Tomato Cheddar and Bacon Pie is a one-of-a-kind savory pie that’s bursting with flavor. While it’s delicious any time of year, it truly shines in summer when tomatoes are at their peak. A flaky, easy-to-make crust holds layers of juicy tomatoes, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar, creating a comforting dish that’s as simple as it is irresistible.
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🍅 The Ingredients
With just a handful of simple ingredients, juicy tomatoes, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet red onions bake together in a flaky crust to create an unforgettable savory pie. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
👉 Substitutions and Variations
- Pie Dough: Use homemade pie dough for the flakiest, most flavorful crust, or swap in a quality store-bought crust for convenience.
- Cheese: Replace sharp cheddar with mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon: Try pancetta, prosciutto, or even turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Tomatoes: Use heirloom, cherry, or plum tomatoes depending on what’s in season.
- Onions: Swap red onions for sweet onions, shallots, or green onions for a milder taste.
- Herbs: Add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to brighten up the flavors.
- Vegetarian Variation: Skip the bacon and add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms instead.
🥓 Tips & Tricks for the Best Tomato Cheddar and Bacon Pie
- Prevent a soggy crust: Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out excess moisture before layering them in the pie.
- Blind bake the crust: Pre-bake your homemade pie dough (or store-bought) for 10–12 minutes to keep the bottom crisp.
- Layer smartly: Place a thin layer of cheese on the crust before adding tomatoes—this creates a barrier that helps lock in flavor and protect the crust.
- Use ripe but firm tomatoes: Overly juicy tomatoes can release too much liquid, so choose ones that are ripe but not mushy.
- Cheese matters: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor, but mixing in a little mozzarella or Gruyère adds creaminess and melt.
- Cool slightly before slicing: Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes after baking so the filling sets and slices come out neatly.
👩🏼🍳 How to Make Tomato Cheddar and Bacon Pie
- Step 1: Cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 2: Blind-bake the pie dough in a pie dish and then line it with tomato slices seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Add a layer of red onion slices and top with a layer of shredded cheddar.
- Step 4: Add another layer of tomatoes, onions, and cheese. Top with crispy bacon.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake pie for 30 minutes. Cover with foil if the bacon is starting to brown.
- Step 6: Cool on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before slicing.
🍽️ How to Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a crisp green salad.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a light summer meal.
- Add a side of grilled vegetables for a heartier dinner.
- Slice into smaller squares and serve as an appetizer or brunch dish.
Expert Tips
Here are some easy and inviting drink pairings for this delicious savory pie:
- White wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Red wine: A light Pinot Noir complements the smoky, savory flavors without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Beer: A crisp lager or pale ale cuts through the richness and pairs beautifully with cheddar.
- Non-alcoholic: Freshly brewed iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with herbs (like basil or mint) keeps it refreshing.
- Cocktail: A classic Bloody Mary echoes the tomato flavors and makes a fun brunch pairing.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the pie a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also bake it fully, cool it, and reheat it gently before serving.
Pat the tomatoes dry, salt them to draw out moisture, and blind bake the crust before adding the filling. A layer of cheese on the bottom also helps protect the crust.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze a baked pie. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crisp.
Ready to make the best savory pie in town? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon
Tomato Cheddar and Bacon Pie
Video
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
Ingredients
- 1 pie dough
- 6 slices bacon thick cut, roughly chopped
- 3 large ripe tomatoes preferably heirloom, cut into ¼-inch slices
- Salt and pepper
- 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Roll the dough out to 12 inches and fit it into the pie dish. Add a layer of parchment paper and top with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment and allow the crust to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes.1 pie dough
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, and set aside to cool on paper towels.6 slices bacon
- Use a paper towel to pat the sliced tomatoes dry. Place a layer of tomato slices on the bottom of the pre-cooked crust and season with salt and pepper.3 large ripe tomatoes, Salt and pepper
- Top with a layer of onion slices and half of the cheese.1 medium red onion, 2 cups cheddar cheese
- Repeat this process.
- Place the bacon over the top layer of onion and cheese.
- Place in a 350°F oven and bake for 30 minutes. Cover with foil if the bacon starts to brown too much.
- Remove from oven and place on a wire rack and allow to cool slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Claire says
I would make this again in a heartbeat. This has such a wonderful medley of flavors. After watching the Southern Tomato Pie video I got nervous making this and I roasted the tomatoes. That certainly didn’t hurt anything and everyone enjoyed this as an appetizer. Excellent recipe!!!
All the best!
Claire
Kris Longwell says
Hi Claire! We are so excited you made the tomato cheddar bacon pie! That has been of our favorites for years and we are thrilled you made it and had such great success! Thank you for sharing and for the GREAT review! That truly means so very much to us! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Maegan says
World peace may come from this pie!!! It is alllllllllllllllways well received, even when I am not. Today it was suggested that I figure out how to mass produce it for sale. The cheater frozen pie crusts would help in that effort as I am not a great baker. The oven must know that I do not need the extra sugar and calories :).
Maegan says
World peace may come from this pie!!! It is alllllllllllllllways well received, even when I am not. Today it was suggested that I figure out how to mass produce it for sale. The cheater frozen pie crusts would help in that effort as I am not a great baker. The oven must know that I do not need the extra sugar and calories :).
Kris Longwell says
Hi Maegan!!! Woo hoo!!!! We are THRILLED you are loving the tomato cheddar bacon pie! We agree…it’s the bomb!! Thank you for letting us know and for the awesome review!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
leaf blower says
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the finest blogs on the web.
I am going to recommend this blog!
CakePants says
Ohh my goodness, this pie looks simply divine! I bet this would make a great addition to a brunch spread!
The Loon says
It is perfect for brunch! Love your blog, CakePants!