Absolutely—let’s dive into this deliciously hearty Monterey Sausage Pie recipe! I’m excited to build you a complete, rich guide with all sections you requested, and of course, no wide line before the dish title.
Monterey Sausage Pie
Introduction
Monterey Sausage Pie is a warm, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy dish that shines at family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or cozy weeknight dinners. Its blend of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheese makes it the kind of recipe people ask for again and again.
Origin
The recipe is believed to have emerged in the American Southwest, inspired by classic breakfast casseroles but enhanced with Monterey Jack cheese—one of California’s most iconic cheeses, originally produced by Franciscan monks in the 1700s.
Cultural Significance
This dish represents the heart of American comfort food: simple ingredients layered together to create something deeply satisfying. It often appears at holiday brunches, potlucks, and Sunday family breakfasts, where its crowd-pleasing flavors bring everyone to the table.
Ingredients Quantity
Serves 6–8
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (110 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup (110 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
Optional Additions
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (for heat)
- ½ cup cooked hash browns
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley
- Swap sausage for turkey sausage or plant-based sausage
Tips for Success
- Brown sausage well to build flavor—don’t rush this step.
- Drain excess grease to avoid an oily pie.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Let the pie rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets perfectly.
- Test doneness with a knife—it should come out clean from the center.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a pie dish with butter.
- Cook the sausage and onions in a skillet until browned and tender. Drain any grease.
- Spread the sausage-onion mixture evenly across the pie dish.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
- Let rest briefly before slicing and serving.
Description
This Monterey Sausage Pie delivers a rich, savory bite in every slice—juicy sausage, creamy egg custard, and gooey cheese all baked into a fluffy, golden pie. It’s hearty, aromatic, and wonderfully satisfying from the first forkful to the last.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 340–380
- Protein: 20–23 g
- Fat: 24–28 g
- Carbohydrates: 8–12 g
- Fiber: 0–1 g
- Sodium: 600–800 mg
(Nutritional values vary with ingredient choices.)
Conclusion
Monterey Sausage Pie is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that brings warmth to any meal. It’s simple to prepare, customizable, and always a hit with guests or family.
Recommendation
Serve it with a fresh green salad, fruit bowl, or roasted potatoes. It’s equally perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Enjoy the richness of this dish while keeping balance in mind—pair it with lighter sides, choose lean sausage, or add vegetables for extra nutrients. Savor every bite with joy and confidence!
If you’d like, I can also create a printable version, meal-prep variation, or even a healthier twist!