Monterey Sausage Pie: A Savory Comfort Food Classic

 

 

When it comes to comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes, few recipes can rival the Monterey Sausage Pie. With a buttery pie crust, savory sausage, creamy eggs, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables all baked into one hearty dish, this pie has everything you want in a breakfast or brunch centerpiece. It’s rich, filling, versatile, and surprisingly easy to make. 

Whether you’re preparing a weekend family breakfast, hosting a holiday brunch, or looking for a meal that reheats beautifully for busy mornings, Monterey Sausage Pie delivers in every bite. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, serving suggestions, storage tips, and FAQs. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to master this timeless recipe.

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What Is Monterey Sausage Pie?

Monterey Sausage Pie is a savory egg-based dish baked in a pie crust, often considered a cousin of quiche. Unlike a traditional French quiche, this version leans more toward American comfort food—hearty sausage, onions, bell peppers, and a generous layer of Monterey Jack cheese give it a bold, Southwestern-inspired flavor.

The pie crust provides structure and flakiness, while the egg mixture holds everything together in a custard-like texture. The result is a dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & filling – One slice is a complete meal.

• Easy to prepare ahead – Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead brunches.

• Crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves sausage, eggs, and cheese baked together.

• Customizable – Swap veggies, cheese, or meat to suit your taste.

• Beautiful presentation – Looks impressive, but requires minimal effort.

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Ingredients for Monterey Sausage Pie

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic version (serves 6–8):

Crust:

• 1 deep-dish pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Filling:

• 1 lb pork sausage (mild, spicy, or Italian sausage all work)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 small green bell pepper, diced

• 1 small red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (pepper jack also works for extra spice)

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for sharpness)

Egg Mixture:

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

• If using store-bought, pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to prevent sogginess.

• If making from scratch, roll out dough, place in pie dish, and crimp edges. Chill until ready to fill.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Veggies

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking into crumbles.

2. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add onions, peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).

4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Spread half of the cheese on the bottom of the crust.

2. Add sausage-vegetable mixture evenly.

3. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Mix the Egg Custard

• In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

• Pour evenly over the pie filling.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.

2. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Pro Tips for the Best Monterey Sausage Pie

• Blind bake the crust to prevent soggy bottoms.

• Drain sausage well—excess grease can make the pie oily.

• Layer cheese first and last—this creates a barrier that helps with texture and flavor.

• Let it rest before slicing—this allows the custard to firm up.

• Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect melting.

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Variations to Try

• Southwestern Style – Use chorizo sausage, pepper jack cheese, and add diced green chilies.

• Vegetarian Option – Swap sausage for mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.

• Low-Carb/Keto Version – Make it crustless, like a frittata.

• Mediterranean Twist – Use feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian sausage.

• Breakfast-for-Dinner – Add hash browns inside the crust for extra heartiness.

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Serving Suggestions

Monterey Sausage Pie shines on its own, but here are some great pairings:

• Fresh fruit salad – balances the richness.

• Green salad with vinaigrette – adds freshness.

• Hash browns or roasted potatoes – for an extra filling meal.

• Hot sauce or salsa – for a spicy kick.

• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.

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Nutrition (Approx. per slice, 1/8 of pie)

• Calories: ~410

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 29g

• Carbs: 18g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 810mg

(Values vary depending on sausage, cheese, and crust used.)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not pre-baking the crust – leads to sogginess.

2. Overfilling the pie – the egg mixture will overflow.

3. Using pre-cooked crust only – it won’t support the filling without a partial blind bake.

4. Cutting too soon – the pie needs resting time to set.

5. Too much grease from sausage – always drain after cooking.

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FAQs About Monterey Sausage Pie

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the pie, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving.

2. Can I use a frozen pie crust?
Absolutely—just thaw and blind bake before adding filling.

3. Can I use other cheeses?
Yes! Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even Swiss work well. Monterey Jack is traditional, but the recipe is flexible.

4. Can I make it crustless?
Yes—simply pour filling into a greased pie dish and bake like a frittata.

5. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! For picky eaters, omit spicy sausage or peppers and stick with mild cheese.

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Why This Recipe Works

The Monterey Sausage Pie works so well because it balances:

• A flaky, buttery crust that supports the filling.

• Savory sausage for richness and flavor.

• Creamy eggs that hold everything together.

• Melted Monterey Jack cheese that adds a smooth, melty texture.

• Vegetables for freshness and balance.

Every bite combines the best elements of breakfast comfort food in a single dish.

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Final Thoughts

Monterey Sausage Pie is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s comforting, versatile, and always a crowd favorite. From Sunday brunch to weeknight dinners, this pie is as practical as it is delicious.

Once you master the basics, you can adapt it endlessly—changing the cheese, sausage, or veggies to keep things exciting. Serve it hot, warm, or even cold the next day, and you’ll see why this dish has earned a permanent spot in many kitchens.

So grab some sausage, eggs, and Monterey Jack, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a pie that’s hearty, flavorful, and downright irresistible.