1542. SMOKE-BAKED BARBECUE CHILE PIE with BACON

serves 6


1 frozen prepared deep-dish pie crust
8 ounces fire-roasted mild Hatch or other chile peppers, seeded and sliced into strips of varying size
8 ounces shredded cheddar–Monterey Jack cheese blend
1/4 cup chopped Texas sweet or Vidalia onions
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
4 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup wood chips, soaked in water and drained, or 1/2 cup dry wood chips for a gas grill
8 ounces hickory- or maple-smoked bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped

Fill your charcoal chimney with briquets, set the chimney on the bottom grill grate, and light or prepare a fire in your smoker. For a gas grill, turn half the burners to high.

Line the bottom and sides of the pie crust with the chile pepper strips, reserving a few to garnish the top of the pie. Top with the cheese, spreading it out evenly over the bottom of the crust.

In a small sauté pan over medium heat, sauté the onions in the olive oil until softened, about 3 minutes. In a medium-size bowl, combine the eggs and onion, then pour the mixture over the cheese. Arrange the reserved chile pepper strips on the top of the pie.

When the coals are ready, dump them into the bottom of your grill, and spread them evenly across half. Scatter the drained wood chips on the hot coals, or put the dry wood chips in a metal container and place closest to a burner on a gas grill. Place the pie on the indirect side of the grill. When the smoke starts to rise, close the lid.

Smoke bake the pie at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until the crust has browned, the filling has set, and the pie has a mild, smoky aroma. Sprinkle with the bacon before serving.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Ardie A. Davis, "25 Essentials: Techniques for Smoking," Epicurious, August 2009