Homemade Bacon Onion Tomato Pie

Ingredients:

A single 9-inch pastry shell

5 large ripe tomatoes, skinned and cut into slices

4 pieces of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled

1 sweet onion, either thinly sliced or finely chopped

1 teaspoon of table salt

1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons of fresh milk

1/2 cup of your favorite mayonnaise

1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup of Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs

2 teaspoons of melted butter

A couple of fresh green onions (scallions), sliced thinly for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1:

Let’s start by preheating the oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C).

While the oven warms up we can prepare the pie crust.

Take a fork. Gently prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up while baking.

Place the pie crust in the oven.

Bake for around 10 minutes until it turns into a lovely light golden color.

Once done remove it from the oven.

Let it cool down for a bit.

Step 2:

In the meantime let’s get that bacon nice and crispy.

Grab your skillet. Cook the bacon over medium heat until it reaches perfect crispiness.

Use tongs to transfer it onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any grease.

After giving it some time to cool down crumble the bacon into pieces.

Set them aside for later.

Step 3:

Now comes the fun part – layering!

Take your sliced tomatoes.

Arrange them neatly on top of your baked pie crust.

Next evenly sprinkle chopped onion, salt, and pepper, over the tomatoes.

Double up on this deliciousness by adding another layer of sliced tomatoes and season again, with salt and pepper.

Step 4:

Start by preparing a mixture in a bowl.

Combine the creamy mayonnaise crispy bacon crumbs, finely shredded cheddar cheese, and milk.

Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed.

Gently spoon this blend over your layers of tomatoes and onions ensuring a distribution to bring out the perfect balance of flavors, in every bite.

Step 5:

Next let’s create a delightful crispy topping!

In another bowl mix together crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until they are fully combined.

Sprinkle this mixture over the surface of your pie.

Step 6:

It’s time to bake our masterpiece!

Return your pie to the oven that has been preheated and let it bake for 30 minutes

. Keep an eye, on it as you want the filling to become bubbly and the crust to achieve a brown color—these signs indicate it’s perfectly done.

Step 7:

Once you take the pie out of the oven while it’s still scatter thinly sliced green onions (also known as scallions) on top.

This will add a touch of color and bring flavor to your savory pie.

Step 8:

Now comes the hardest part – waiting!

Allow your pie to cool for a few minutes before serving it.

This step allows the pie to firm up making it more convenient to cut into slices.

After it has cooled down a bit go ahead.

Treat yourself to a slice. Sit back.

Savor the combination of flavors in your homemade Bacon Onion Tomato Pie.

You can enjoy it as a course or, as a side dish. It’s entirely up, to you!

Notes:

To make the Bacon Onion Tomato Pie gluten-free, you would need to make a few substitutions:

1. Gluten-Free Pie Crust: Opt, for a pie crust that is specifically labeled as gluten-free. You can find options in stores. If you prefer you can make your own using flour that is free from gluten.

2. Gluten-Free Bacon: While most bacon doesn’t contain gluten it’s important to check the seasonings and additives in brands just to be safe. Look for bacon that explicitly states it is gluten free on the packaging.

3. Gluten-Free Cracker Substitute: Replace Ritz crackers with your brand of gluten cracker. There are free options available, in the market that can be used as a suitable substitute. Remember to crush them well so they resemble the texture of Ritz crackers.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, you can definitely use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure it’s a single 9-inch pastry shell to match the recipe.

Can I use different types of cheese for the filling?

Absolutely, you can experiment with different cheeses according to your preference.

While the recipe calls for shredded sharp cheddar cheese, you could try other options like mozzarella, Swiss, or even a cheese blend.

Can I prepare the pie in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the layers and the filling in advance, but it’s recommended to bake the pie closer to the time you plan to serve it.

Assembling the pie ahead of time may result in a soggy crust due to the moisture from the tomatoes and onions.

Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of crushed Ritz crackers for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute fresh breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers.

Just make sure they are finely crushed and mixed with melted butter to create a crispy topping.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling, like herbs or spices?

Absolutely, you can customize the recipe by adding herbs or spices to the filling to enhance the flavor.

For example, you could add chopped fresh basil, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth of taste.

Can I use turkey bacon or another meat substitute?

Absolutely, you can use turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon as a substitute for the regular bacon.

This can be a great option for those looking for a leaner or non-meat option.

Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise or looking for a healthier alternative, you could consider using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for the mayo.

This might slightly alter the flavor, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I freeze the Bacon Onion Tomato Pie?

Freezing the pie might compromise the texture of the filling and the crust, especially the creamy and cheesy components.

It’s recommended to enjoy the pie when it’s freshly baked for the best results.