Bacon and Egg Pie with Buttery Shortcrust
A traditional Australian savory pie filled with smoky bacon, fluffy eggs, and creamy cheese encased in a tender homemade shortcrust pastry. This australian-inspired breakfast ready in about 90 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (cold, cubed) unsalted butter, cold water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (cold, cubed) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 slices, chopped bacon rashers
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Step 1: To make the shortcrust pastry, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl. Add 1 cup cold cubed unsalted butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Step 2: Gradually add 1/4 cup cold water, mixing gently with a knife until the dough just comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 8 chopped bacon slices until crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: Hard boil 4 of the large eggs by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Cool, peel, and quarter.
- Step 5: Roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough on a floured surface to line a 9-inch pie dish. Spread the cooked bacon evenly over the base.
- Step 6: Arrange the quartered hard-boiled eggs on top of the bacon, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Step 7: Beat the remaining 2 eggs with 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp mustard powder. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the filling.
- Step 8: Roll out the remaining dough to form a lid, place it over the pie, pinch edges to seal, and cut a small slit on top to vent.
- Step 9: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bacon and Egg Pie with Buttery Shortcrust take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (40 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Bacon and Egg Pie with Buttery Shortcrust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon and Egg Pie with Buttery Shortcrust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bacon and Egg Pie with Buttery Shortcrust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bacon and Egg Pie with Buttery Shortcrust?
Australian breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.