Monterey Sausage Pie

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the pie to bake evenly and achieve a golden, crispy crust.

2. Prepare the Pie Crust:

If using store-bought pie crusts, unroll one crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Press it down gently to fit, and trim any excess. If desired, lightly grease the pie dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. For a homemade crust, prepare your dough and place it into the dish, following your recipe’s instructions.

3. Cook the Sausage:

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, remove excess grease, if necessary. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic, then sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

4. Make the Egg Mixture:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. This will form the custard-like base of the pie that binds all the ingredients together.

5. Assemble the Pie:

Once the sausage mixture is done, evenly distribute it over the pie crust. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top, followed by the egg mixture. Gently tap the pie dish on the counter to settle the ingredients.

6. Bake the Pie:

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top. The pie should be firm when gently shaken, with a golden, slightly crisp crust. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.

7. Let it Cool and Serve:

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up and makes it easier to cut clean slices. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Why You’ll Love Monterey Sausage Pie:

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of savory sausage, eggs, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese creates a filling meal that satisfies your hunger without feeling heavy.
• Versatile: This pie works for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients or switch up the flavor combinations based on your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make this pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, making it perfect for busy mornings or a quick weeknight dinner.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavor of the Monterey Jack cheese and the savory sausage make this pie a hit with kids and adults alike.

Customizing Your Monterey Sausage Pie:

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for added nutrition.
• Spicy Sausage: If you enjoy a little heat, try using spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick.
• Cheese Varieties: While Monterey Jack is the star of this dish, you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Crust: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, substitute the pie crust with a gluten-free option or make your own crust using almond flour or another gluten-free alternative.

Final Thoughts:

The Monterey Sausage Pie is a savory, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and tender crust, this pie brings comfort to the table with every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite. With endless customization options and a relatively easy preparation process, it’s a recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again.