Tomato Bacon Squares: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion

Tomato Bacon Squares are a delectable appetizer or snack that combines the juicy sweetness of tomatoes with the smoky, salty goodness of bacon, all baked on a flaky, buttery crust. These squares are perfect for parties, potlucks, brunch, or even a quick weeknight dinner. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the flavor combination is simply irresistible. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating these crowd-pleasing treats in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Tomato Bacon Squares

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet tomatoes, salty bacon, creamy cheese, and a buttery crust is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients. Even novice bakers can achieve excellent results.
* **Versatile:** Tomato Bacon Squares can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion. They can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to suit your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These squares are always a hit at parties and gatherings. They’re a guaranteed way to impress your guests.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the squares ahead of time and bake them just before serving, saving you valuable time when entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Refrigerated Pie Crusts:** Two 14.1-ounce packages of refrigerated pie crusts are the foundation of this recipe. You can use store-bought or homemade pie crusts. Store-bought are easier and faster. However, homemade crusts will add an extra level of flavor.
* **Bacon:** 1 pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Use your favorite type of bacon – thick-cut, maple-smoked, or peppered bacon will all work well.
* **Tomatoes:** 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced. Choose tomatoes that are firm and juicy. Roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes are good options.
* **Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese. A combination of cheeses works best. Sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Gruyere cheese are excellent choices. You can also use mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor and texture. You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Green Onions:** 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor to the squares.
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Fresh basil complements the tomatoes and cheese beautifully. You can substitute other herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the squares.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs, beaten. Eggs help to bind the ingredients together and create a creamy filling.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the squares with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet to bake the tomato bacon squares on.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent the squares from sticking.
* **Large Bowl:** To mix the filling ingredients together.
* **Fork:** To prick the pie crust and prevent it from puffing up during baking.
* **Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:** To cut the squares into even pieces.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the ingredients.
* **Mixing Spoons:** To stir the filling.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** To accurately measure the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Unroll one of the pie crusts and carefully place it on the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch it to fit the pan.
4. Use a fork to prick the pie crust all over. This will prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
5. Bake the pie crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. This step is called blind baking and it ensures the bottom crust is cooked through and doesn’t become soggy.
6. Remove the pie crust from the oven and let it cool slightly.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bacon**

1. Cook the bacon until it is crispy. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or in the microwave.
2. Once the bacon is cooked, drain off any excess grease.
3. Crumble the bacon into small pieces.

**Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Mixture**

1. Wash and slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. Place the tomato slices on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle them with salt. This will help to draw out excess moisture from the tomatoes, preventing the squares from becoming soggy.
3. Let the tomatoes sit for 15-20 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels.

**Step 4: Make the Filling**

1. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, eggs, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

**Step 5: Assemble the Tomato Bacon Squares**

1. Spread the cheese and bacon mixture evenly over the partially baked pie crust.
2. Arrange the tomato slices on top of the cheese and bacon mixture in a single layer.
3. Unroll the second pie crust and carefully place it over the tomato slices. Crimp the edges of the top crust to seal it to the bottom crust.
4. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

**Step 6: Bake the Tomato Bacon Squares**

1. Bake the tomato bacon squares in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Remove the squares from the oven and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.
3. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the squares into even pieces. Depending on the size you want, you can cut into 9 large squares, 12 medium squares, or 16 smaller appetizer squares.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the tomato bacon squares. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, good-quality bacon, and flavorful cheese.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** If you’re making a large batch of tomato bacon squares, bake them in batches to ensure that they cook evenly.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and garlic to suit your preferences. You can also add other spices like paprika, chili powder, or onion powder.
* **Prevent a Soggy Crust:** Blind baking the bottom crust and draining the tomatoes helps to prevent a soggy crust. You can also brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of melted butter before adding the filling.
* **Let the Squares Cool Slightly Before Cutting:** Allowing the squares to cool slightly before cutting them will make them easier to handle and prevent the filling from spilling out.
* **Use a Pizza Cutter for Clean Cuts:** A pizza cutter is the perfect tool for cutting the squares into even, clean pieces.

Variations and Customizations

* **Add Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor combinations. Try adding Gruyere, provolone, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Substitute other herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley for the basil. You can also add dried herbs for a more intense flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Use Puff Pastry:** Substitute puff pastry for the pie crust for a flakier, lighter texture.
* **Make Mini Squares:** Use mini muffin tins to make individual tomato bacon squares. These are perfect for parties and appetizers.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Skip the bacon and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve tomato bacon squares as an appetizer at parties, gatherings, or potlucks. They pair well with dips like ranch dressing, sour cream, or guacamole.
* **Brunch:** Serve tomato bacon squares as part of a brunch spread. They go well with eggs, pancakes, waffles, and fruit salad.
* **Lunch:** Pack tomato bacon squares for lunch. They’re a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
* **Dinner:** Serve tomato bacon squares as a light dinner. Pair them with a salad or soup for a complete meal.
* **Snack:** Enjoy tomato bacon squares as a snack any time of day. They’re a perfect pick-me-up when you’re feeling hungry.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the tomato bacon squares ahead of time and bake them just before serving. This is a great way to save time when entertaining.

1. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking.
2. Wrap the unbaked squares tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours.
3. When you’re ready to bake the squares, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Bake the squares for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover tomato bacon squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze tomato bacon squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the squares to the refrigerator overnight.

Nutritional Information (Per Square)

*(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 8-10g

Conclusion

Tomato Bacon Squares are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crust, savory filling, and irresistible flavor combination, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and enjoy the taste of these delectable squares. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, brunch item, or light dinner, Tomato Bacon Squares are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!