24g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
200 minutes Total time
60 minutes Active time
Serves 8 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Prepared the dough by mixing 125 g of flour with the yeast previously dissolved in a little warm water. Let it rise for an hour and then add the remaining flour, cheese, butter, a tablespoon of olive oil, salt and 3 eggs one at a time. Knead the dough well and transfer it into a circular, high-sided cake tin lined with parchment paper. Let it rise for the second time for at least two hours. When the mixture has reached the top of the tin, brush the surface with the remaining egg beaten with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bake at 200 °C for about 20 minutes, lower the temperature to 180 °C and continue cooking for about another 40 minutes. Serve the cheese pie cold, accompanied with cheese and salami.

Tips
When baked, tip it out onto a wire rack, so that it can cool effectively.
Trivia
Easter cheese pie seems to have a common ancestry with the ‘piadina romagnola’, both used as bread by the Byzantine army.

Step by step

Prepare the dough
Prepare the dough
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Easter Cheese Crescia with Added Ham

An interesting variant of the traditional Easter Cheese Crescia is the one that includes ham. This preparation enhances the flavor of the crescia, creating a perfect balance between the salty taste of the cheese and the smoky flavor of the ham. To make this variant, simply incorporate cubes of raw or cooked ham into the dough during the mixing phase. The result will be an even tastier dish, ideal for an Easter lunch or a hearty snack. Additionally, the ham adds a note of umami that pairs perfectly with Parmigiano and pecorino, making the crescia a true triumph of flavors. Serve it warm to best enhance the aromas and tastes of this delicious dish.

Easter Cheese Crescia in the Umbrian Style

The Easter Cheese Crescia is a typical dish from Umbria, a region rich in culinary traditions. Made with simple yet high-quality ingredients, this recipe represents a symbol of Umbrian Easter. The preparation involves the use of typical cheeses such as pecorino and Parmigiano, which give it a unique and characteristic flavor. The crescia is often served during Easter lunches, accompanied by cured meats and local wines. The fermentation of the dough is essential to achieve a soft and light texture. The art of preparing this dish is passed down from generation to generation, making each family a custodian of its own variant. Therefore, the Easter Cheese Crescia is not only a food but also a piece of Umbrian gastronomic culture.

Light Easter Cheese Crescia without Butter

For those who desire a lighter version of the classic Easter Cheese Crescia, it is possible to make a variant without butter. By replacing butter with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, the caloric content of the dish is reduced while maintaining good flavor. This preparation is ideal for those following a healthier diet without sacrificing taste. Additionally, using fresh and genuine ingredients like eggs and lean cheeses will help maintain a balanced nutritional profile. Despite the modifications, the final result will still be a soft and flavorful crescia, perfect for enjoying on various occasions, from holidays to family lunches.

Easter Cheese Crescia: Benefits and Nutritional Values

The Easter Cheese Crescia is a dish rich in nutrients thanks to the ingredients used. Pecorino and Parmigiano provide protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Eggs, moreover, are an excellent source of high-quality protein and vitamins. Despite its goodness, it is important to consider the calories: a serving of crescia can contain about 350-400 calories, depending on the amounts of cheese and butter used. For those who wish to enjoy this delicious dish without overindulging, it is advisable to consume it in moderation, perhaps accompanied by a good green salad to balance the meal. In this way, one can appreciate the nutritional benefits of the crescia without compromising their dietary regimen.

Can Easter Cheese Crescia be Frozen?

One of the most common questions regarding Easter Cheese Crescia is whether it can be frozen. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze the crescia, but there are some precautions to follow. It is advisable to do so after the crescia has completely cooled. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in a food bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. In this way, the crescia will keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you decide to consume it, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven to restore its soft texture and delicious flavor. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your crescia even weeks after preparation.