There’s something truly magical about a dish that embodies comfort, warmth, and incredible flavor all in one go. For me, this Savory Tomato Pie with Bacon & Onion is precisely that. Imagine a flaky, pre-baked pie crust filled with layers of crispy turkey bacon, sweet sautéed onions, juicy ripe tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy base that melts into pure perfection. It’s a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to bring to life, making it perfect for sharing at a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that the best food tells a story, and this tomato pie tells a tale of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. What I particularly love about this recipe is its delightful balance. The saltiness of the turkey bacon perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions, while the fresh tomatoes add a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the creamy cheese filling.
It’s a fantastic way to celebrate fresh, seasonal tomatoes, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round. Plus, it’s a dish that looks impressive but is incredibly straightforward to assemble, making you look like a culinary wizard without all the fuss.
Ingredients
To create this savory masterpiece, gather these ingredients:
- 1 deep-dish pie crust, pre-baked
- 6–8 slices halal-certified turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Pie Crust: Using a pre-baked deep-dish pie crust saves a lot of time and ensures a crispy bottom. If you prefer to make your own, go for it!
- Halal Turkey Bacon: The recipe specifically calls for halal-certified turkey bacon, which provides a savory, smoky flavor. If you don’t require halal, regular pork bacon or beef bacon can also be used, cooked until crisp.
- Onions: A large yellow onion is ideal for its sweetness when sautéed. White onions would also work.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Slicing them thinly ensures they cook down nicely and release just enough moisture without making the pie soggy. Removing some of the seeds can help reduce excess liquid, too.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is great for its meltiness, but you could also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor, or even some Parmesan for a nutty bite.
- Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This combination creates the rich, tangy base. Full-fat versions will give the best flavor and texture.
- Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley add a lovely fresh finish and a pop of color. Don’t skip them if you have them!
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven & Prep Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the halal turkey bacon in a skillet until it’s perfectly crisp. Once cooked, remove it from the pan, crumble it into small pieces, and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet (or a clean one), sauté the thinly sliced yellow onion over medium heat until it becomes soft, translucent, and slightly caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes.
- Assemble the Pie: Take your pre-baked deep-dish pie crust. Spread the creamy mayo mixture evenly over the bottom of the crust.
- Layer Ingredients: Now, begin layering! Arrange the crumbled cooked turkey bacon, followed by the sautéed onions, then the thinly sliced tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Add Garnish (Optional): If you desire, sprinkle the chopped fresh chives or parsley over the top of the pie for added freshness and color before baking.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The pie is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This step is crucial, as it allows the filling to set and prevents it from being too runny. About 10-15 minutes of cooling time is usually sufficient.
Tips for Success
- Pre-bake the Crust: Don’t skip pre-baking your pie crust! This prevents a soggy bottom and ensures a perfectly flaky base.
- Drain Tomatoes: For juicier tomatoes, you might want to lightly salt the slices and let them sit on paper towels for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the pie. This draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery pie. Pat them dry before layering.
- Even Layers: Try to distribute your layers evenly so every slice gets a good mix of all the delicious components.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the pie towards the end of the baking time. You want the cheese golden, not burnt.
- Resting Time: The cooling period is important for the pie to set. Resist the urge to cut into it too soon!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Savory Tomato Pie is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also shines as part of a larger spread:
- Main Course: Serve a generous slice with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Brunch or Lunch: It’s a fantastic addition to a brunch buffet or a light lunch.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: This pie travels well and is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
- Complementary Dishes: Pair it with other comforting classics. It would be a wonderful side to This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or even a hearty serving of Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce. For a lighter accompaniment, consider a simple tomato-based side like This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor (omitting the sausage for a vegetarian option).
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Savory Tomato Pie can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to warm individual slices in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until heated through and the crust crisps up again. Microwaving is an option for quick reheating, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comforting, savory flavors of this pie, you might also love these other hearty and delicious recipes from Chef Maniac:
- For another incredibly comforting and flavorful dish, try This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- And if you’re looking for an easy, cheesy appetizer that’s always a hit, check out Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Tomato Pie with Bacon & Onion is a true gem of a recipe. It’s a comforting classic that brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or as the star of your next gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress with its delicious layers and satisfying taste.
Have you ever made a savory pie before? What are your favorite fillings? Let me know in the comments below! And for more amazing recipes that bring comfort and joy to your table, be sure to follow Chef Maniac and Jason Griffith.
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