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Sausage, Roasted Red Pepper, and Spinach Torta Rustica

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This savoury sausage, roasted red pepper, and spinach torta rustica is a sophisticated take on a classic Italian bake. Combining the richness of Fontina cheese with sweet Italian sausage and vibrant peppers, it offers a wonderful depth of flavour and a satisfying, golden crust made from simple baguette slices. The custard, enriched with double cream, ensures a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the wilted spinach and browned meat.

As a high-protein dish, this torta is an excellent choice for a substantial weekend brunch or a nutritious midweek supper. It is easily prepared ahead of time and holds its shape perfectly when sliced, making it ideal for hosting friends or family. Serve it warm with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance the indulgent, savoury notes of the bake.

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Ingredients for Sausage, Roasted Red Pepper, and Spinach Torta Rustica

  • 16 1/4-inch-thick baguette slices, cut on slight diagonal

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 350g fresh baby spinach leaves

  • 450g sweet Italian sausage, casing removed

  • 170g grated Fontina cheese, divided

  • 90g diced drained roasted red peppers (from 350g jar)

  • 6 large eggs

  • 240ml double cream

  • 240ml whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper

How to make Sausage, Roasted Red Pepper, and Spinach Torta Rustica

Preheat oven to 177°C. Butter 8x8x2-inch baking dish. Place 8 baguette slices in bottom of dish; press 2 baguette slices onto each side. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add spinach; toss until just wilted, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to strainer; cool. Squeeze spinach dry. Transfer to medium bowl.

Heat same pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage. Sauté until cooked through, breaking up, about 7 minutes. Mix into spinach; mix in 1 cup cheese and peppers. Spread atop baguette slices in bottom of dish. Whisk eggs in medium bowl to blend.

Whisk in last 4 ingredients. Pour over spinach mixture and stir lightly with fork to distribute evenly. Sprinkle remaining 60g cheese over. Bake torta until puffed and golden and centre is set, about 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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