Savory Sausage Pie
Savory Sausage Pie is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned sausage, creamy cheese, eggs, and a golden flaky crust. The filling is rich and satisfying, while the pastry becomes beautifully crisp and golden in the oven. It makes an excellent dinner, brunch, breakfast, or potluck dish and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
For the Pie
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage or breakfast sausage
- 1 refrigerated double pie crust or 2 sheets prepared pie pastry
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Sausage
Remove the sausage from its casing if necessary.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage.
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until browned and completely cooked through.
Drain any excess grease.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
If needed, add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
Cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the sausage mixture to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Add the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
Stir until well combined.
Fold in the cooked sausage and onion mixture.
Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Prepare the Bottom Crust
Place one pie crust into the prepared pie dish.
Press it gently against the bottom and sides of the dish.
Trim any excess pastry hanging over the edges, leaving enough to seal the top crust.
Prick the bottom several times with a fork.
6. Add the Filling
Pour the sausage and cheese mixture into the prepared crust.
Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Don’t overfill the pie dish.
7. Add the Top Crust
Place the second pastry crust over the filling.
Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal.
Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.
Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
8. Brush With Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg yolk and water.
Brush the mixture evenly over the top crust.
This gives the pie a beautiful golden-brown finish.
9. Bake
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any possible bubbling filling.
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is completely set.
If the edges begin browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
10. Rest Before Serving
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
This allows the filling to firm up and makes the slices much easier to serve.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Sausage Pie
Brown the sausage well: Proper browning adds much more flavor to the filling.
Drain excess grease: Removing excess fat prevents the bottom crust from becoming overly greasy.
Don’t skip the resting time: The filling continues to set as the pie cools.
Use a flavorful sausage: Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or a mildly spicy sausage can all work beautifully.
Protect the crust: If the top becomes golden before the filling is fully cooked, loosely cover the pie with foil.
Delicious Variations
Sausage and Spinach Pie
Add 1½ cups cooked, well-drained spinach to the filling.
Spicy Sausage Pie
Use hot Italian sausage and add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
Sausage and Mushroom Pie
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the filling.
Sausage and Pepper Pie
Add diced red and green bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Cheesy Sausage Pie
Increase the mozzarella to 2 cups and add a little shredded cheddar for an extra-rich filling.
What to Serve With Sausage Pie
Serve warm slices with:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Tomato salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Fresh fruit
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
Storage
Allow leftover pie to cool before covering it tightly.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual slices in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer until heated through. This helps the crust remain crisp.
Freezing Instructions
Allow the baked pie to cool completely.
Wrap individual slices tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry?
Yes. Puff pastry creates a lighter, flakier crust. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble the pie.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, but sausage provides more seasoning and flavor. If using ground beef, increase the herbs and seasonings to taste.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it several hours ahead and refrigerate once cooled. Reheat gently before serving, or serve it at room temperature.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes. Savory sausage pies can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Main Course / Brunch
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Method: Oven-Baked
This Savory Sausage Pie is rich, cheesy, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. The combination of seasoned sausage, creamy cheese filling, and golden flaky pastry makes it a comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or sharing at a family gathering.