1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and choose your crust option (hash brown crust, puff pastry crust, or traditional pie crust). Prepare the crust by thawing, pressing, and pre-baking as specified in the recipe.
2. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F after pre-baking the crust to ensure even cooking when the pie is assembled.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook your chosen protein (sausage or bacon) along with finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Remove from heat.
4. Whisk eggs with heavy cream or whole milk and add salt and pepper to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
5. Start assembling the pie. Layer the cooked sausage or bacon mixture onto the prepared crust. Add any additional vegetables and evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring it completely covers the fillings.
7. Transfer the pie to the oven and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set.
8. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for several minutes to cool and set before slicing.
9. Slice and serve warm, or store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals. Reheat as needed.