Monterey Sausage Pie

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Monterey Sausage Pie

A Hearty and Cheesy Savory Pie, Perfect for Any Meal!

This Monterey Sausage Pie is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of sausage, fresh vegetables, and Monterey Jack cheese, all baked together in a fluffy, biscuit-like crust. It’s an easy-to-make dish that works well for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. The simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for meal prepping or a quick family meal.

This recipe is highly customizable—whether you like it spicy, extra cheesy, or packed with more veggies, there’s a version for everyone. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound bulk pork sausage (use mild or spicy depending on preference)
  • 1 cup chopped onion (yellow or white for a mild flavor; red onion for a bit of sweetness)
  • 1 cup chopped sweet red bell pepper (or substitute with green or yellow bell peppers)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh mushrooms (white button, cremini, or even shiitake for a deeper flavor)
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves, finely minced)
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided; one part for the filling and one part for topping)

For the Batter:

  • 1 ⅓ cups whole milk (for a rich, creamy texture; you can also use half-and-half)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
  • ¾ cup biscuit/baking mix (such as Bisquick, or make your own from scratch)
  • ¾ teaspoon rubbed sage (adds warmth and depth to the dish)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)

For Topping:

  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for a melty, golden top layer)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish & Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat over medium heat.
  2. Add the pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks.
  3. Stir in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
  4. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

  1. Stir 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the sausage mixture.
  2. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pie plate, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Prepare the Batter

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
    • Whole milk
    • Eggs
    • Biscuit mix
    • Rubbed sage
    • Black pepper
  2. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
  3. Slowly pour the batter over the sausage mixture in the pie plate, making sure it covers everything evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

  1. Place the pie in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Once done, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top.
  4. Return to the oven for 1-2 more minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve

  • Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the pie to set, making it easier to cut into neat slices.
  • Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

This Monterey Sausage Pie is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal with these accompaniments:

Breakfast/Brunch Pairings:

  • Fresh fruit (sliced oranges, grapes, or a mixed fruit salad)
  • Hash browns or home fries
  • Scrambled eggs (if serving a large crowd)
  • Avocado slices or guacamole

Lunch/Dinner Pairings:

  • Side salad (a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing)
  • Roasted vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts)
  • Soup (a light tomato soup or potato soup pairs well)

Beverage Pairings:

  • Morning: Freshly brewed coffee, orange juice, or a chai latte
  • Evening: Iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine

Recipe Variations & Customizations

Make It Spicier:

  • Use hot Italian sausage or chorizo instead of regular pork sausage.
  • Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the batter.
  • Drizzle with hot sauce or serve with a side of salsa.

Make It Healthier:

  • Swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage.
  • Use reduced-fat cheese or mix in some part-skim mozzarella.
  • Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Vegetarian Version:

  • Omit the sausage and increase the amount of mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
  • Add spinach, zucchini, or chopped broccoli for extra vegetables.
  • Use plant-based sausage for a meatless option.

Cheese Variations:

  • Monterey Jack is classic, but you can also try:
    • Cheddar (sharp or mild)
    • Pepper Jack (for a little heat)
    • Colby Jack (for a creamy texture)

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

  • Microwave: Heat a slice on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.
  • Oven: Place slices on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Monterey Sausage Pie is a true comfort food that’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will be a guaranteed hit!

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