Sausage Pie: A Taste of Tradition

The aroma of Sausage Pie instantly transports me back to childhood, specifically to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. The entire family would gather, the air thick with anticipation as the golden-brown pies emerged from the oven. Grandma, with her flour-dusted apron and knowing smile, always made sure there was enough for everyone, and the taste was always pure comfort. Each bite was a warm embrace, a tangible connection to our family history and shared memories. This recipe, adapted from her original, attempts to capture that essence, a tribute to family, food, and love.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 pies
• Servings: 20
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 3 lbs bulk sweet Italian sausage
• 3 lbs ricotta cheese
• 7 eggs
• 8 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 lb grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Crust:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup margarine, room temperature
• 8 eggs
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing and glazing)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Two 10-inch pie plates
• Rolling pin

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the sweet Italian sausage until it is no longer pink. This step is crucial for both flavor and texture. Ensure the sausage is cooked through before proceeding.

2. Remove Excess Fat: Once browned, transfer the sausage to a colander and rinse it thoroughly with water. This step removes excess fat, preventing the pie from becoming greasy. Ensure the sausage drains well after rinsing.

3. Cool the Sausage: Allow the sausage to cool completely. This is essential, as adding hot sausage to the cheese mixture can cause the cheese to melt and change the overall consistency of the filling.

4. Combine Cheese and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and eggs. Mix until well blended and smooth. The ricotta should be creamy and the eggs should be fully incorporated for a consistent texture.

5. Add Cheese, Parsley, and Sausage: Add the grated parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to the ricotta and egg mixture. Gently fold in the cooled sausage meat. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

6. Prepare the Crust Dough: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, margarine (at room temperature for easier blending), and 8 eggs. Mix until a dough begins to form. The dough will initially appear crumbly, but as you continue to mix, it will come together.

7. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tender and flaky crust.

8. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into four equal pieces. This is because the recipe makes two pies, and each pie requires a bottom and top crust.

9. Roll Out the Crusts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a circle large enough to fit a 10-inch pie plate. Aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking.

10. Assemble the Pies: Carefully transfer each rolled-out dough circle into a 10-inch pie plate, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides.

11. Fill the Pie Shells: Divide the sausage filling evenly between the two pie shells, spreading it evenly over the bottom crust.

12. Top with Crust: Cover each filled pie with another rolled-out dough circle.

13. Seal the Crusts: Brush the edges of the bottom crust with the beaten egg. Place the top crust over the filling and gently press the edges together to seal.

14. Crimp the Edges: Pinch and seal the crusts together to create a decorative edge. This helps to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking and adds a touch of elegance.

15. Glaze the Top Crust: Brush the top of the pies with the remaining beaten egg. This gives the crust a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.

16. Bake the Pies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes, or until the pies are deep golden brown. The crust should be evenly browned, and the filling should be set.

17. Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents it from being too runny.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Sausage Selection: Opt for high-quality sweet Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can also experiment with mild or hot Italian sausage to suit your preference.
• Cheese Quality: Using fresh, high-quality ricotta and mozzarella cheese will significantly enhance the overall taste and texture of the pie.
• Make-Ahead Prep: The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and saves time on the day of baking.
• Preventing a Soggy Crust: To prevent a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
• Crust Variations: For a flakier crust, use cold butter instead of margarine and cut it into the flour using a pastry blender or food processor.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of sugar to the ricotta cheese mixture.
• Even Baking: If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Sausage Pie tastes best served at room temperature or chilled. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings. To serve, slice into wedges and arrange on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating:

• It’s generally advised not to reheat in the microwave, as the pie can become watery. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	488.6 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	26.6 g	40%
Saturated Fat	13 g	64%
Cholesterol	223.8 mg	74%
Sodium	703.2 mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	28.3 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	0.7 g	2%
Protein	32.8 g	65%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetarian Filling: Replace the sausage with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
• Spicy Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or fontina for a unique flavor profile.
• Herbs: Add other fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to the filling for added flavor.
• Crust Flavorings: Add dried herbs or spices to the crust dough for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-made pie crusts?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts to save time. However, homemade crust will always offer a superior flavor and texture.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from burning?
A: If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.

Q: Can I freeze the pie after baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Why is my filling watery?
A: Make sure to drain the sausage well after browning and rinsing. Also, allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing will help the filling to set.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake the pie ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Sausage Pie brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to family, tradition, and the simple pleasure of sharing a delicious meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of this comforting pie fill your home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and make it your own. And most importantly, savor every bite and share it with the people you love. Buon appetito!