Monterey Sausage Pie is a savory, satisfying dish filled with flavorful sausage, melted cheese, and a flaky crust. It’s a perfect main course for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and eggs makes this pie a comfort food classic that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust (9-inch)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional for added flavor and texture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, diced (for a spicy kick)
For Serving:
- Sour cream or salsa (optional)
- Green salad or roasted vegetables
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a 9-inch pie dish by lining it with the pie crust. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. If using mushrooms or spinach, add them to the skillet and sauté until they are softened. Remove the skillet from heat and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese (if using).
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the sausage, ensuring it covers the entire pie.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top, if desired.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- If the edges of the pie crust are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the Monterey Sausage Pie from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Notes
- Sausage: You can use any type of sausage for this recipe, such as spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or milder breakfast sausage for a more traditional flavor.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor, but you can swap it with pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses like cheddar for added depth.
Variations
1. Spicy Monterey Sausage Pie
For a spicier version, use hot sausage and add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also top the pie with extra pepper jack cheese.
2. Vegetarian Monterey Pie
Omit the sausage and substitute with a medley of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option.
3. Mexican-Style Monterey Sausage Pie
Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the sausage mixture and layer the pie with black beans, corn, and salsa for a Mexican twist. Serve with a side of guacamole and sour cream.
4. Low-Carb Crustless Sausage Pie
To make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, skip the pie crust and bake the filling in a greased 9-inch pie dish. It will set nicely and be just as delicious without the carbs from the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Monterey Sausage Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to 1 day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes, and bake as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Monterey Sausage Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap the assembled pie tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If freezing after baking, cool the pie completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage to save time. Simply chop or crumble the sausage and add it to the sautéed vegetables before assembling the pie.
This Monterey Sausage Pie is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of sausage, cheese, and a flaky pie crust makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a special occasion. Customize it with your favorite add-ins or spice it up with jalapeños for a delicious twist!
