rustici

Rustici are savory pastries in Italian cuisine. They are small, handheld pastries made from dough that is wrapped around a filling and then cooked, typically by baking or deep-frying. They are commonly sold in bakeries and markets and eaten as a snack, antipasto, or light meal.

Dough and fillings vary by region, but common options include mozzarella with tomato, ricotta and herbs, and cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. The dough can be pizza dough, bread dough, or puff pastry, and pastries are shaped as squares, triangles, turnovers, or pockets.

Rustici can be baked for a lighter result or fried for a crisper, richer texture. In southern Italy, fried rustici are particularly common, while baked varieties are often preferred in other regions.

The term rustico, literally "rustic," underscores the home-style, portable nature of these foods. They are part of Italy's tradition of street food and bakeries, and while widespread, the form and fillings show considerable regional variation. They are not the same as arancini (Sicilian fried rice balls) or calzone, which are different forms of stuffed dough.

Rustici are often served hot and may be accompanied by a simple dipping sauce such as marinara.