I’ll never forget the first time I made Sausage and Egg Pies for my family. It was a chilly Saturday morning, and I had a hankering for something savory and satisfying to start the day. As I gathered the ingredients and got to work, the irresistible aroma of sizzling sausage and baking pastry filled the kitchen. When I pulled those golden, flaky pies out of the oven, the kids came running, drawn in by the mouthwatering scent.
The first bite was absolute perfection – the buttery crust gave way to the fluffy egg interior, punctuated by savory bursts of sausage and melted cheddar. Everyone gobbled them up, and I knew I’d stumbled upon a new family favorite. Now, Sausage and Egg Pies have become a regular part of our weekend breakfast rotation, and I love seeing the joy on my family’s faces as they dig in.
Why This Sausage and Egg Pies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sausage and Egg Pies
What makes this Sausage and Egg Pies recipe truly special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the combination of flaky, buttery pie crust, seasoned breakfast sausage, rich eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese. When baked to golden perfection, the result is a delightful hand-held treat that’s equally satisfying and indulgent.
The secret is in the simple technique of pre-cooking the sausage before assembling the pies. This ensures the sausage is fully cooked through and infuses the entire dish with its savory essence. Plus, the refrigerated pie crust provides a beautiful base that bakes up flaky and light, complementing the hearty filling. With just a few easy steps, you can create a breakfast that’s worthy of any special occasion, yet simple enough for a laid-back weekend morning.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Sausage and Egg Pies, you’ll need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed – The sausage is the star of the show, providing a savory foundation for the entire dish. Look for a high-quality pork breakfast sausage that’s well-seasoned with herbs and spices.
- 8 large eggs – The eggs create a fluffy, custard-like filling that binds everything together. Using large eggs ensures a nice, substantial texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful cheesy element that melts beautifully throughout the pies.
- 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts – The store-bought pie crust makes this recipe a breeze, providing a golden, flaky shell for the delicious filling.
- 1 tablespoon milk – A touch of milk helps the pie crust achieve a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – These simple seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the Sausage and Egg Pies.
Step-by-Step Sausage and Egg Pies Instructions
Preparing Your Sausage and Egg Pies
With a total time of just 40 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking), this Sausage and Egg Pies recipe is quick and easy to whip up. You’ll need a muffin tin, a skillet, and a few mixing bowls to get started.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2- While the sausage is cooking, unroll the pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out 12 circles from the dough. Gently press the dough circles into the cups of a 12-cup muffin tin, pressing them firmly into the sides and bottom.
3- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4- Divide the cooked sausage evenly among the 12 pie crust-lined muffin cups. Top each with the egg mixture, filling the cups almost to the top.
5- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the pies.
6- Bake the Sausage and Egg Pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the crusts are golden brown. Allow the pies to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them.
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra flaky crust, brush the pie dough with a bit of melted butter before pressing it into the muffin tin.
- Experiment with different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian or maple-flavored, to customize the flavor profile.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite variety, like pepper jack or Swiss, for a flavor twist.
- Bake the pies in a greased muffin tin for easy release, or use a nonstick pan for effortless removal.
- Let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set up nicely.
Serving and Storing Your Sausage and Egg Pies
Perfect Pairings for Sausage and Egg Pies
These Sausage and Egg Pies are a fantastic breakfast or brunch option that can serve up to 12 people. They pair beautifully with a variety of sides, from fresh fruit salad and roasted potatoes to a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside crispy bacon or sausage links.
When it comes to beverages, these pies are delicious with a steaming mug of coffee, a refreshing glass of orange juice, or a creamy cup of hot chocolate. They also make a wonderful addition to a larger breakfast or brunch spread, complementing other sweet and savory dishes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Sausage and Egg Pies are the perfect make-ahead breakfast option. Once baked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For longer-term storage, the unbaked pies can be frozen. Assemble the pies in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply remove the pies from the freezer, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sausage and Egg Pies
Creative Sausage and Egg Pies Variations
While the classic Sausage and Egg Pies are delicious, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on this recipe. Try swapping the breakfast sausage for spicy Italian sausage or chorizo for a zestier flavor profile. You could also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as feta, goat cheese, or a blend of shredded cheeses.
For a seasonal twist, replace the cheddar with a sharp white cheddar and add in some diced bell peppers and onions. Or, try incorporating freshly chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or oregano for an extra burst of flavor.
Making Sausage and Egg Pies Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can opt for a low-fat or turkey-based breakfast sausage. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust or make your own homemade crust using gluten-free flour.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the pie crust altogether and bake the sausage and egg mixture in a greased muffin tin for a crustless version. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for a low-fat or dairy-free alternative to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for breakfast sausage, you can easily substitute other types of sausage, such as spicy Italian, chorizo, or even maple-flavored. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the sausage is fully cooked through.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake the Sausage and Egg Pies?
A: This recipe has a total time of 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time. The quick prep and relatively short baking time make these pies a great option for a busy morning.
Q: Can I make the Sausage and Egg Pies ahead of time?
A: Yes, these pies are perfect for making ahead of time. Baked pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or you can freeze the unbaked pies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Sausage and Egg Pies recipe yields 12 servings, making it a great option for a crowd or to have leftovers on hand for the week.
Q: What should I do if the pie crust starts to get too brown?
A: If the pie crust is browning too quickly, simply cover the tops of the pies with a piece of foil to prevent further browning while the eggs finish cooking. This will ensure the crust is golden brown and the filling is perfectly set.
Sausage and Egg Pies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the savory flavors of these homemade Sausage and Egg Pies, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Flaky pie crust encases a delicious filling of spicy sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese for a satisfying and easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
– 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
– 8 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Unroll the pie crusts and cut into 12 circles using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter.
5. Press the pie crust circles into the prepared muffin tin, pressing up the sides to create a cup.
6. Divide the cooked sausage evenly among the pie crust cups.
7. Pour the seasoned eggs over the sausage, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tops of the filled cups.
9. Brush the exposed pie crust edges with the milk.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the eggs are set.
11. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the Sausage and Egg Pies from the muffin tin.
12. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These Sausage and Egg Pies can be made ahead and reheated for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Sausage and Egg Pies are a true breakfast delight that will have your family and guests raving. With their flaky crust, fluffy egg filling, and savory sausage, these handheld pies are the ultimate morning indulgence.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile and easy it is to make. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or just looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast, these Sausage and Egg Pies are sure to become a new go-to in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible pies. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
