Hearty Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Pie: Your Ultimate Morning Comfort Food
My Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Pie is a truly unique and incredibly satisfying dish, brimming with savory breakfast sausage, tender hash brown potatoes, a rich blend of two types of cheese, aromatic garlic, and a standout crunchy topping. This hearty breakfast option is designed to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the entire morning, making it perfect for special occasions or any lazy weekend when you crave something truly comforting and delicious.
Why This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Pie is a Must-Try
Breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, and for me, it’s easily my favorite part of the day! There’s an endless array of options, from quick bites to elaborate spreads. While I adore classics like these Ham and Egg Breakfast Cups, my husband’s beloved Breakfast Enchiladas, or a sweet and decadent Triple Berry French Toast Casserole, there’s something truly special about a hearty, savory pie.
This particular breakfast pie recipe is an inspired twist on my classic Sausage Hash Brown Casserole. I’ve taken the beloved flavors and textures, made a few exciting tweaks to the ingredients, and reimagined it as an easy-to-serve pie. The most unique addition? A delightful, buttery, and incredibly crunchy topping made from crumbled Ritz crackers! I stumbled upon this idea while rummaging through my pantry – those golden crackers just called to me. It adds an unexpected layer of flavor and texture that truly elevates this breakfast pie without adding any complexity to the preparation. And, as any busy parent or home cook will attest, breakfast should absolutely not be complicated!
Irresistible Reasons to Love This Hash Brown Pie
Beyond its delicious taste, there are so many reasons why this savory breakfast pie will become a staple in your home:
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful combination of moist and buttery filling with an incredibly satisfying, slight crunch from the unique Ritz cracker topping. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy and crisp.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, enjoying a leisurely weekend morning with family, or simply need a substantial meal to kickstart your day, this pie fits the bill perfectly. It’s special enough for celebrations but easy enough for everyday enjoyment.
- Feeds a Crowd: This generous recipe is designed to comfortably feed 4 very hungry adults. If you’re serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad, some crispy bacon, or another light breakfast treat, it can easily stretch to satisfy 6 people.
- Minimal Prep Time: Despite its impressive presentation and rich flavor, this breakfast pie requires only about 30 minutes of active preparation. Most of the magic happens hands-off in the oven, leaving you more time to relax.
- Hearty and Fulfilling: Packed with protein from sausage, eggs, and cheese, and substantial hash brown potatoes, this pie is incredibly satisfying. It provides sustained energy, ensuring you stay full and content throughout your morning.
- Kid-Friendly & Customizable: With its savory flavors and familiar ingredients, this pie is generally a hit with kids. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Essential Ingredients for Your Breakfast Pie Recipe
Crafting the perfect Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Pie starts with a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is key:
- BREAKFAST SAUSAGE: This is the backbone of our savory pie, providing robust flavor and essential protein. I always keep a package (or two!) of breakfast sausage on hand. While classic pork sausage is traditional, feel free to experiment with chicken sausage for a leaner option, or even a plant-based version for a vegetarian twist. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned to match the breakfast profile.
- ONION: Finely chopped onion sautéed with the sausage adds a beautiful depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness that balances the savoriness of the meat. It softens as it cooks, becoming almost imperceptible in texture but essential for taste.
- SPINACH: A fantastic way to sneak in some greens and boost the nutritional value! Spinach wilts down significantly, blending seamlessly into the pie. It’s also a great way to add vegetables without altering the taste dramatically for picky eaters. Other great additions could be diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even chopped kale.
- GARLIC: A non-negotiable for enhancing flavor. Garlic perfectly complements the sausage, onion, and spinach, adding an aromatic complexity that makes the pie truly irresistible. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
- FROZEN HASH BROWNS: The namesake ingredient! These potatoes are crucial for bulking up the pie and providing that beloved hearty texture. Using frozen hash browns (the shredded variety) saves a ton of prep time. Remember to thaw and pat them dry to prevent a soggy pie.
- EGGS: Serving as a binding agent and a significant source of protein, eggs are vital for holding the pie together and creating a custardy texture. Lightly beating them before mixing ensures an even distribution.
- SHARP CHEDDAR: I adore the bold, tangy flavor of sharp cheddar in this recipe. Its meltability and strong presence make it a perfect choice. However, don’t hesitate to customize! Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamier melt, Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, Swiss provides nutty notes, and even mozzarella can work for a super stretchy, mild option. Freshly shredded cheese always melts better than pre-bagged.
- COTTAGE CHEESE: For an extra boost of protein and an incredible creamy texture. Cottage cheese also introduces a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile of the pie. It melts into the egg mixture, adding richness without being chunky.
- MILK: A splash of milk helps to keep the egg and cheese mixture wonderfully moist and ensures all ingredients blend together smoothly for a consistent texture. Any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
- MELTED BUTTER & RITZ CRACKERS: The secret to our special crunchy topping! Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter create a golden, savory, and incredibly satisfying crust that adds an unexpected gourmet touch. This topping is truly what sets this breakfast pie apart.
- SALT & PEPPER: Essential for seasoning to taste, bringing out the best flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust according to your preference.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Breakfast Sausage Pie
Making this hearty breakfast pie is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome:
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RECIPE PREP:
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you put the pie in, promoting even baking. Generously grease a deep dish pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. A deep dish is crucial to contain all the delicious filling and prevent any overflow. Set the prepared pie plate aside.
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COOK THE SAUSAGE & AROMATICS:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage along with the chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It’s very important to drain any excess grease from the sausage at this stage to prevent your pie from becoming oily or soggy. Once drained, add the fresh spinach and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for just 1-2 minutes until the spinach begins to wilt. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking the spinach and garlic, which will continue to cook slightly in the pie.
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ASSEMBLE THE BREAKFAST PIE FILLING:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly patted dry hash browns, lightly beaten eggs, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, creamy cottage cheese, milk, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients well until everything is evenly combined. Then, add the cooked sausage and spinach mixture to the bowl. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the sausage and spinach are evenly distributed throughout the hash brown and egg mixture. Transfer this hearty filling into your prepared deep dish pie plate, spreading it out into an even layer.
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PREP & BAKE THE TOPPING:
In a small separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix them until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with butter – this is what creates that beautiful golden, crispy topping. Evenly spread this buttery cracker mixture over the top of the breakfast sausage pie filling in the pie plate. Gently press it down slightly to help it adhere. Bake the pie in your preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean, indicating the eggs are fully set. The topping should be golden brown and perfectly crispy. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pie with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial for the pie to set properly, making it much easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your deliciously hearty breakfast pie!
Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Pie
One of the best features of my breakfast pie recipe is that it doesn’t involve a traditional crust, which often contributes to sogginess! However, excess moisture can still come from two main sources: frozen hash browns and un-drained sausage grease. Frozen hash browns contain a lot of water. To avoid a watery pie, it’s absolutely crucial to thaw the potatoes completely and then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding them to your mixture. This step removes much of that excess moisture. Additionally, always be sure to properly drain any extra grease from your cooked sausage before incorporating the spinach and garlic. These two steps are key to ensuring a firm, delicious pie every time.
Yes, there’s a significant difference! Breakfast sausage is typically made from ground pork (though chicken and turkey varieties are common) and is characterized by a specific blend of mild, often sweet and savory spices. Common seasonings include sage, black pepper, and a hint of maple or brown sugar, giving it a distinctive “breakfast” flavor profile that is generally savory and quite mellow. Regular sausages, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or bratwurst, often feature much stronger, more complex flavorings like fennel, red pepper flakes, paprika, and ample garlic. These are designed for main dishes and have a more intense, sometimes spicy, taste that would overpower a breakfast pie.
The best way to tell if your hash brown pie is fully cooked is by checking its internal temperature and consistency. After about 55 minutes in the oven, carefully insert a thin, sharp knife or a wooden skewer into the very center of the pie. If it comes out clean with no wet, uncooked egg mixture clinging to it, your pie is likely done. If the knife comes out wet, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes. To prevent the Ritz cracker topping from burning or getting too dark during this additional baking time, you can loosely cover the pie with a piece of aluminum foil.
Expert Tips for the Best Sausage Breakfast Pie
Achieve breakfast pie perfection with these tried-and-true professional tips:
- Prevent Soggy Pie: This is so crucial it bears repeating! Always drain the cooked sausage very well before adding other ingredients. For frozen hash browns, ensure they are fully thawed and then pat them down thoroughly with paper towels to absorb as much moisture as possible. Excess liquid is the enemy of a perfectly set pie.
- Cheese Matters: Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese over pre-shredded bags. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly and creamily. Freshly shredded cheese will integrate beautifully, providing a superior creamy texture and richer flavor.
- Even Topping Distribution: When spreading the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter mixture, aim for an even layer across the entire surface of the pie. This ensures that every slice gets a consistent, golden, and crispy topping. Don’t be afraid to gently press the topping down a bit with the back of a spoon to help it adhere better to the filling.
- Use a Deep Dish: A deep dish pie plate is your best friend for this recipe. It provides ample space for the hearty filling, preventing any messy overflows in your oven. It also allows the pie to bake more evenly from edge to center, resulting in a perfectly cooked breakfast.
- Resting is Key: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to pies! Allow your breakfast pie to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This crucial resting period allows the egg and cheese filling to fully set, making for cleaner slices and easier serving without the filling crumbling apart.
- Customize with Toppings: While the pie is delicious on its own, feel free to add fresh toppings. My husband loves an extra fried egg on top of each serving for an even heartier meal – he believes fried eggs go on EVERYTHING! I, on the other hand, am not the biggest egg fan, so I usually skip this. Consider fresh salsa, sliced avocado, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling (without the cracker topping) the night before. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. In the morning, transfer to the pie plate, add the cracker topping, and bake. This makes for an even quicker breakfast on busy mornings!
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes To Try
If you loved this breakfast pie, be sure to explore these other fantastic morning meal ideas:
- Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Breakfast Casserole
- Freezer Breakfast Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
- Twice Baked Breakfast Potatoes
- Classic Quiche Lorraine
Thank you so much for reading and diving into this delightful breakfast pie recipe! I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing it with your loved ones. Please let me know your thoughts and how it turns out for you in the comments below!
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Breakfast Pie (with Sausage and Hash Browns)
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 1/2 cups frozen hash browns
- 5 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 15 Ritz crackers crushed
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Generously grease a deep dish pie plate with nonstick cooking spray and set aside for later use.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage with the chopped onion until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease thoroughly from the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach and minced garlic, cooking for just a few moments until the spinach slightly wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and patted dry hash browns, lightly beaten eggs, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Fold in the cooked sausage and spinach mixture until fully combined. Spoon the entire filling mixture into the prepared deep dish pie plate, spreading it evenly.
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In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Spread this buttery cracker mixture over the top of the pie filling in an even layer. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the pie cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.