A savory pie layered with caramelized onions, crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping — the perfect comfort dish for brunch, dinner, or potlucks.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Dietary: Comfort food, Crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
For the crust:
-
One pre-baked deep 9-inch pie shell
For the filling:
-
8–6 thick slices of bacon – fried crisp and chopped
-
2 medium tomatoes – thinly sliced
-
1 large yellow onion – very thinly sliced
For the topping:
-
Mozzarella cheese – shredded (1 ½ cups)
-
Mayonnaise (½ cup)
-
Sour cream (½ cup)
-
All-purpose flour (1 tbsp)
-
Garlic powder (½ tsp)
-
Salt (¼ tsp)
-
Black pepper (¼ tsp)
For garnish (optional):
-
Fresh parsley or chives – chopped (1 tbsp)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack (to catch drips).
-
Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook onion slices in a little bacon grease until soft and golden brown (about 10 minutes). Let cool slightly.
-
Layer the filling: In the pre-baked pie shell, layer half the onions, half the tomatoes, and half the bacon. Repeat with remaining onions, tomatoes, and bacon.
-
Make the topping: In a bowl, mix mozzarella, mayonnaise, sour cream, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
-
Assemble & bake: Spread the topping evenly over the layered filling. Bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
-
Cool & serve: Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley or chives before slicing.
Quick Notes & Pro Tips
-
Pre-bake the crust: Ensures a crisp base that holds up to the filling.
-
Onions: Slow-cook them for deeper flavor.
-
Tomatoes: Pat slices dry to avoid excess moisture in the pie.
-
Serving tip: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing so it holds its shape.
Why You’ll Love It
This pie combines layers of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and fresh tomatoes with a creamy, cheesy topping that bakes up golden and bubbly. It’s hearty enough for dinner but elegant enough for brunch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prepping the Filling
-
Fry bacon until crisp. Caramelize onions in the rendered grease for rich flavor.
2. Layering the Pie
-
Onion, tomato, bacon — twice for even flavor distribution.
3. Mixing the Topping
-
Whip together the creamy mixture with mozzarella for a tangy, cheesy finish.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
-
Cheese: Try cheddar or a mozzarella–Parmesan mix for more depth.
-
Sour cream: Swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter topping.
-
Crust: Use homemade pie dough or a store-bought pastry shell.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
-
Add a kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
-
Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
-
Serving idea: Pair with a fresh green salad or serve as a side to grilled meats.
Storage & Make-Ahead
-
Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Warm slices in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to keep the crust crisp.
-
Make-ahead: Pre-cook bacon and onions and assemble layers a day ahead; bake fresh.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different cheese?
A: Yes — sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend adds great flavor.
Q: Can I make this crustless?
A: Yes — pour filling into a greased pie dish and bake until set.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy crust?
A: Pat tomatoes dry and pre-bake the crust thoroughly.
Personal Note
This pie is inspired by classic Southern tomato pie but takes it up a notch with caramelized onions and smoky bacon. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at family gatherings.
Your turn!
Tried this Bacon, Tomato & Onion Pie? Leave a review or tag me on social media — I’d love to see your version!
Would you like me to make a “breakfast version” (with eggs for a quiche-like texture) or turn this into individual mini pies for parties?