Imagine a mouthwatering pie that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with the fresh, vibrant goodness of spinach, all nestled in a perfectly golden, flaky crust. This Spinach and Sausage Pie isn't just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this pie is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 lb sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie dish by lightly greasing it or spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked sausage using a colander. Transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Wash the fresh spinach and roughly chop it. If the spinach leaves are large, cut them into smaller pieces to distribute evenly in the pie.
- Add the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Carefully place the pie crust into the prepared pie dish, ensuring it fits smoothly against the bottom and sides of the dish.
- Pour the sausage and spinach mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Fold any excess pie crust edges over the filling, creating a rustic border around the pie.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve warm. Can be accompanied by a light salad or served as a main course.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality sausage and crisp spinach for the best flavor profile.
- Drain Sausage Thoroughly: Make sure to drain excess fat completely to prevent a soggy pie bottom.
- Let It Rest: Always allow the pie to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes cutting cleaner and easier.
- Cheese Tip: For extra flavor, try using a mix of cheeses like adding some parmesan or using a blend of mozzarella varieties.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This pie can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Customize Your Pie: Feel free to add additional herbs like fresh basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a light mixed green salad to balance the richness of the pie.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
