Spinach Sausage Pie: A Cozy Cold Weather Delight
This Spinach Sausage Pie, a delightful recipe passed down from a friend at work, is a warming and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. With its savory blend of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a bounty of spinach, this hearty pie promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cozy family dinner or impress guests at a winter gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 2/3 pound Italian sausage, browned and crumbled
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg yolk, for brushing the crust
Directions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your pie bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
2. Thaw and Drain the Spinach:
- Take the frozen chopped spinach and allow it to thaw thoroughly. Once thawed, make sure to drain it well to remove any excess moisture. This prevents the pie from becoming soggy.
3. Cook the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Transfer it to a plate and let it cool. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
4. Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the crumbled sausage, thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Assemble the Pie:
- Take one pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press the crust into the pan to fit. Pour the spinach and sausage filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add the Top Crust:
- Cover the filling with the second pie crust. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges, then crimp the edges together to seal the pie. To allow steam to escape and add a decorative touch, cut several slits or vents into the top crust.
7. Brush with Egg Yolk:
- For a glossy, golden finish, brush the top crust with egg yolk. This step not only adds a beautiful sheen but also helps achieve that perfect pie crust texture.
8. Bake the Pie:
- Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for about one hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling period allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
10. Enjoy:
- Slice the pie into wedges and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 573.9
- Fat: 41.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 18.6 g
- Cholesterol: 218.7 mg
- Sodium: 1168.2 mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.6 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Sugar: 2.6 g
- Protein: 29 g
This Spinach Sausage Pie is not only rich in flavor but also makes for a filling and satisfying meal. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and vibrant spinach creates a delightful medley of tastes and textures that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish with family and friends!
