Monterey Sausage Pi – A Hearty, Comfort-Filled Classic
Monterey Sausage Pie is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that fits perfectly into breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. It’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, combining seasoned sausage, fluffy eggs, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese baked together into a golden, irresistible pie. This recipe is especially loved because it uses simple ingredients yet delivers bold flavor and a soft, custardy texture with a lightly crisp top.
What makes this dish special is its versatility. You can serve it fresh from the oven, warm it up the next day, or even enjoy it cold. It’s ideal for busy mornings, family gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep for the week. Once you try it, it quickly becomes one of those recipes you save and come back to again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for warmth)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil (for greasing the pan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and crumbly. Break it apart as it cooks so you get small, even pieces. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth. Add the milk and continue whisking until well combined. Gradually add the flour, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick, similar to pancake batter.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These simple spices enhance the sausage flavor without overpowering it.
3. Assemble the Pie
Grease a pie dish or baking dish generously with melted butter or oil.
Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sausage, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the sausage and cheese. Use a spoon or spatula to gently move the sausage around so the batter settles evenly throughout the dish.
4. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the pie is fully set in the center and lightly golden on top. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
Monterey Sausage Pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh green salad
- Roasted potatoes or hash browns
- Toast or buttery biscuits
- Fresh fruit for balance
It’s equally perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dinner.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Don’t overbake; the center should be just set, not dry.
- You can add chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and color.