Introducing a delightful culinary creation from lovewithrecipes.com, presenting the Easy Tomato-Cheese Pie with Crumb Crust! This savory dish is perfect for lunch or as a satisfying snack, boasting a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick and delicious meal option.
This recipe combines the rich flavors of cheese and the freshness of tomatoes, all nestled within a delectable crumb crust. With its simple preparation and readily available ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Let’s dive into the recipe details:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of buttery cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine
- 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- A pinch of garlic powder
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of half-and-half
- Optional: Additional Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon for topping
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), ensuring it’s ready for the baking process.
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Prepare Crumb Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttery cracker crumbs with melted butter or margarine and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
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Press Crust: Press the crumb mixture into a greased 9-inch pie plate, evenly distributing it along the bottom and sides. Press firmly to form the crust. Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
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Prepare Tomatoes: While the crust is baking, slice the tomatoes and set them aside.
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Adjust Oven Temperature: Once the crust is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and reset the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) in preparation for the next step.
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Layer Tomatoes: Spread the sliced tomatoes evenly over the baked crumb crust, creating a generous layer of fresh tomatoes.
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Season Tomatoes: Sprinkle the tomatoes with granulated sugar, salt, pepper, dried basil, garlic powder, and chopped green onions, adding layers of flavor to the dish.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until well combined. Stir in the grated Swiss cheese to create a creamy and flavorful cheese mixture.
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Pour Mixture Over Tomatoes: Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the layer of seasoned tomatoes, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the pie.
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Add Toppings: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pie. For those craving a savory touch, consider adding crumbled bacon as well.
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Bake: Place the assembled pie back into the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the tomato-cheese pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its crispy crumb crust, creamy cheese filling, and fresh tomato topping, this Easy Tomato-Cheese Pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a flavorful snack, it’s an irresistible dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.