This Easy Homemade Bacon Onion Tomato Pie is a delightful mix of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and sweet onions, all baked in a flaky crust. It’s perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner!
Who doesn’t love bacon? It’s the star of this pie! I often whip it up when I want something comforting. It’s simple to make, and each slice is bursting with flavor and goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This is what gives the pie a delicious, smoky flavor. You can use turkey bacon for a lighter option or even omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are perfect for this pie, but you can substitute canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t an option. Just drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great kick. Feel free to switch it up with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses if you prefer something milder.
Half-and-Half: If you want a lighter version, you can replace half-and-half with skim milk or almond milk, though the texture might be slightly different.
How Do I Get the Pie Crust Just Right?
Getting a flaky pie crust can be simple with a few tips. First, ensure you keep your butter cold to create those lovely layers. If using a store-bought crust, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing it in the pie dish. This makes it easier to handle.
- Crimp the edges nicely for a professional look, and poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- For an extra crispy crust, bake it blind (without filling) for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
Easy Homemade Bacon Onion Tomato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pie will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and around 40-45 minutes to bake. Including resting time, you should plan for about an hour and 15 minutes total before serving. It’s a quick yet satisfying dish that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take your unbaked pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges for a nice look and set it aside. If you’re using a store-bought crust, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to make it easier to work with.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they’re nice and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels. After they cool down, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
4. Sauté the Onion:
Using the same skillet (with delicious bacon drippings!), sauté the chopped onion over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized. Take them off the heat when they’re done.
5. Mix the Egg Filling:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the four large eggs, half-and-half (or milk), salt, pepper, and flour until everything is well combined and smooth.
6. Layer Everything in the Pie Crust:
First, layer the cooked onions evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Then, add the chopped tomatoes over the onions, followed by the crumbled bacon. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Add the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over all the layered ingredients in the pie crust, making sure it spreads out evenly.
8. Optional Herbs:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for extra flavor and a pop of color.
9. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.
10. Rest Before Serving:
Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling to set up a bit more and makes it easier to serve!
Enjoy your flavorful, hearty Bacon Onion Tomato Pie! It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Just keep in mind that different cheeses can affect the creaminess and overall flavor of the pie.
What Should I Do If My Pie Crust Gets Overly Brown?
If your pie crust starts to brown too much before the filling is set, cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil. This will protect the crust from burning while the filling continues to bake.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance! Assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just note that you may need to increase the baking time slightly if it goes into the oven cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
