Southern Tomato Pie is a delightful dish packed with fresh tomatoes and cheesy goodness. It’s simple to make and has that comforting, homemade feel everyone loves!
Honestly, who can resist a pie filled with juicy tomatoes and melted cheese? It’s a family favorite for dinner or lunch, and it’s perfect with a side salad. 😋
I enjoy making this pie because it’s quick and allows me to use summer tomatoes. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing while baking—total win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Ripe summer tomatoes are best for this dish. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes (drained) as a substitute, but the taste won’t be the same. I love using heirloom tomatoes for their flavor and color.
Mayonnaise: This is what makes the filling creamy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt or sour cream can work well, giving a nice tang without compromising texture.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its bold flavor, but you can mix it up! Try different cheeses like Gouda or Swiss for a unique twist. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese.
Fresh Basil: Fresh is always better! If you don’t have basil, try using dried herbs like oregano or thyme, though the flavor will be different. I personally love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
How Do You Get the Right Texture When Baking the Pie?
The key to a successful Southern Tomato Pie is removing excess moisture from the tomatoes. This prevents a soggy crust. After slicing the tomatoes, it’s essential to sprinkle them with salt and let them sit. The salt draws out water, so you can blot them dry before layering.
- After slicing, let your salted tomatoes sit for 10 minutes.
- Blot them dry with paper towels to keep the pie from getting watery.
- Layer carefully, starting with a layer of cheese, then half the tomatoes, followed by more cheese, and finish with more tomatoes.
- Make sure to check your pie crust for doneness to achieve that perfect golden color.
Best Southern Tomato Pie Recipe Easy and Cheesy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Tomato Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour to have this cheesy delight ready to serve. Plus, it benefits from a short resting time, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets you up for a perfectly baked pie right from the start!
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take your unbaked pie crust and line a 9-inch pie plate with it. Make sure it fits snugly!
3. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Slice the tomatoes and place them on paper towels. Sprinkle them with the teaspoon of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This step helps draw out the excess moisture, so your pie doesn’t get soggy. After 10 minutes, blot the tops of the tomatoes with a towel to remove any extra juice.
4. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and black pepper until it’s all nicely combined.
5. Assemble the Pie:
Start by spreading half of the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Then, layer half of the drained tomato slices on top of this mixture. Repeat this process by spreading the rest of the cheese mixture over the tomatoes followed by the remaining tomato slices.
6. Top with Cheese:
Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the last layer of tomatoes.
7. Bake and Serve:
Put the pie in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the crust is a lovely golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Once done, take the pie out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes to settle before serving. This resting time really helps the flavors blend beautifully!
8. Garnish:
Before serving, add a few fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant garnish. Enjoy this classic, easy, and cheesy Southern Tomato Pie that’s sure to be a hit at your table!
This pie is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust can save you time and effort. Just make sure it’s the right size for a 9-inch pie plate. If you prefer a homemade crust, that works great too!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use dried herbs like oregano or thyme for flavor. Just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated—about 1 teaspoon should do the trick.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tomato pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for a quick meal!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Pie?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to drain excess moisture to keep the crust crispy!
