apple bacan pie recipe

Apple Bacon Pie is a unique and delicious twist on the classic apple pie, combining the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the savory smokiness of bacon. The bacon adds a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples perfectly. This pie is great for a savory-sweet dessert or as a special treat for a holiday or gathering. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (or use homemade if preferred)
  • Homemade Crust (Optional):
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup ice water (add more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 5-6 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet apples works best, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing the crust)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• If using store-bought crust: Follow the package instructions, rolling out the crust and placing it into a 9-inch pie pan.
• For homemade crust:
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. You may need more or less water depending on the humidity and flour.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead it gently into a ball, and divide it into two pieces. Roll out one piece and fit it into your pie pan, trimming the edges. Chill the pie crust while you prepare the filling.

2. Cook the Bacon:

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling:

• Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices (about 1/8-inch thick).
• In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
• Gently fold in the crumbled bacon and vanilla extract.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Pour the apple and bacon filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
• Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. You can create a lattice crust, or simply place the whole crust on top and cut a few slits in the center to allow steam to escape.
• Crimp the edges of the crust together to seal the pie, and brush the top crust with heavy cream. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar, if desired.

5. Bake the Pie:

• Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
• Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.

6. Serve:

• Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success:

• Apple Varieties: Mixing tart and sweet apples gives the pie the perfect balance of flavor. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness.
• Bacon Flavor: The bacon should be crispy and crumbled into small pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the filling. Don’t use fatty bacon, as the grease can make the filling too soggy.
• Thickening the Filling: The cornstarch helps thicken the apple juices as the pie bakes. If you prefer a thicker filling, you can increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this pie as a unique dessert at a holiday dinner or as a savory-sweet treat with your morning coffee. The addition of bacon makes it just as great for brunch as it is for dessert!

Enjoy your Apple Bacon Pie – a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite! 🍏🥓🥧