Italian Spinach Sausage Pie Recipe

Italian sausage: A flavorful sausage that adds a rich, savory taste to the pie.

Frozen spinach: Provides a nutritious and fresh element to the filling.

Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty taste that complements the other ingredients.

Egg: Helps bind the filling together and adds richness.

Pie crust: The base and top layer that encases the delicious filling.

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up into small pieces as it browns. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld better with the spinach and cheeses. Additionally, thoroughly draining the spinach will prevent excess moisture from making the pie crust soggy.

• italian sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option and still provides a similar flavor profile.

• italian sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian sausage which mimics the texture and flavor of Italian sausage.

• frozen spinach - Substitute with fresh spinach: Fresh spinach can be sautéed and drained to replace frozen spinach, offering a fresher taste.

• frozen spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a hearty and nutritious alternative to spinach.

• ricotta cheese - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese provides a similar texture and can be blended for a smoother consistency.

• ricotta cheese - Substitute with cream cheese: Cream cheese can be used for a richer and creamier texture.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano offers a similar salty and nutty flavor.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with grana padano: Grana Padano is a good alternative with a comparable taste and texture.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water) is a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• beaten egg - Substitute with chia egg: A chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds + 2.5 tablespoon water) can also be used as a vegan binding agent.

• pie crust - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can be used for a lighter, flakier crust.

• pie crust - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry offers a buttery and flaky alternative to traditional pie crust.

• Allow the Italian Spinach Sausage Pie to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

• Once cooled, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For added protection, you can place the wrapped pie in a large zip-top freezer bag.

• If you prefer to store individual slices, cut the pie into portions and wrap each slice separately. This makes it easier to reheat just the amount you need.

• Label the wrapped pie or slices with the date. The Italian Spinach Sausage Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the wrapped pie or slices in the freezer. The pie can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the pie's integrity.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie or slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

• If you prefer a crispier crust, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.

• For a quick reheat, you can also use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Enjoy your Italian Spinach Sausage Pie as if it were freshly baked, savoring every bite of its rich, savory goodness!

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Italian Spinach Sausage Pie on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is warmed through and the crust is crisp.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispier crust.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a slice of the pie on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place a slice of the Italian Spinach Sausage Pie in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
  5. Check to make sure the filling is hot and the crust is crisp.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a slice of the pie in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. Remove and let it cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: Used to preheat and bake the pie at the specified temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Skillet: Used to cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and beaten egg.

• Pie dish: Used to hold the pie crust and the sausage and spinach mixture.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients in the mixing bowl and to transfer the mixture into the pie crust.

• Knife: Used to cut the pie into slices after it has cooled.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for cutting the pie.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure any additional spices or seasonings if needed.

• Colander: Used to drain the thawed spinach.

• Paper towels: Used to pat dry the spinach after draining to remove excess moisture.

• Whisk: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.

Prepare the filling ahead: Cook the sausage and mix it with spinach, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and egg the night before.

Use pre-made crust: Opt for a store-bought pie crust to save time on preparation.

Thaw spinach quickly: Use the microwave to thaw the frozen spinach in minutes.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze one pie for a future meal.

Preheat oven early: Turn on the oven before starting to cook the sausage to save time.