Egg and Bacon Pie Recipe

Bacon and egg pies (breakfast pies) are a New Zealand classic! Juicy scrambled eggs, hearty whole eggs, thick smoky chunks of juicy bacon, lightly spiced flavorful soft leeks, and gooey cheese all encased in beautiful, buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry – this really is the ULTIMATE Bacon and Egg pie! It’s a large pie that serves 4 (or 6 with a side salad), and is a great weekend brunch for the whole family! There’s nothing quite like a great bacon and egg pie for this Kiwi girl! This breakfast pie is a New Zealand classic, just as much as a pavlova!

Key Takeaways:

• Easy egg and bacon pie is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for weekend brunch.
• The pie is made with juicy scrambled eggs, whole eggs, thick bacon, flavorful leeks, and gooey cheese.
• It is encased in buttery, flaky puff pastry, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures.
• The recipe serves 4 people, making it an ideal option for family gatherings or brunch parties.
• Serve the pie warm with tomato ketchup or relish for a classic flavor combination.

The Ultimate Bacon and Egg Pie

This is my favorite cheesy, spicy bacon and egg pie version. It only needs 3 ingredients; bacon, egg, and pastry. However, to make this version of my ULTIMATE Bacon and Egg Pie, you will need a little more than 3 ingredients. The pie includes good quality bacon, thick-cut for nice thick chunks in the pie. The recipe uses both whole eggs and scrambled eggs to absorb flavor and juices from the bacon and leeks. Leeks are added for a milder, sweeter taste than onions. Cheese, such as Monterey Jack, adds creaminess to the pie.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making the perfect bacon and egg pie, selecting the right ingredients is key. Each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish, ensuring a mouthwatering culinary experience. Here are the essential elements:

Good quality bacon: Opt for nitrate-free, smoked, and thick-cut bacon. This type of bacon provides a rich and smoky flavor that elevates the taste of the pie.

Whole eggs and scrambled eggs: To enhance the flavor and juiciness of the pie, the recipe calls for both whole eggs and scrambled eggs. The combination allows the eggs to absorb the savory essence from the bacon and leeks.

Leeks: Known for their milder and sweeter taste compared to onions, leeks add a delicate and herby element to the dish. They complement the bacon and eggs beautifully.

Monterey Jack cheese: This cheese variety is chosen for its mild taste and excellent melting properties. Grated Monterey Jack cheese adds a delightful creaminess to the bacon and egg pie.

Puff pastry: The pièce de résistance of any savory pie, puff pastry provides a flaky and buttery crust that envelops all the delicious fillings. Its light and airy texture perfectly complements the hearty ingredients.

Summary: Choosing High-Quality Ingredients

For the ultimate bacon and egg pie, select good quality bacon, both whole and scrambled eggs, fresh leeks, Monterey Jack cheese, and premium puff pastry. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a delectable masterpiece.

Next, we’ll explore tips for making the perfect pie crust, ensuring that your bacon and egg pie is encased in golden perfection.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pie Crust

Making the perfect pie crust for your egg and bacon pie is essential to achieving that flaky and delicious texture. Whether you choose to use homemade puff pastry or opt for a store-bought version, here are some tips to ensure a successful crust:

1. If you decide to make your own puff pastry, consider trying the quick and easy rough puff pastry method, which provides great results in less time.
2. For convenience, store-bought puff pastry is recommended. Look for frozen puff pastry sheets in your local grocery store.
3. When rolling out the pastry, pay attention to the thickness of each layer. The bottom layer should be rolled out to about 2 mm to ensure proper cooking, while the top layer should be slightly thicker, around 3-4 mm, for a delightful crunch.
4. If you want to give your pie extra flakiness, preheat a metal sheet pan in the oven and place your pie on it. This will help the bottom crust cook evenly and prevent any potential sogginess.

By following these tips, you’ll create a homemade puff pastry or use store-bought puff pastry that will result in a perfectly flaky and flavorful crust for your egg and bacon pie.

Assembling the Pie

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the bacon and egg pie. Whether you want to make it as a slab, in a casserole dish, or a pie dish, this family-style recipe will surely impress your loved ones. Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature.
2. Roll out the bottom layer of puff pastry and line your chosen baking dish. Make sure to cover the edges as well.
3. Evenly distribute the diced bacon and whole and broken eggs on the pastry base.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the leek mixture, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the eggs and bacon.
5. Next, sprinkle grated cheese generously over the leek mixture.
6. Now it’s time to cover the pie with the top layer of puff pastry. Seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers or using a fork.
7. To give the pie a beautiful golden color, brush the top pastry with an egg wash.
8. If you’re feeling creative, feel free to add some extra decorations on the top pastry, like cut-out shapes or a lattice pattern. This step is optional but adds a lovely touch to the pie.

And that’s it! Your bacon and egg pie is now ready to go into the oven. The combination of flavors and textures will make this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser. To give you a visual idea of the assembling process, take a look at the image below:

Baking the Pie

Now that your pie is assembled and ready to bake, it’s time to heat up the oven and watch the magic happen. Here’s how to bake your egg and bacon pie to perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C. This ensures that the oven reaches the proper temperature before the pie goes in.
2. For even cooking of the bottom of the pie, place a baking tray in the oven to preheat along with it. This helps to distribute heat evenly.
3. Once preheated, lower the oven temperature to 375°F / 190°C for the remainder of the cooking time. This allows the pie to cook through without burning.
4. After 20 minutes of baking, check the pie to see if it needs to be rotated. This helps to ensure that the pie cooks evenly on all sides.
5. If you notice that the top of the pie is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil. This prevents it from becoming too dark while the rest of the pie cooks.
6. The cooking time for your pie may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your pie. Generally, it takes about 45-50 minutes for the pie to become golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
7. Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a bit before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to handle.

Remember, patience is key when it comes to baking the perfect pie. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into it to avoid any molten filling mishaps. The aroma of the freshly baked pie will surely tempt you, but it’s worth the wait.

Serving the Pie

Once your delicious bacon and egg pie is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or alongside a side salad, here are a few serving ideas to make your meal complete:

1. Tomato Ketchup or Tomato Relish: The pie is traditionally served with a dollop of tangy tomato ketchup or a spoonful of flavorful tomato relish. The combination of the savory pie filling with the sweet and tangy condiment is simply irresistible.
2. Side Salad: To add some freshness and color to your meal, serve the bacon and egg pie with a side salad. A crisp green salad with your favorite vegetables and a light vinaigrette dressing complements the rich flavors of the pie perfectly.
3. Complete Meal: The pie can be enjoyed on its own as a main dish, especially when served warm. However, if you’re looking for a heartier meal, pair it with some roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a creamy soup.

Remember, the bacon and egg pie can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Whichever way you choose to serve it, prepare for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Freezing and Reheating

Making a bacon and egg pie is a labor of love, and sometimes you may find yourself with leftover pie. Don’t worry, you can easily freeze it for later enjoyment! Whether you have a whole pie or individual slices, here’s how you can freeze and reheat them.

Freezing a Whole Pie

If you have a whole bacon and egg pie that you want to freeze, follow these simple steps:

1. Wrap the pie tightly in baking paper to protect it from freezer burn.
2. Place the wrapped pie in a freezer-safe, airtight container.
3. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
4. Store the pie in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Freezing Individual Slices

If you prefer freezing individual slices for easy portioning, here’s what you need to do:

1. Wrap each slice tightly in baking paper.
2. Place the wrapped slices in separate freezer-safe, airtight containers.
3. Label the containers with the date for easy identification.
4. Store the slices in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thawing the Pie

To enjoy your frozen bacon and egg pie, you’ll need to thaw it first. Here are two methods you can use:

1. Thawing in the Fridge: Remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This slow thawing method helps maintain the pie’s texture and taste.
2. Thawing at Room Temperature: If you’re short on time, you can thaw the pie at room temperature for a few hours. Make sure to place it on a plate or a wire rack to catch any drips.

Reheating in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and follow these steps to reheat your bacon and egg pie:

1. Remove the thawed pie from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet.
2. Cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out.
3. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating in the Microwave

If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave to reheat your bacon and egg pie:

1. Transfer a slice of the thawed pie onto a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover the slice with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe wrap.
3. Heat the pie on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Whether you choose to reheat your pie in the oven or the microwave, make sure to check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once reheated, your bacon and egg pie is ready to be enjoyed!

Other Serving Suggestions

If you love this egg and bacon pie, you may enjoy other delicious recipes that complement its flavors. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

1. Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine is a classic French dish that features a savory custard filling with bacon and cheese. The combination of eggs, cream, and bacon creates a rich and satisfying flavor. Serve it alongside the egg and bacon pie for a delightful brunch or lunch spread.

2. Roast Pumpkin, Onion, and Feta Tart

For a vegetarian option, try a roast pumpkin, onion, and feta tart. The sweetness of the roasted pumpkin and caramelized onion pairs perfectly with the salty and tangy feta cheese. This tart adds a delightful twist to your meal and complements the flavors of the egg and bacon pie.

3. Light Salad

A light salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the pie. Consider a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will balance the richness of the pie.

4. Soup

On a colder day, a warm bowl of soup can be a comforting addition to your meal. Opt for a simple tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup to complement the egg and bacon pie. The combination of flavors will create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

5. Steamed Vegetables

If you’re looking for a lighter side dish, steamed vegetables are an excellent choice. Serve a medley of steamed broccoli, carrots, and green beans alongside the pie. The tender-crisp vegetables add a touch of freshness and provide a nutritious boost to your meal.

6. Chutney and Tomato Sauce

Add some extra flavor to your pie by serving it with a side of chutney or tomato sauce. The tanginess and sweetness of the chutney or the rich tomato flavor of the sauce will complement the savory nature of the dish. They can be used as a dip or drizzled over the pie for an extra burst of flavor.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a well-balanced and satisfying meal centered around the delicious egg and bacon pie. Whether you choose to pair it with a quiche, tart, salad, soup, steamed vegetables, or a flavorful sauce, you’re sure to enjoy a delightful culinary experience.

Conclusion

Egg and bacon pie is the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, this versatile dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. The best part is, it’s quick and easy to make, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy days.

With its buttery, flaky pastry and savory filling of juicy bacon and eggs, this pie is a crowd-pleaser. You can also customize it with your favorite ingredients, such as adding vegetables or different types of cheese, to make it even more delicious.

Another great feature of the egg and bacon pie is that it is freezer-friendly. You can make a big batch and freeze individual slices for later enjoyment. It’s a convenient option for meal prep or for those days when you need a quick and satisfying meal on the go.

So why not try this comforting and versatile dish? Whip up a batch of egg and bacon pie using our easy recipe, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its best!