Tumbleweed Breakfast-Brunch Pie

1 skillet pie servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 35 m Total: 50 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Tumbleweed Breakfast-Brunch Pie
Hash brown breakfast pie with savory pork sausage, eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy hash browns all baked together in a skillet. Easy as pie and just as delicious for breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients

1 skillet pie servings
  • 1 lb pork sausage
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced fine
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 26 ounces frozen hash browns (thawed)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • Tabasco to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage, green onions, garlic, salt and black pepper in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 6 minutes or until sausage is browned. Drain and return to skillet.
  2. Add hash browns to the skillet, and cook over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Whisk together the eggs, milk, and 1 cup cheese; pour over sausage mixture in skillet and add Tabasco to taste. Sprinkle with the remaining cup of cheese.
  4. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes or until set (I like to wrap the handle of my skillet with aluminum foil). Garnish with chopped tomato.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my egg mixture not setting properly?

A: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F and that you've whisked the eggs and milk thoroughly. The pie should be set in the center when done - a knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes! You can brown the sausage and prep the ingredients the night before. In the morning, just assemble and bake. You can also bake it completely and reheat portions in the oven at 350°F.

Tips and Techniques

Wrapping the skillet handle with aluminum foil is important to prevent burns when removing from the oven. Make sure your skillet is truly ovenproof (no plastic or wooden handles). Thaw the hash browns completely and drain any excess moisture for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • pork sausage: turkey sausage or andouille sausage
  • sharp cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
  • frozen hash browns: freshly shredded potatoes
  • milk: half-and-half or heavy cream

Equipment Needed

  • 12-inch ovenproof skillet (cast iron works great)
  • Aluminum foil for wrapping skillet handle
  • Whisk
  • Large mixing bowl

Historical Context

Skillet breakfast pies became popular in the American South as an easy way to feed large families or crews. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple and the presentation impressive when brought straight from oven to table.