Perfect Bacon Onion Tomato Pie Recipe

Nothing beats the comfort of a perfectly crafted bacon onion tomato pie when you want to impress family and friends with minimal effort. This savory masterpiece combines crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and juicy fresh tomatoes nestled in a golden, flaky pie crust that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you're planning a weekend brunch, potluck gathering, or simply craving some serious comfort food, this bacon onion tomato pie delivers every single time.

I've been perfecting this bacon onion tomato pie recipe for years, and trust me when I say it's become the star of every dinner table. The secret lies in properly layering each ingredient and allowing the flavors to meld together during baking, creating that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes that make this bacon onion tomato pie absolutely irresistible.

Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out

This particular bacon onion tomato pie recipe has deep roots in Southern comfort cooking, where savory pies have been bringing families together for generations. What makes this version special is the careful balance of ingredients and the technique used to prevent the dreaded soggy bottom that plagues many tomato-based pies. The combination of pre-cooking the bacon to crispy perfection and properly draining the tomatoes creates a bacon onion tomato pie that holds its shape beautifully while maintaining incredible flavor.

Unlike other versions you might find, this bacon onion tomato pie recipe incorporates a mayonnaise-based binding that not only adds richness but also helps create that signature creamy texture that Southern cooks swear by. The caramelized onions add a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky bacon and bright acidity of the tomatoes, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Perfect Pairings for Your Next Meal
• Related
• Pairing
• Bacon & Heirloom Tomato Pie Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• Thick-cut bacon, diced
• Large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• Medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Fresh chives, chopped
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes using pie weights or dried beans.
3. Slice tomatoes and lay them on paper towels, sprinkling with salt to draw out excess moisture.
4. Let tomatoes drain for 30 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Cook the Bacon and Onions

1. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. In the same pan with bacon fat, add sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
4. Season onions with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Create the Creamy Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and eggs until smooth.
2. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and thyme to the mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. This creamy base will bind all the flavors together in your bacon onion tomato pie.

Assemble and Bake

1. Layer half of the caramelized onions in the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
2. Add half of the tomato slices, overlapping slightly, then sprinkle with half the bacon.
3. Pour half of the creamy filling over the layers, then repeat with remaining ingredients.
4. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and set.

Expert Cooking Tips

Preventing Soggy Crust: The key to avoiding a soggy bottom in your bacon onion tomato pie is proper moisture control. Always salt your tomato slices and let them drain for at least 30 minutes before using. This simple step removes excess water that could make your crust mushy.

Perfect Bacon Texture: Cook your bacon until it's crispy but not burnt. You want pieces that will maintain their texture throughout the baking process while still contributing that smoky flavor to every bite.

Caramelization Secrets: Take your time with the onions; proper caramelization takes patience. Cook them low and slow until they're golden brown and sweet. This process usually takes 15-20 minutes but creates incredible depth of flavor.

Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the internal temperature should reach 160°F. This prevents overcooking while making sure the egg mixture is properly set.

Cooling Time: Allow your bacon onion tomato pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the filling set up properly and makes serving much easier.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Cheese Alternatives: While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with different cheeses to customize your bacon onion tomato pie. Try Gruyere for a nutty flavor, or combine cheddar with a bit of Parmesan for extra sharpness.

Vegetarian Version: Replace the bacon with roasted mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. The smoky flavor can be maintained by adding a touch of smoked paprika to the filling mixture.

Herb Variations: Fresh basil pairs beautifully with tomatoes, while oregano adds a Mediterranean touch. Experiment with different herb combinations to make this bacon onion tomato pie your own.

Crust Options: For a lighter version, try using a phyllo dough crust or even a hash brown crust for something completely different. Each variation brings its own unique texture and flavor profile.

Equipment Recommendations

A 9-inch deep-dish pie pan is essential for this bacon onion tomato pie recipe, as it provides enough space for all the delicious layers. Cast iron skillets work wonderfully for both cooking the bacon and onions, and they can even serve as your baking dish if you prefer a rustic presentation.

Essential Tools:

• Large skillet for bacon and onions
• Sharp knife for clean tomato slices
• Paper towels for draining ingredients
• Whisk for smooth filling mixture
• Pie weights for blind baking

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover bacon onion tomato pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day, making leftovers incredibly delicious.

Freezing Instructions: This pie freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare all components a day ahead; cook the bacon, caramelize the onions, and drain the tomatoes. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake the next day.

Reheating Guidelines: For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes rather than using the microwave. This helps maintain the crust's texture and prevents the filling from becoming watery.

FAQ

Perfect Pairings for Your Next Meal

This incredible bacon onion tomato pie pairs beautifully with other Southern-inspired dishes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients. Consider serving it alongside our famous Fried Green Tomatoes for a double dose of tomato goodness that showcases this versatile fruit in completely different preparations. The crispy, tangy fried green tomatoes provide a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy, savory bacon onion tomato pie, creating a meal that celebrates the best of Southern comfort cooking.

For those looking to extend their tomato appreciation beyond pie, our homemade Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce offers another way to make the most of peak tomato season. While the bacon onion tomato pie serves as a satisfying main course, the pasta sauce can be prepared simultaneously using any extra tomatoes, creating multiple meals from your garden harvest or farmer's market haul.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Kaitlyn Reed

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Pairing

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