If you’re looking for a comforting, savory dish that brings a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and hearty sausage, then you must try this hearty Monterey Sausage Pie Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for brunches, family dinners, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a big, delicious hug. This pie combines fluffy eggs, flavorful sausage, and two types of melty cheese, resulting in a rich texture and a taste that keeps you coming back for more. Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Monterey Sausage Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients — each one playing a key role in creating the pie’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the hearty breakfast sausage to the creamy cheeses, these elements blend harmoniously for an unbeatable taste experience.
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage: The savory base that adds a rich, meaty flavor to the pie.
- 6 large eggs: They provide structure and fluffiness, binding everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup half-and-half or milk: Adds creaminess and keeps the pie tender.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a smooth, mild melt and signature flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to balance the mild Monterey Jack.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to stabilize the mixture and give it a little body.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the pie rises nicely with a light texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Gives the pie a fresh, herbal note to brighten every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to round out the seasoning.
How to Make Monterey Sausage Pie Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish thoroughly. This step is essential to ensure your pie doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly formed.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Cook the ground breakfast sausage over medium heat in a large skillet until it’s beautifully browned. Make sure to drain any excess grease, then spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of your prepared pie dish—that savory base sets the stage for everything delicious to come.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and completely combined. This mixture is what makes your pie irresistibly fluffy and tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Veggies
Gently fold in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, along with the chopped red bell pepper and fresh parsley. These ingredients give the pie its signature creamy texture, vibrant color, and fresh flavor notes.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Carefully pour the cheesy egg mixture over the sausage layer in the pie dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly, ensuring every slice looks as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden top that is set and firm to the touch — that’s your cue that the pie is ready to come out.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your Monterey Sausage Pie cool for 5 to 10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This resting period helps the flavors to mingle and the pie to slice beautifully without falling apart.
How to Serve Monterey Sausage Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of green onions on top for a lovely burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also add a fun kick or creaminess when serving.
Side Dishes
This Monterey Sausage Pie pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a sweet contrast or a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted potatoes or simple steamed veggies also make excellent complements for a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pie in individual muffin tins for perfect personal portions at brunch or parties. You can also layer cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms underneath the sausage for a veggie boost and more complex flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tightly cover any leftover Monterey Sausage Pie with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as delicious reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags. This makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack. For best flavor, eat frozen pie within 1 to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the pie’s lovely texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can swap in Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage to suit your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the half-and-half with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well, such as vegan cheddar-style shreds.
Can I add more vegetables to the pie?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced onions, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful of moisture content to avoid a soggy pie.
How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?
The pie is done when the top is golden and the filling is set — meaning it no longer jiggles when you gently shake the dish. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Can I prepare this pie the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the pie the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply bake it fresh in the morning—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold.
Final Thoughts
This Monterey Sausage Pie Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying dishes that brings people together with every bite. Its blend of cheesy richness, hearty sausage, and colorful veggies creates something truly special and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family breakfast or sharing with friends, I hope you enjoy every savory, melty, flavorful moment. Give it a try—you might just have a new favorite dish on your hands!
Print
Monterey Sausage Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Monterey Sausage Pie is a hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole featuring browned sausage, a rich blend of cheeses, fresh bell peppers, and herbs baked in an egg custard. This savory pie is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying morning meal or brunch.
Ingredients
Sausage Layer
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then evenly spread the cooked sausage in the prepared pie dish to form a base layer.
- Mix Egg Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Stir the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red bell pepper, and fresh parsley into the egg mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the prepared egg and cheese mixture over the sausage layer in the pie dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set firmly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream for half-and-half for a richer custard.
- Use turkey sausage for a lower-fat alternative.
- Add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Letting the pie rest after baking helps it to set and slice more cleanly.
