Imagine a dish that perfectly marries the savory crunch of bacon with the fresh, vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil—all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Welcome to the Country Tomato Bacon Pie, a delightful American classic that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering or a comforting meal to savor at home, this pie is sure to impress. With just a little prep and a dash of love, you'll create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie dish by lightly greasing it or spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Carefully place the pie crust into the prepared pie dish, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges decoratively using your fingers or a fork.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Wash and slice the tomatoes into thin, even rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Layer the bottom of the pie crust with half of the crumbled bacon, creating an even base.
- Arrange the tomato slices in overlapping circular patterns to cover the bacon layer completely.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped fresh basil. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the tomato slices, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles on top of the cheese layer.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the top is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal wedges and serve warm, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: For the best flavor, select ripe, juicy tomatoes. Heirloom varieties work particularly well, adding both taste and color to your pie.
- Dry the Tomatoes: Patting the tomato slices dry before layering them in the pie crust helps prevent a soggy bottom, ensuring your pie remains crispy and delicious.
- Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Let it Cool: Allow the pie to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Garnish with Fresh Basil: For an extra pop of flavor and presentation, garnish your pie with additional fresh basil before serving. It adds a lovely aroma and brightens up the dish!
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique twist on this traditional recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
