Pork-Spinach Pie
A savory pork and spinach pie featuring melted Monterey Jack cheese and seasoned stuffing, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with comforting, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the frozen pie shell on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a 400° oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 325°.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese in the bottom of the pie shell and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the pork sausage until browned; drain off the fat.
- Stir in the herb-seasoned stuffing mix and thawed, drained spinach; spoon the mixture over the cheese in the pie shell.
- In a bowl, combine the beaten eggs with light cream.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the sausage, stuffing, and spinach filling.
- Bake uncovered in a 325° oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed onions or garlic to the sausage mixture. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, any mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar can serve as a substitute. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent a soggy pie. For a twist, you can incorporate spices like nutmeg or red pepper flakes for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This Pork-Spinach Pie makes a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a refreshing Springtime Pea Salad, to balance the richness. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. Consider offering Cheese Strips as an appetizer for a fun touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork-Spinach Pie contains roughly 400 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% 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 use a different type of meat instead of pork sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the pork sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter option. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some meats may require additional spices to enhance flavor.
How can I make this pie ahead of time?
You can assemble the pie a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture. If you prefer, you can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to three months; just extend the baking time if baking from frozen.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pie is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a light arugula salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Additionally, consider pairing it with some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any remaining filling.
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).