My early experiences in the kitchen were heavily influenced by my mom’s collection of back-of-the-box recipes. I remember her old 1933 Pillsbury “Balanced Recipes” cookbook, filled with cut-out recipes from various sources like boxes, magazines, and even Cream of Wheat packets. It was like a time capsule of ’70s and ’80s food manufacturers’ recipes, designed to entice consumers to buy their products. One recipe that stood out to me was the Impossible Bacon Pie from the back of a Bisquick box.
Impossible Bacon Pie was just one of several “Impossible” pies that Bisquick featured on its packaging. These recipes all shared a base of Bisquick, eggs, and milk, with additional ingredients specific to each variation. The concept was simple – mix everything together and pour it into a pie plate to bake. Other versions included Impossible Cherry Pie, Impossible Cheeseburger Pie, and Impossible Tuna-Dill Pie. Bisquick even ventured into crustless options like Impossible Pumpkin Pie and Impossibly Easy Chicken Pot Pie.
Growing up, my family loved the Impossible Bacon Pie. It was not only delicious but also convenient for our busy schedules. In the ’80s, when I started cooking, my older brother and father were both on shift work, and I had after-school activities that kept me out late. The reheatability of dishes like the Impossible Bacon Pie was a lifesaver, especially with the invention of the microwave oven.
The recipe for Impossible Bacon Pie is straightforward. Cook and crumble bacon, chop some onions, and shred some Swiss cheese. Sprinkle these ingredients into a prepared pie plate and pour over a mixture of milk, Bisquick, eggs, salt, and pepper. Bake it in the oven, and you have a savory pie that is perfect for any meal.
For a modern twist, I have adapted the recipe into my version called “Spinach and Bacon Pie.” I add chopped spinach and extra cheese (a mix of Swiss and Cheddar) to the mix, baking it in a casserole dish to accommodate the additional ingredients. I sometimes swap out the bacon for leftover ham and add fresh chives or green onions for a different flavor profile.
My kids have grown up enjoying this dish, and as they became young adults, it became a go-to meal for when I traveled for work. They now appreciate the simplicity of making Impossible Bacon Pie and how versatile it is for any meal of the day. It’s a timeless recipe that has been passed down through generations and will continue to be a favorite in our household.
