Homemade Sausage Pie
Introduction
Homemade sausage pie is the perfect comfort food that brings together the savory goodness of seasoned pork sausage with the creamy richness of melted Monterey Jack cheese. This dish is a hearty, filling meal that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to choice for busy families and those looking for a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.
The combination of garlic, sage, and pepper gives the sausage a flavorful boost, while the biscuit mix and eggs create a light, fluffy base. Baked to golden perfection, this pie is both crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be served hot from the oven or enjoyed as leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
Homemade Sausage Pie
1 pound Bulk beef Sausage
3 teaspoons Minced Garlic
2-½ cups Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese,
Divided
1-⅓ cup Milk.
3 whole Eggs
¾ cups Biscuit/baking Mix
¾ teaspoons Rubbed Sage
¼ teaspoons Pepper
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a pie dish or a 9-inch round baking dish. This ensures your pie doesn’t stick and allows for an easy release when it’s time to serve.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk pork sausage until it is no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute or two of cooking to bring out its full aroma and flavor.
Once the sausage is browned and crumbly, remove it from the heat and drain any excess fat.
Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base layer for the pie.
Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sausage. This layer will melt beautifully during baking, holding everything together and adding richness to each bite.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, biscuit mix, rubbed sage, and pepper. This mixture forms the pie’s batter and will rise as it bakes, creating a fluffy, quiche-like texture.
Pour the batter over the sausage and cheese in the baking dish. Ensure it spreads evenly to cover the filling completely. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top to create a golden, cheesy crust.
Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the pie sit for a few minutes before slicing to allow the layers to settle and make serving easier.
How to Make
Start by selecting good-quality pork sausage, preferably one that’s fresh and well-seasoned. If you like a bit of spice.
consider using a hot or spicy sausage blend. Brown it thoroughly in a skillet, making sure to break it into small crumbles for even distribution.
Garlic adds a wonderful depth to the sausage filling, so be sure to use fresh minced garlic if possible. Stir it in as the sausage finishes cooking to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
Once the sausage is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before adding it to your greased baking dish. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and ensures the batter sets properly.
The cheese should be shredded fine so it melts quickly and evenly. Monterey Jack is ideal due to its creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can mix in a bit of cheddar or pepper jack for variety.
The batter is simple to prepare. Combine the milk, eggs, baking mix, sage, and pepper until smooth. The biscuit mix helps the pie set up nicely, while the eggs provide structure and fluffiness.
Pour the batter evenly over the sausage and cheese, ensuring it reaches all corners of the dish. This allows the pie to rise evenly during baking, giving it a beautiful, golden top.
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake until the center is firm and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for five minutes before slicing. This short rest period helps keep the slices intact and enhances the overall flavor.
Variations
Try using different types of sausage such as Italian, chorizo, or turkey sausage for a unique twist on the flavor. Each type of sausage brings its own seasoning and texture to the dish.
Add vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the sausage mixture before baking. These additions can enhance the nutritional value and provide extra flavor and color.
Switch out the cheese if you prefer something different. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even Swiss can be used in place of Monterey Jack. Mixing cheeses can also add a more complex flavor.
For a spicier version, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the batter. This brings some heat that complements the savory sausage beautifully.
You can also make a crusted version by pressing a pre-made pie crust into the baking dish before adding the sausage layer. This adds a flaky texture and a more traditional pie feel.
For a breakfast-friendly twist, consider adding cooked hash browns or tater tots into the filling. These will add texture and make the dish even heartier.
Make mini sausage pies by dividing the ingredients among muffin tins. This is great for meal prep, brunches, or serving individual portions for parties and gatherings.
Tips
Cook the sausage fully and drain well to avoid excess grease in the pie, which could affect texture and flavor. You want it crumbly but not soggy.
Grate your own cheese for better melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can impact the texture of the finished pie.
Mix the batter thoroughly to ensure an even texture and rise. If there are lumps in the biscuit mix, whisk until smooth to prevent uneven baking.
Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. This makes cutting easier and helps maintain the shape of each slice.
To make the pie ahead of time, prepare the sausage and cheese layer and store it in the fridge. Add the batter and bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for a quick, delicious meal.
If you’re serving guests, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade sausage pie is a satisfying and versatile dish that combines simple ingredients into a warm, hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch option or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience.
With room for personalization through cheese choices, added vegetables, or spice levels, it’s easy to tailor this pie to your family’s taste. Once you try it, you’ll likely come back to this savory pie again and again.