If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that celebrates summer’s ripest produce and offers pure Southern charm, this Tomato Pie Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine layers of juicy, perfectly seasoned tomatoes snuggled in a flaky pie crust, all smothered in a gloriously cheesy topping with hints of fresh basil and chives. It’s savory, melty, and bursting with bright, garden-fresh flavor—this is the kind of dish that instantly makes any dinner table feel like a happy gathering of friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tomato Pie Recipe lies in how simple yet purposeful each ingredient is. Every component works in harmony, from the herby freshness to the gooey cheeses and that golden, tender crust. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (pre-baked): A buttery, flaky foundation—pre-bake to keep the crust crisp and prevent sogginess from the juicy tomatoes.
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced and drained): Choose meaty tomatoes for the best texture, and drain them well to avoid a watery pie.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture from the tomatoes while boosting their natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle kick of heat, highlighting the flavors of the cheese and tomatoes.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings creamy, gooey meltiness to every bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a savory sharpness and deeply satisfying flavor.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Holds the cheese layer together and creates a luscious, tangy bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Delivers garden-fresh aroma and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional): Gives a delicate oniony note and a pop of green.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the filling with subtle, savory depth.
How to Make Tomato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Salt the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by slicing your tomatoes into even rounds, then lay them out in a single layer on a tray lined with paper towels. Sprinkle generously with salt—a crucial step! Let them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. The salt will help draw out excess water, making sure your Tomato Pie Recipe stays perfectly sliceable, not soggy. Pat the slices dry with more paper towels before assembling.
Step 2: Make the Savory Cheese Mixture
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, basil, chives if you’re using them, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended—this creamy, herby cheese topping is the dreamy layer that turns simple tomatoes into a knockout comfort dish.
Step 3: Layer the Tomatoes and Cheese
Arrange your beautifully prepped tomato slices in layers at the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust, overlapping just slightly to fill the space evenly. Once the tomatoes are nestled in, spoon the cheese-mayo mixture all over the top, spreading it out to cover the tomatoes completely. This will bake up golden, creamy, and irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your Tomato Pie Recipe into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden-brown crust on top and the irresistible aroma of cheese and herbs filling your kitchen. Let your pie cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing—this gives everything time to set up perfectly for gorgeous, neat wedges.
How to Serve Tomato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This Tomato Pie Recipe is already a stunner, but a finishing touch makes it shine! Scatter a few extra ribbons of fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped chives over the top just before serving. A crack of black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt also adds a lovely flourish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tomato Pie Recipe with a crunchy green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or even a cup of chilled gazpacho for the ultimate summer spread. For something heartier, a serving of creamy coleslaw or buttered corn on the cob fits right in.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve this pie in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a laid-back brunch vibe? Alternatively, bake individual mini pies for a picnic or potluck. You can even cut the pie into bite-sized squares for charming hors d’oeuvres at your next get-together—the possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra slices? Cool the Tomato Pie Recipe to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Its flavors often deepen overnight, making leftover slices a dreamy lunch.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. For optimal results, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place a slice on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling beautifully melty. A microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crust.
FAQs
What kind of tomatoes work best for this Tomato Pie Recipe?
Heirloom varieties and Roma tomatoes are fantastic since they’re firm and less watery than standard slicing tomatoes. Whatever you use, just make sure to salt and drain them well to avoid a soggy pie.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely—store-bought deep-dish crusts are a great time saver! Just be sure to pre-bake them according to the package instructions so the bottom doesn’t get mushy.
Is it possible to make this Tomato Pie Recipe ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the pie (minus baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. Bake fresh when you’re ready to serve for best results.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
If mayo’s not your thing, you can swap in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist, but the texture may be a bit different. You’ll still end up with a luscious, cheesy layer.
Can this pie be served cold?
Definitely. This Tomato Pie Recipe is delicious warm, at room temp, or even chilled straight from the fridge. Many say the flavors get even better as it sits!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried a savory Southern pie before, now’s the time to make this Tomato Pie Recipe a star at your table. It’s sunshine on a plate and guaranteed to win fans of all ages—give it a try and let it become a new family favorite!
Print
Tomato Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This savory and cheesy Tomato Pie is a delightful Southern American dish that showcases the freshness of ripe tomatoes. With a flaky pie crust, layers of juicy tomatoes, and a creamy cheese and herb filling, this pie is a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (pre-baked)
Filling:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced and drained)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and let sit to drain excess moisture.
- Prepare the filling: Combine mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, basil, chives, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Assemble the pie: Layer tomato slices in pre-baked crust. Spread cheese mixture over tomatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use meaty tomatoes like Roma for best results.
- Drain tomatoes well to avoid sogginess.
- Pie can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (including draining time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
