Name: Tomato Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced and seeded; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup chopped sweet onion; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re seeking the ultimate ode to summer, let me introduce you to Tomato Pie. This classic Southern comfort dish features layers of juicy ripe tomatoes, sweet onions, aromatic basil, and a melty, golden cheese topping—all baked inside a flaky pie crust. It’s bold, rich, stunning to look at, and the perfect showcase for summer’s best tomatoes. Whether you serve it warm for brunch, tuck it into a picnic basket, or spotlight it at a potluck, Tomato Pie always delights both casual and sophisticated eaters alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tomato Pie is in its simple, honest ingredients—each one plays a starring role. Assembling these pantry staples and peak-season veggies brings out flavors and textures that are so much more than the sum of their parts.

9-inch pie crust: Store-bought or homemade, this is your buttery base that holds all the goodness together.
4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced and seeded: The real star—choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor, and seed them to avoid excess moisture.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out the tomatoes’ moisture and amplifying their sweetness.
½ cup chopped sweet onion: Adds a mellow bite and savory depth that plays beautifully against the tomatoes.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Fresh, fragrant basil provides a bright, herbal lift.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty texture and mild, creamy flavor.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a punch of tang and color—sharp cheddar makes each bite sing.
½ cup mayonnaise: Binds the cheeses into a luscious, spreadable topping that turns beautifully golden when baked.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Just enough to add savory warmth without overpowering the tomatoes.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Classic, subtle spice that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Tomato Pie

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

Start off by slicing and seeding your tomatoes. Sprinkle them generously with salt and lay them out on paper towels. This is the secret to avoiding a soggy pie: letting the salted tomatoes sit for 20 to 30 minutes draws out excess moisture. After their rest, gently pat them dry—this little step makes all the difference in the final texture of your Tomato Pie.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Crust

While your tomatoes are resting, preheat your oven to 375°F. If you haven’t already done so, parbake your pie crust according to package or personal recipe instructions. A sturdy, partially baked crust ensures the base of your Tomato Pie stays crisp beneath those juicy layers.

Step 3: Layer Onions and Tomatoes

Scatter the chopped sweet onions evenly across the cooled pie crust. Arrange the tomato slices in attractive, slightly overlapping circles over the onions. As you build the layers, sprinkle the fresh basil throughout—this infuses every bite with those classic summer garden flavors.

Step 4: Mix and Spread the Cheese Topping

In a mixing bowl, stir together the mozzarella, sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined. This cheesy, creamy mixture is what gives Tomato Pie its signature richness. Using a spatula, gently spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes, making sure to cover every last bit for even golden bubbling.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your assembled Tomato Pie for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges. When it’s done, resist the urge to dig in immediately—let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the filling time to set and rewards you with neat, gorgeous slices every time.

How to Serve Tomato Pie

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh basil ribbons or a scatter of chives brightens up each piece and nods to the summery flavors baked inside. For color and tang, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few thin shavings of Parmesan just after baking.

Side Dishes

Tomato Pie is genuinely versatile on the table. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted summer vegetables, or a simple bowl of chilled watermelon for a refreshing, satisfying meal. It’s also scrumptious alongside grilled chicken or as part of a brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, bake Tomato Pie in individual tart pans for single-serve portions. Or, cut it into small squares and serve as finger food for a party. Pair slices with a dollop of herbed yogurt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair—they’ll feel restaurant-worthy with very little extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, cover the cooled Tomato Pie well and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making next-day slices especially tasty—even served cold straight from the fridge!

Freezing

While Tomato Pie is best fresh, you can freeze leftover slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust crisp and revives the cheesy topping. The microwave works in a pinch, but gentle oven heat makes the slices taste nearly as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tomatoes in Tomato Pie?

Absolutely! Heirloom, Roma, or cherry tomatoes all work beautifully. Heirlooms add a lovely spectrum of colors and flavors to your Tomato Pie, while Romas are less juicy, which helps prevent sogginess.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If mayo isn’t your thing, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both will provide a creamy texture and a slight tang, though the flavor profile will be just a bit different.

How do I keep my Tomato Pie from turning out watery?

Patience is key—be sure to salt and drain your tomato slices beforehand, and pat them dry before layering. For extra insurance, you can briefly roast or grill the tomatoes to drive off more moisture before assembling your pie.

Can Tomato Pie be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pie crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so this adaptation is very straightforward and does not affect taste or texture.

Is Tomato Pie best served warm or cold?

It’s delicious no matter the temperature! Some say warm from the oven is unbeatable, while others prefer it at room temperature or even chilled as a next-day lunch. It’s entirely up to your taste and the occasion.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Pie truly celebrates the very best of summer on a plate—each bite is savory, creamy, and bursting with ripe tomato flavor. If you love easy, impressive, and downright delicious home cooking, give this recipe a try. Whether served for family, friends, or just yourself, Tomato Pie always brings a generous, sunny spirit to the table.

Tomato Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus 20 minutes resting time for tomatoes)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the savory and comforting flavors of this classic Southern Tomato Pie. Layers of juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and a flaky crust come together to create a perfect summer dish that’s great for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Filling:

4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced and seeded
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped sweet onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare tomatoes: Place the sliced tomatoes on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 20-30 minutes, then pat dry.
Layer ingredients: In a pre-baked pie crust, layer onions, tomatoes, and basil.
Prepare cheese mixture: Mix mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and pepper. Spread over tomatoes.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.