Ham, Bacon and Caramelized Onion Tart

This versatile tart can be served hot or room temperature, making it ideal for a buffet lunch or brunch. And you can change it to suit your tastes – try using all bacon, all ham, or swapping some of the caramelized onions for sautéed leeks or roasted red peppers. To dress up the presentation, make the tart in an 11-inch fluted tart pan.

Recipe Ingredients:

6 slices bacon, thick cut, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
4 ounces ham, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie shell, homemade or store-bought, chilled*
1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 asparagus, trimmed (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisped, 10 to 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a large bowl. Add the ham and heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3 or 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to the bowl with the bacon. Add the onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 or 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to very low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown and very tender, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the onion to the bowl with the bacon and ham and set aside to cool.
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie shell on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the pastry is pale gold along the rim, 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Add the cream, eggs, and nutmeg to the bowl with the bacon, ham, and onion, whisking to combine.
4. Remove the shell from the oven (leave the oven on). Pour the cream mixture into the shell and arrange the asparagus on top, if using. Bake until the tart is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

*Use store bought ready-to-use, or homemade pastry using your favorite recipe, or ours: Basic Pie Crust 101.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 400 calories; Protein: 13 grams; Fat: 31 grams; Sodium: 550 milligrams; Cholesterol: 180 milligrams; Saturated Fat: 15 grams; Carbohydrates: 16 grams; Fiber: 2 grams.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Pork Board.