Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sausage & Bacon Breakfast Pie?
It is a hearty breakfast dish filled with pork sausage, crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and extra-sharp cheddar cheese, all baked in a golden, flaky homemade crust.
What meats are included in this breakfast pie recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of crumbled pork sausage and 1/2 lb of thick-sliced bacon.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I make the homemade pie crust?
Combine flour and salt, cut in butter flavor shortening until it looks like small peas, and then gradually mix in ice-cold water until the dough is soft.
How long should the pie dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage and bacon?
No, the instructions specify not to drain the fat after cooking the meats to maintain flavor.
What herbs and spices are used to season the eggs?
The egg mixture is seasoned with black pepper, paprika, basil, and sage.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
What size pie plate should be used?
This recipe is designed for a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
How do I prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?
Brush the bottom crust with some of the whisked egg yolk to help seal it before adding the filling.
Why should I poke holes in the bottom of the crust?
Poking holes with a fork prevents the crust from bubbling up while it bakes.
How thick should the pie crust be rolled out?
The crust should be rolled out to approximately 1/8-inch thickness.
What is the purpose of the 'X' cut on the top crust?
Cutting vent slices in an 'X' shape allows steam to escape during the baking process.
How do I achieve a golden finish on the top of the pie?
Brush the top crust with the remaining whisked egg yolk before putting it in the oven.
How long does the breakfast pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?
The pie is done when the crust is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use store-bought crust instead of homemade?
While the recipe emphasizes a homemade crust with butter flavor shortening, a store-bought deep-dish crust can be used as a substitute.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
The filling requires 6 large eggs, plus an additional 2 egg yolks for brushing the crust.
What kind of flour is best for the crust?
All-purpose flour is used for this pie crust recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a filling meal that works well for breakfast or brunch, and the leftovers make a great late-night snack.
What tool is used to incorporate shortening into the flour?
You can use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the shortening into the flour mixture.
What type of shortening is used for the crust?
Butter flavor shortening is used to give the crust a rich flavor and flaky texture.
How much water is needed for the crust dough?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of ice-cold water.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cook the thick-sliced bacon in a skillet until crisp, then crumble it for the filling.
When should the cheese be added to the pie?
Layer the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat and egg mixture before placing the top crust.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried basil and sage?
While the recipe implies dried spices, you can use fresh herbs, though you may need to adjust the quantities.
Is the egg mixture whisked before adding it to the crust?
Yes, whisk the eggs with the spices until they are fluffy before pouring them over the meat.
What happens if I don't use ice-cold water for the crust?
Ice-cold water is essential to keep the shortening from melting, which ensures the crust stays flaky rather than tough.
How do I join the top and bottom crusts together?
Trim any excess dough and pinch the top and bottom crusts together to create a seal.
Is this a savory or sweet breakfast dish?
As the name suggests, this is a savory dish featuring meat, eggs, cheese, and spices.