Tomato Pie Recipe
Tomato Pie is truly a Southern treasure—a savory, cheesy masterpiece that brings sunshine to your table no matter the season. Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, sharp cheddar, and creamy mozzarella come together beneath a golden crust, mingling in ways that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dish for a cozy night or the perfect centerpiece for a summer brunch, Tomato Pie delivers flavor, color, and a burst of garden goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Tomato Pie comes from just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final result. Don’t be tempted to skip a single one—every component adds to the irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color.
- Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery foundation is non-negotiable—use homemade for an extra special touch, but store-bought works beautifully in a pinch.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Choose 4–5 medium tomatoes at peak ripeness for the juiciest, most flavorful pie possible—heirloom varieties are a bonus for depth and sweetness.
- Salt: Divided between draining the tomatoes and seasoning the cheese mixture, salt draws out excess moisture and accentuates that summery tomato zing.
- Diced Onion: Just half a cup adds a mild kick and little pops of flavor that balance the creaminess of the filling.
- Fresh Basil: This is the herb that makes everything sing—don’t be shy with it!
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into gooey, stretchy delight with every slice.
- Cheddar Cheese: A cup of sharp cheddar brings a rich, tangy bite that sets this pie apart.
- Mayonnaise: It might sound unexpected, but mayo gives the cheesy topping lush creaminess and helps everything meld together.
- Black Pepper: Just a touch for a subtle warmth that rounds out all the other flavors.
How to Make Tomato Pie
Step 1: Pre-bake the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently press your prepared 9-inch pie crust into your pie dish, crimping the edges as you go for that classic look. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until it’s just lightly golden—this creates a sturdy barrier that keeps the bottom crisp, even after all those juicy tomatoes join the party. Let the crust cool slightly on a rack while you move on.
Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes
Slice your ripe tomatoes and arrange them in a single layer on paper towels. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes—this pulls out extra moisture so your Tomato Pie doesn’t turn soggy. Once they’ve rested, pat them dry with more paper towels. This quick step is the secret to that perfect, sliceable pie!
Step 3: Layer Tomatoes, Onion, and Basil
Create the first layer of tomato slices in your pre-baked crust, followed by a scatter of diced onion and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Repeat layers until you’ve used everything up, ending with a beautiful, full layer of tomatoes on top. The onions mellow as they bake, while the basil infuses aromatic freshness throughout.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Topping
In a medium bowl, stir together the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. It should look thick, creamy, and absolutely enticing! Spoon and gently spread this mixture right over your layered tomatoes. This rich topping will melt, bubble, and bake into a golden crust once in the oven.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and bubbling at the edges. Once it’s done, patience comes into play—let it cool for at least 10 minutes! This rest time allows the filling to set, so every slice of Tomato Pie holds together beautifully and serves up just right.
How to Serve Tomato Pie
Garnishes
Add a flourish of freshly chopped basil or even thinly sliced green onions just before serving for a pop of color and vibrant, herbal aroma. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is always a lovely extra touch, making each slice even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Tomato Pie truly shines alongside simple, fresh accompaniments. Think of crisp green salads with lemony vinaigrette, grilled corn on the cob, or lightly sautéed summer vegetables. If you’re serving for brunch, a dish of fresh fruit or a cool cucumber salad balances the pie’s richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, try baking Tomato Pies in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or cut the whole pie into bite-size squares for party-friendly appetizers. Add edible flowers or microgreens on top for festive occasions. No matter how you serve it, this pie’s golden crown and jewel-bright tomatoes are sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Tomato Pie (lucky you!), allow it to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store slices in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors actually deepen and get even cozier by day two.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Tomato Pie! Wrap slices individually and place in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. For best texture, enjoy within two months—it’s a fantastic way to save summer’s bounty for later in the year.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven truly revives that perfect texture, making it taste almost freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in my Tomato Pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to play with the cheese blend—Fontina, Gruyère, or even a little parmesan can add fun twists. Just remember to keep the ratios similar so the topping stays rich and creamy.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
It’s not necessary to peel your tomatoes for Tomato Pie, especially if they’re ripe and thin-skinned. If you’d like an ultra-smooth filling, you can blanch and peel them, but most folks happily leave the skins on for flavor and ease.
How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust and draining the tomatoes thoroughly are your two best defenses against sogginess. Letting the tomatoes sit with salt and patting them dry really does the trick for a sliceable, not watery, pie every time.
Can I make Tomato Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Tomato Pie can be assembled and baked up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature or warm it gently before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Is Tomato Pie vegetarian?
Yes, as written, Tomato Pie is completely vegetarian. It’s a fantastic main or side dish for anyone looking to celebrate peak-season produce in a meatless way!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Tomato Pie a place at your table soon—it’s the kind of recipe that turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite for every season! Happy baking, and enjoy every colorful, savory bite.
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Tomato Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This savory Tomato Pie is a delightful Southern American dish that combines fresh, ripe tomatoes with a cheesy, flavorful filling, all baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced and seeds removed)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the crust: Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
- Prep the tomatoes: Arrange tomato slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit to remove excess moisture.
- Layer the pie: Place tomatoes, onion, and basil in the pie crust.
- Prepare the filling: Combine mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spread over the tomatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use heirloom tomatoes.
- To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake and drain tomatoes well before assembling.
- Tomato pie can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
