Savory Tomato, Bacon and Cheddar Pie

If you love fresh tomatoes, this is a treat that is worth the extra effort and work to coax all of the delicious flavors from sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes. The combination of crisp bacon in the crust with layers of herbs and cheese throughout takes a traditional favorite to the next level. Plan ahead to make your tomato pie so that you are rushed to drain your tomatoes as well as to allow it to fully cool before serving. Each step makes a difference and will yield professional results if you allow the appropriate time to work your kitchen magic.

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 ¼ cups self-rising soft wheat flour (such as White Lily)

• 1 cup cold butter, cut up

• 8 cooked bacon slices, chopped

• ¾ cup sour cream

• Filling

• 2 ¾ pounds assorted large tomatoes, divided

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1 ½ cups (6 oz.) freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

• ½ cup freshly shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill sprigs

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 ½ tablespoons plain yellow cornmeal

Directions

• Step 1

• Prepare Crust: Place flour in the bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer; cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles small peas. Chill 10 minutes.

• Step 2

  Add bacon to flour mixture; beat at low speed just until combined. Gradually add sour cream, 1/4 cup at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

• Step 3

  Spoon mixture onto a heavily floured surface; sprinkle lightly with flour, and knead 3 or 4 times, adding more flour as needed. Roll to a 13-inch round. Gently place dough in a 9-inch fluted tart pan with 2-inch sides and a removable bottom. Press dough into pan; trim off excess dough along edges. Chill 30 minutes.

• Step 4

  Meanwhile, prepare Filling: Cut 2 lb. tomatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and remove seeds. Place tomatoes in a single layer on paper towels; sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt. Let stand 30 minutes.

• Step 5

  Preheat oven to 425°. Stir together Cheddar cheese, next 10 ingredients, and remaining 1 tsp. salt in a large bowl until combined.

• Step 6

  Pat tomato slices dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle cornmeal over the bottom of the crust. Lightly spread 1/2 cup cheese mixture onto crust; layer with half of the tomato slices in slightly overlapping rows. Spread with 1/2 cup cheese mixture. Repeat layers, using remaining tomato slices and cheese mixture. Cut remaining 3/4 lb. tomatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and arrange on top of the pie.

• Step 7

  Bake at 425° for 40 to 45 minutes, shielding edges with foil during the last 20 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 1 to 2 hours before serving.

This recipe was originally published in Southern Living and is perfect for heirloom tomatoes.