Bacon Onion Tomato Pie

I first encountered this incredible pie at a church potluck in Georgia about ten years ago. An elderly woman named Miss Betty brought it, and I watched as people kept going back for seconds and thirds. When I asked her for the recipe, she smiled and said it had been in her family for three generations. The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity – you're essentially creating a savory custard that holds together bacon, onions, and tomatoes in perfect harmony. The pie crust provides that essential buttery, flaky foundation, while the filling becomes this luxurious, almost quiche-like texture. What makes it special is how the bacon releases its smoky flavor into the custard as it bakes, the onions add natural sweetness, and the tomatoes provide bright, fresh contrast. The cheese melts throughout, creating pockets of gooey goodness. When you slice into it, you should see distinct layers – the golden crust, the creamy custard studded with bacon and onions, and those beautiful tomato slices on top. It's comfort food that looks elegant enough for company but tastes like home.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I love about Southern cooking – taking humble, everyday ingredients and transforming them into something that brings people together. I love that it's versatile enough to serve any time of day, from breakfast to dinner. There's something deeply satisfying about the contrast of textures: the crispy bacon against the silky custard, the flaky crust supporting all those rich flavors. I appreciate how forgiving this recipe is – if your tomatoes are a bit watery, no problem; if your bacon isn't perfectly crispy, it'll still be delicious. But what I love most is how this pie makes my house smell while it's baking. That combination of bacon, onions, and cheese creates an aroma that has my family wandering into the kitchen asking when it'll be ready. It's also become my go-to recipe when I need to bring something to a gathering because it travels well, can be served warm or at room temperature, and always gets rave reviews. Every time I make it, I think of Miss Betty and how food can carry memories and traditions forward.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Bacon: Cook until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble into bite-sized pieces
• Onions: Slice thinly and caramelize in butter until golden brown and sweet
• Tomatoes: Slice into 1/4-inch rounds and pat dry with paper towels
• Cheddar cheese: Shred fresh from block for best melting, divided into two portions
• Eggs: Bring to room temperature and whisk into mayonnaise mixture
• Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest custard texture

Let's Make These Together

Prep Your Pie Foundation

Start by preheating your oven and getting that pie crust settled into your pan. This savory pie needs a sturdy base, so make sure to press the crust firmly into all the corners and create a nice crimped edge. Pricking the bottom prevents those annoying air bubbles that can ruin your presentation. While the crust chills in the fridge, you're setting yourself up for success.

Create the Bacon Magic

Time to make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible! Cook that bacon until it's perfectly crispy – we're talking golden brown with just the right amount of crunch. Don't throw away all that bacon grease; save a tablespoon to cook your onions in. This is where the flavor magic happens. Add butter to the bacon grease and let those onions slowly caramelize until they're sweet, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Whip Up the Custard

This is the secret to getting that creamy, luxurious texture that makes this pie so special. Whisking together mayonnaise and eggs might seem unusual, but trust the process – it creates the most amazing custard base. The cheese gets mixed right in, and that dried basil adds a subtle herby note that brings everything together. Make sure everything is smooth and well combined.

Layer with Love

Now comes the fun part – building your pie! Start with those gorgeous caramelized onions as your foundation, then scatter half the bacon crumbles. Arrange your tomato slices in a pretty overlapping pattern – this is what people will see when they cut into it, so make it beautiful. Pour that custard mixture over everything, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies.

The Grand Finale

Top everything with the remaining bacon and cheese – this creates that irresistible golden-brown crust everyone will fight over. Slide it into the oven and wait for the magic to happen. You'll know it's done when the center barely jiggles and the top is gorgeously golden. Let it cool before slicing so the custard can set properly.

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Switch Things Up

I'll never forget the first time I made this pie for a summer potluck. I was nervous because everyone else was bringing typical BBQ sides, and here I was with a savory pie. But the moment I sliced into it and people saw those gorgeous layers, I had a crowd around my dish. One friend actually took a photo before taking her slice! The combination of that crispy bacon with the sweet onions was an instant hit. Now, I make this pie at least once a month, and I've started experimenting with different cheeses – Gruyere adds an amazing nutty flavor, while pepper jack gives it a spicy kick. My husband requests it for his birthday every year instead of cake. Sometimes I'll use heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market when they're in season, and those add such beautiful color and flavor. I've also learned that pre-cooking the onions until they're deeply caramelized makes all the difference – that extra sweetness balances the salty bacon perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

This Bacon Onion Tomato Pie pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit and a glass of mimosa or freshly squeezed orange juice. If you're making it for dinner, roasted asparagus or green beans make excellent companions, and a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy custard perfectly. For a Southern-style spread, add some coleslaw and sweet tea to round out the meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a homemade pie crust instead?

Absolutely! A homemade butter pie crust will taste even better. Just make sure to blind bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.

→ How do I prevent the pie from being watery?

The key is patting your tomato slices dry with paper towels before adding them to the pie. You can also salt them lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry again before using.

→ Can I make this pie vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or extra caramelized onions for depth of flavor. You might want to add a bit of smoked paprika to replace that smoky bacon flavor.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. The pie actually tastes great cold too!

→ Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

→ What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Gruyere adds a nutty, sophisticated flavor, Swiss cheese is mild and melts beautifully, pepper jack gives a spicy kick, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan creates a different but delicious flavor profile.

→ My custard didn't set properly. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the pie wasn't baked long enough or if there was too much moisture from the tomatoes. Make sure to bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, and always pat your tomatoes dry before adding them.

Conclusion

This Bacon Onion Tomato Pie is more than just a recipe – it's a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and fresh tomatoes nestled in a creamy custard is pure comfort on a plate. Whether you're serving it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this pie proves that Southern cooking knows how to turn everyday ingredients into something memorable. The best part? It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or bringing to gatherings where you want to impress without stress.