Instant Pot Tomato Pie

I think this recipe is so fun! Pretty whole tomatoes filled with gooey mozzarella cheese surrounded by creamy eggs and your choice of breakfast meat. And underneath it all is a layer of perfect, thin-sliced potatoes. This is a fantastic bruch surprise that will thrill your guests, all thanks to the Instant Pot (get yours here: https://amzn.to/2QlkaDf).

Ready to master the Instant Pot? Check out our Instant Pot Master Class. [learn more]

The secret to this amazing recipe is the pot-in-pot method that allows you to make denser, richer foods in the Instant Pot by using a separate oven-proof container suspended over water. We do a lot of our pot-in-pot cooking with this simple 1.5 quart CorningWare casserole dish. It’s dishwasher safe and fits perfectly!

You just need enough potato to cover the bottom and make a good solid base for removing the finished slices. Use a mandolin to cut 1.5 mm slices of a small unpeeled russet potato. Looking for a mandolin? Check out this one.

The “tomatoes on the vine” seem to be about the right size to fit in the casserole dish. The best tool for hollowing out the tomatoes is a melon baller. Try not to pierce the skin of the tomato so your cheese will stay inside the tomato once melted.

This is a fantastic brunch surprise that will thrill your guests!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 oz very thin potato slices
• 4 small tomatoes (2 1/2 inches each)
• 4-5 oz fresh mozzarella “pearls” (or larger mozzarella cut to 1/2″ pices)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 oz cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham
• 2 oz emmental or other good quality swiss cheese, shredded
• Fresh ground pepper and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Coat the inside of an IP-friendly casserole with nonstick spray (we love this one: https://amzn.to/2OXT8Bw).
2. Layer potato slices evenly on the bottom.
3. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and use a melon baller or small spoon to remove the seeds and interior ribs.
4. Place the tomatoes on the potato slices and divide the mozzarella evenly into the hollowed-out tomatoes.
5. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, half-and-half, sour cream, salt and pepper. Add cheese and meat and stir to combine.
6. Carefully pour the egg mixture around the tomatoes, evenly distributing meat and cheese. Cover with a paper towel and then tightly cover with aluminum foil.
7. Pour one cup of water in the Instant Pot and insert the steam rack. Carefully lower the casserole on to the steam rack, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
8. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 25 minutes.
9. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
10. Remove the casserole and set it under the broiler until golden, 5-10 minutes.
11. Serve immediately, topped with fresh ground pepper and chopped parsley (optional).

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.