This hearty savory pie is a rustic and comforting dish that takes simple, wholesome ingredients and elevates them into a show-stopping meal. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh, with a rich, savory flavor profile that will satisfy everyone at the table. The base is a tender, cheese-infused dough that serves as the perfect vessel for a medley of tender potato slices, earthy mushrooms, sweet peppers, and smoky bacon. The result is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the creamy interior to the crisp, golden crust. This pie is a celebration of home cooking, turning everyday ingredients into something truly special with minimal fuss. It’s a testament to the idea that some of the best meals are the ones made with care, using a simple, traditional approach. Perfect for a cozy weekend dinner, a special brunch, or a delicious packed lunch, this savory pie is a versatile and deeply satisfying dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 14.1 oz (400 g) wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3.5 oz (100 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil, for greasing
• For the Filling:
• 1 fresh potato, medium-sized, thinly sliced
• 1 fresh yellow ramiro pepper, diced
• 3.5 oz (100 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 fresh tomato, diced
• 3 oz (85 g) bacon, diced
• Salt, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Sweet paprika powder, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

 

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually add the wheat flour, mixing with your hands or a spoon until a cohesive dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Pre-cook the Filling: While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the diced bacon and cook until it is crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced yellow pepper and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and have released their moisture. Add the diced fresh tomato and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika powder, and ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Par-cook the Potato: Boil or steam the thinly sliced potato for about 5-7 minutes until it is partially cooked but still firm. This ensures the potato will be tender when baked. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease a round baking dish or pie pan with olive oil. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch and carefully press it into the prepared baking dish, making sure to create a nice, high edge.
6. Layer the Filling: Arrange the par-cooked potato slices in a single layer on the bottom of the dough. Top the potatoes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the vegetables.
7. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the pie cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and parsley before slicing and serving.

 

Nutrients

• Calories per serving: (Varies based on portion size and ingredients)
• Protein: (Varies)
• Fat: (Varies)
• Carbohydrates: (Varies)
• Fiber: (Varies)
• Sodium: (Varies)

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This savory pie is a true culinary treasure that will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. You’ll love it because it embodies everything that is wonderful about comfort food: it is hearty, packed with flavor, and deeply satisfying. The process of making it is as rewarding as eating it. From the simple act of kneading the dough to the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, every step is a pleasure. Unlike many recipes that require specific, hard-to-find ingredients, this pie celebrates common staples. It’s a flexible recipe that can be adapted to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a perfect solution for using up leftovers and reducing food waste. The combination of the flaky, cheesy crust, the tender potatoes, the umami-rich mushrooms, the sweet pepper, and the smoky bacon creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every single bite. It’s an all-in-one meal that feels complete, wholesome, and delicious, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. The fact that it can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature adds to its appeal, making it a reliable and versatile dish for any occasion.

 

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The concept of a savory pie, or tart, has deep roots in many culinary traditions around the world. Historically, pies were a practical way to preserve and cook food, with the crust serving as both a container and a preservative. The origins can be traced back to ancient Roman and Greek cooking, but the modern savory pie as we know it gained popularity in medieval Europe. The French “quiche” and the Italian “torta rustica” are classic examples of this tradition, where a pastry shell is filled with a mixture of eggs, cheese, meat, and vegetables. This particular recipe draws inspiration from these rustic, peasant-style dishes, which were born out of a philosophy of using simple, seasonal ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful meal. The inclusion of potato, mushroom, and bacon is a nod to the staple ingredients of many European countrysides. The use of a ramiro pepper, a sweet and elongated variety, adds a unique twist, connecting the recipe to modern Mediterranean flavors. It’s a dish that respects its historical roots while being perfectly suited for today’s home kitchen. This pie is a celebration of that simple, resourceful, and delicious style of cooking that has stood the test of time.

 

Ingredient Spotlight

Each ingredient in this savory pie plays a vital role in its overall success. The dough is the foundation, and the addition of grated Parmesan cheese is what makes it truly special. The cheese not only adds a rich, salty flavor but also contributes to the dough’s tender, flaky texture. The potatoes provide a hearty and comforting base. Slicing them thinly and par-cooking them is a crucial step that ensures they become soft and tender inside the pie, rather than remaining hard. The bacon is the flavor powerhouse, providing a smoky, salty depth that permeates the entire dish. Its rendered fat is also used to sauté the other vegetables, adding another layer of flavor. The mushrooms are essential for their earthy, umami taste, while the yellow ramiro pepper and tomato add sweetness, freshness, and a pop of color. The combination of garlic powder, sweet paprika, and black pepper creates a warm, aromatic spice blend that brings all the flavors together. Finally, the fresh herbs like green onions and parsley are not just a garnish; they provide a bright, clean finish that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

 

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the great things about this savory pie is how well it stores and reheats, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Once the pie has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can slice the pie and wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat a single slice, the best method is to use a toaster oven or a regular oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This will help the crust become crispy again while the filling warms through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. While a microwave is an option for a quick warm-up, it can sometimes make the crust soggy, so it’s not the preferred method for the best texture. The pie can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a fantastic portable lunch option for work or school.

 

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity, and you can easily adapt it to suit your personal taste or what you have on hand. For a different protein, you could substitute the bacon with crumbled sausage, diced ham, or even some cooked, shredded chicken. If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or leeks. For a cheese variation, try using Gruyère or provolone instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile. You could also add other vegetables to the filling, such as thinly sliced red onion, diced carrots, or some roasted garlic cloves. For an extra touch of richness, you could pour a custard mixture of eggs and cream over the filling before baking, turning it into a quiche-like consistency. A different crust is also an option; you could use a store-bought puff pastry for a quicker, more flaky result.

 

Pairing Recommendations

This savory pie is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments. A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement, offering a fresh, bright contrast to the pie’s rich, savory flavors. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of hot soup, such as a creamy tomato soup or a simple vegetable broth, especially on a cold day. For drinks, a glass of crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like a Pinot Noir would be a great choice. For a more casual meal, a cold lager or a sparkling cider would also work wonderfully. The pie is also a great addition to a brunch spread, served alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries.

 

Health Benefits

While this savory pie is undeniably rich and satisfying, it also offers some notable health benefits. The potatoes and vegetables provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Potatoes are rich in potassium and Vitamin C, while the bell pepper and mushrooms add other essential nutrients. The eggs and bacon provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The cheese is a source of calcium. By making this dish at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use high-quality, fresh produce and lean meat, and to moderate the amount of salt and fat. Enjoying a slice of this pie in moderation as part of a balanced diet is a delicious way to consume a variety of wholesome ingredients.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, this hearty savory pie with potatoes, mushrooms, and bacon is a recipe that every home cook should have in their repertoire. It’s a wonderful example of how simple, everyday ingredients can be combined to create a meal that is both comforting and impressive. The process is a joy, the results are delicious, and its versatility means you can make it again and again without it ever feeling old. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite, a dish to bring to a potluck, or just a satisfying meal to enjoy on a quiet evening, this savory pie is the answer. Its tender crust, rich filling, and beautiful presentation make it a true testament to the power of homemade food. It’s a recipe that not only feeds the body but also nourishes the soul, one delicious slice at a time.