INGREDIENTS
Sausage: 1 pound of ground sausage, preferably a flavorful variety like sage or spicy, to give the dish a robust, savory base.
Milk: 2 cups of whole milk, which helps create a creamy and luscious gravy that coats the sausage perfectly.
Flour: 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, essential for thickening the gravy to the right consistency, ensuring it’s rich and smooth.
Seasonings: A blend of 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground sage, and an optional 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. These spices balance the richness of the gravy and enhance the overall flavor.
Puff Pastry: 1 package of puff pastry, thawed (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious), which provides a crispy, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy gravy underneath.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Gravy
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once the sausage is fully cooked and no pink remains, sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage. Stir the flour into the sausage, allowing it to absorb the fat and create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 2: Create the Gravy
Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As the gravy simmers, it will thicken. Stir frequently, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning. After about 5 minutes, once the gravy has thickened, season it with salt, pepper, sage, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once done, set the gravy aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, allowing some overhang around the edges. Gently press the pastry into the dish. Pour the slightly cooled sausage gravy into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and place it over the top of the gravy. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. If the edges of the pastry brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the gravy to set slightly, making for cleaner slices.
