A Southern-Inspired Savory Pie Bursting with Summer Flavors
If you love the comforting flavors of a BLT and fresh summer tomatoes, this Bacon Onion Tomato Pie is going to become your new favorite. Perfectly savory with a hint of sweetness from ripe tomatoes, creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a crunchy cracker topping, this pie is everything you didn’t know you needed.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Southern comfort in every bite
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Perfect for fresh garden tomatoes
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Easy to make with everyday ingredients
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A great twist on the classic BLT
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Ideal for brunches, potlucks, or light dinners
Whether you’re new to tomato pies or a seasoned fan, this recipe combines rich, savory layers and crispy textures that are truly irresistible.
🧄 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pie:
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1 9-inch pie shell
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5 large tomatoes, peeled and sliced
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4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
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1 sweet onion, sliced or chopped
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 Tbsp milk
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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¼ cup Ritz crackers, crushed
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2 tsp butter, melted
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2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced for garnish
🥧 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the bottom of the pie shell with a fork and pre-bake it for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Bacon
Fry the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, chop into small pieces, and set aside.
3. Layer Tomatoes and Onions
Peel and slice the tomatoes. Place a layer of tomatoes in the pie shell, sprinkle with onions, salt, and pepper. Repeat with a second layer.
4. Mix the Creamy Filling
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and milk. Spread this mixture evenly over the tomato layers.
5. Add Crunchy Topping
Combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the pie.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Let the pie cool slightly, then top with sliced green onions. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
🔎 You Must Know
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Tomatoes contain a lot of moisture, which can make your pie watery. Slice them ahead of time, sprinkle with salt, and lay them on paper towels to drain for 20–30 minutes before using.
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You can also seed the tomatoes for an even drier pie.
🕓 Make Ahead and Storage
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Make Ahead: Assemble the pie (excluding cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
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Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes for best texture.
🍅 Seasonal Variations
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Summer: Use heirloom tomatoes or a mix of red and yellow varieties for extra flavor.
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Fall: Try adding roasted bell peppers or caramelized onions.
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Winter: Swap fresh tomatoes for oven-roasted canned tomatoes when out of season.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a side salad for a light meal.
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Perfect for brunch alongside fruit and mimosas.
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Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea.
❄️ No-Bake Alternative
Craving the flavor without turning on the oven? Try this easy no-bake version:
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Use a pre-baked or store-bought pie crust.
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Replace fresh tomatoes with sun-dried or roasted ones.
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Chill the tomato-bacon-cheese-mayo mixture in the crust and serve cold, like a savory tart.
🔥 Pro Tips
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Use a sharp cheddar for a bold flavor.
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Layer wisely: alternate tomatoes and onions evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
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Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
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Try flavored Ritz (like garlic or herb) for a twist on the topping.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Bacon Onion Tomato Pie?
It’s not recommended. Tomatoes and mayo-based fillings don’t freeze well and can become watery.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes! A refrigerated or frozen 9-inch pie shell works perfectly for this recipe.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for variety.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply skip the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian bacon alternative or roasted mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Onion Tomato Pie is more than just a Southern tradition—it’s a warm, cheesy, flavor-packed dish that brings people together. Make it for brunch, dinner, or your next summer get-together and watch it disappear slice by slice.
