Introduction
Easter is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and what better way to do so than with a delicious Italian Sausage Easter Pie! This classic Italian dish is a savory pie filled with Italian sausage, cheese, eggs, and other delightful ingredients. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Recipe 1: Traditional Italian Sausage Easter Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped ham
- 1/2 cup chopped salami
- 1/2 cup chopped prosciutto
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 pie crusts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the sausage in a skillet; drain and cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the eggs, parsley, ham, salami, prosciutto, green onions, red bell pepper, and sausage to the mixture and stir well.
- Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second pie crust and place it on top of the mixture.
- Trim the excess crust and crimp the edges.
- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pie cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 464
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 213mg
- Sodium: 982mg
- Potassium: 253mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 23g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Equipment:
- Skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious Italian Sausage Easter Pie with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine for a perfect Easter meal.
Variations:
You can add or substitute the meats and vegetables in this recipe to suit your taste. For example, you can use bacon instead of ham or add spinach or mushrooms to the mixture.
Substitutions:
You can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor. You can also use feta cheese instead of ricotta cheese.
Storage:
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to drain the sausage well after browning it to avoid a greasy pie. You can also refrigerate the pie overnight before baking it for a firmer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze this pie before or after baking it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time.
Recipe 2: Low-Carb Italian Sausage Easter Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped orange bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the sausage in a skillet; drain and cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the eggs, parsley, green onions, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, mushrooms, and sausage to the mixture and stir well.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish with olive oil.
- Pour the mixture into the pie dish.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the pie is firm and golden brown.
- Let the pie cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 422
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
- Sodium: 732mg
- Potassium: 287mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 26g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- Sharp knife
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this low-carb Italian Sausage Easter Pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Variations:
You can add or substitute the vegetables in this recipe to suit your taste. For example, you can use zucchini or eggplant instead of mushrooms.
Substitutions:
You can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a lighter version of this recipe.
Storage:
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to drain the sausage well after browning it to avoid a greasy pie. You can also add some shredded cheese on top of the pie before baking it for a crispy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?
Yes, you can use almond flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Can I add more eggs?
Yes, you can add more eggs to make the pie firmer or less eggs to make it softer.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage Easter Pie is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones, this pie is sure to please. The traditional recipe is filled with savory meats and cheeses, while the low-carb version is packed with healthy vegetables