This Easy Savory Summer Squash Pie is a warm and cheesy delight perfect for sunny days. With fresh squash, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this pie. I love serving it with a simple salad. It’s like a taste of summer on your plate, and who can resist that? 🌻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Summer Squash: Both yellow and green squash work well in this pie. If you’re out of squash, zucchini is a great substitute. You can also try using eggplant for a unique flavor.
Cheese: I like using a mix of cheddar and feta for some tanginess, but feel free to swap in mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer milder flavors. Vegan cheese options are also available if you’re dairy-free!
Pie Crust: A store-bought crust is convenient, but you can use a homemade one if you have the time. You can also substitute a gluten-free pie crust if needed.
Sausage or Bacon: This is optional, but I find it adds great flavor. You can replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Ensure the Vegetables Are Just Right?
Getting the veggies cooked perfectly is key to a great pie. Start by sautéing onions until soft before adding squash and tomatoes. This builds flavor. Keep it to medium heat so the squash doesn’t get mushy; you want them tender but still with a bite!
- Cook onions for 3-4 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic.
- Once you add the squash and tomatoes, stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes.
- Season as you go—it enhances the overall taste of the pie.
Letting the mixture cool a bit before adding it to the pie crust prevents the crust from getting soggy. Enjoy the cooking process!
Easy Savory Summer Squash Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 prepared pie crust (9-inch)
- 2 medium summer squash (yellow and green), diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or bacon pieces (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory summer squash pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to whip up this delicious dish. It’s quick enough to make for a weekday dinner, but fancy enough to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pie will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Place your prepared pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. This will be the base for all your yummy fillings. Set it aside while you work on the rest of the ingredients.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion softens, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the minced garlic, diced summer squash, and diced tomato. Stir everything together and cook until the veggies are tender; this will take approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste.
4. Mix in the Meat (Optional):
If you’re using sausage or bacon, stir in the cooked pieces now and allow them to heat through for another minute. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they’re well combined. This will be the custard that holds everything together.
6. Assemble the Pie:
Spread the vegetable and meat mixture evenly over the pie crust. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled feta on top. Finally, pour the egg and milk mixture over everything. It’s all coming together now!
7. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake it for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell divine!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This makes slicing a lot easier. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your savory slice of summer goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Pie?
Absolutely! While summer squash and tomatoes are great, you can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they’re tender.
Can I Make This Pie Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage or bacon. Consider adding more veggies or using a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh for added texture and nutrients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal!
Can I Freeze This Pie?
Yes! You can freeze the pie either before baking or after it’s cooked. If freezing unbaked, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and eat it within 2-3 months. If baked, let it cool completely before wrapping. Thaw in the fridge before baking from frozen or reheating to serve.
