Ingredients
Serves 6–8
For the Crust
1 (14.1 oz) package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
OR
1 homemade deep-dish 9-inch crust (your buttery lard or shortening crust—so flaky!)
For the Filling
1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or maple—your fave!)
1½ cups (6 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (freshly shredded—no anti-caking agents!)
OR
Pepper Jack (for built-in heat—your bold-flavor love!)
4 large eggs, room temperature (essential for smooth custard!)
1 cup (240ml) half-and-half or whole milk (half-and-half = richer set)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
✅ Grandma’s Secret Touch (Joye’s Favorite!)
¼ tsp dry mustard (wakes up the custard—non-negotiable!)
OR 4–5 drops hot sauce (like Crystal or Texas Pete—just a whisper!)
Optional: 2 green onions, thinly sliced + 1 tsp fresh thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage (The Flavor Base)
→ In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage 6–8 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, until no pink remains.
→ Drain most fat (leave ~1 tsp for flavor)—excess grease = soggy crust.
→ Let cool 5 minutes.
2. Prep the Crust (Flaky Foundation)
→ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
→ Fit one crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate (or 10-inch regular).
→ For extra flakiness: Prick bottom with fork; blind-bake 8–10 minutes (no weights needed). Cool slightly.
3. Layer with Love
→ Sprinkle cooled sausage evenly over crust.
→ Top with cheese and green onions (if using).
4. Make the Custard (The Secret’s In Here!)
→ In a large bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Grandma’s secret (dry mustard or hot sauce!) until smooth and slightly frothy.
✅ Room-temp eggs prevent lumps—don’t skip!
5. Pour & Top (Your Choice!)
→ Gently pour custard over layers.
→ Traditional: Place second crust on top; crimp edges; cut 4–5 steam vents.
→ Open-Faced (Quiche Style): Skip top crust—bake 5 minutes less; sprinkle extra cheese on top 5 mins before done.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
→ Bake 35–45 minutes, until:
✓ Crust is deep golden
✓ Center is just set (no jiggle—like firm Jell-O)
✅ Tent edges with foil at 25 mins if browning too fast.
7. Rest & Serve
→ Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing (custard sets further—no runny bites!).
→ Garnish with fresh thyme or extra green onions.
Tips for Pie Perfection (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Drain the sausage well. This is the #1 secret to a crisp bottom crust.
🔸 Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded has cellulose—melts poorly.
🔸 Room-temp eggs = smooth custard. Cold eggs cause lumps.
🔸 Make it ahead. Assemble unbaked, cover, refrigerate overnight. Bake +5–10 mins.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make food taste better.
Serving Suggestions (Joye’s Favorites!)
☕ Classic brunch: Fresh fruit salad, orange juice, hot coffee
🍖 Holiday side: Alongside roasted turkey, ham, or glazed carrots
🥗 Weeknight dinner: Simple arugula salad + crusty bread
🎁 Potluck star: Transport in pie plate; garnish with thyme sprigs before serving
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge (cooked): Up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (20 mins).
Freezer (baked): Cool completely; wrap tightly in plastic + foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat 25 mins @ 325°F.
Freezer (unbaked): Assemble, freeze solid, then bag. Bake from frozen +15 mins (cover first 30 mins).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use turkey sausage?
A: Yes! Add 1 tbsp olive oil when browning (turkey is leaner).
Q: Why is my custard watery?
A: Likely underbaked or cold eggs. Next time: bake until center is just set, and use room-temp eggs.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use GF pie crust (like Wholly Wholesome) and verify sausage is GF.
Q: Can I add veggies?
A: Yes! Sauté ½ cup spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with sausage—drain well.
Q: Is it dairy-free?
A: Not as written—but use DF sausage, almond milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch, and DF cheese.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy (milk, cheese), eggs, wheat (crust, sausage fillers)
Gluten-free option: Yes—with GF crust & verified GF sausage
Nut-free: Yes (naturally)
⚠️ Always check sausage labels for hidden allergens.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice — 8 servings)
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Values are estimates. Varies by crust and sausage type.
Final Thought
This pie doesn’t arrive with fanfare.
It bakes quietly in the oven—golden crust, savory scent filling the kitchen—until the house smells like Sunday, like family, like enough.
You slice into it. The crust shatters. The custard holds. The cheese pulls.
And someone at the table smiles and says:
“Now that’s how you keep a secret.”
That’s the magic of heirloom food:
It’s not about perfection.
It’s about presence.
It’s about a pinch of mustard, a dash of love, and the quiet joy of feeding people well.
