Southern Tomato Bacon Pie (Printer-Friendly)

Fresh tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and herbs baked together in a savory deep-dish crust.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 2-3 medium tomatoes, sliced
02 - 1 9-inch deep dish frozen pie crust, baked according to package instructions

→ Vegetables and Herbs

03 - ½ cup green onions, chopped
04 - ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Protein and Dairy

05 - ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
07 - ½ cup mayonnaise

→ Seasoning

08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Allow the frozen pie crust to defrost at room temperature for 10 minutes. Prick the crust surface with a fork to prevent puffing during baking. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes following package directions. Let cool slightly and reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
02 - Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly over the bottom of the baked pie crust. Season the tomato layer with freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Sprinkle chopped green onions, basil, and crumbled bacon evenly over the tomatoes.
04 - In a bowl, stir together mayonnaise and shredded cheese until combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the pie crust.
05 - Bake the pie at 350°F (177°C) for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown. If the crust edges brown excessively, cover them with aluminum foil during baking.
06 - Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing to serve.

# Extra Tips:

01 - To avoid a soggy crust, consider blotting tomato slices with paper towels to absorb excess moisture before layering. Using shredded cheese at the bottom of the crust can also help create a moisture barrier.