Monterey Sausage Pie (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat & Dairy

01 - 1 pound bulk pork sausage
02 - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
03 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
04 - 4 large eggs
05 - 2 cups half-and-half

→ Vegetables

06 - 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
08 - 2 tablespoons green onions or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

→ Dry Ingredients

09 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bulk pork sausage and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings.
02 - Return skillet with reserved drippings to medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
03 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish generously with butter or cooking spray.
04 - Spread cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the pie dish. Top with sautéed onions and peppers. Sprinkle Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses evenly over the vegetables.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk eggs until well beaten. Add half-and-half and whisk to combine. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
06 - Pour custard mixture carefully over layered ingredients, allowing it to seep through. Tap dish gently to remove air bubbles. Place pie dish on a baking sheet and transfer to oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until top is golden and center is set. Check doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean.
07 - Let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Serve warm, ideal with a green salad or brunch spread.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Allowing the pie to rest before slicing improves texture and flavor integration.