Italian Sausage Spinach Pie
A savory Italian sausage and spinach pie featuring a flaky crust, melty mozzarella, and hearty flavors, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage and chopped onion until the sausage is done and the onion is tender, then drain excess fat.
- Separate one egg and set aside the yolk.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining eggs and egg whites together.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and onion mixture, frozen spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Line a 10-inch pie plate with bottom pastry.
- Add the prepared filling into the pie crust.
- Cover with the upper crust and seal the edges.
- Flute the edges of the crust.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Combine the remaining egg yolk with a little water and brush over the top crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the pie set for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of the mild variety. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen if you prefer; just sauté it until wilted before adding it to the mixture. If you don't have heavy cream, half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the texture may be slightly less rich. This pie can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Sausage Spinach Pie with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A dollop of marinara sauce on the side can enhance the flavors, reminiscent of classic Italian recipes. This dish also pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is an option, but it may result in a softer crust, so be cautious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage Spinach Pie contains roughly 851 calories, with 31g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1050mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to mozzarella, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can work nicely. For a sharper flavor, consider using aged cheddar or fontina. Just be sure to keep the total cheese volume the same to maintain the pie's consistency.
Is it possible to freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake it directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).