Do You Think Tomatoes Only Belong in Salads or Sauces?
Think again! What if I told you that those juicy garden tomatoes sitting on your windowsill could turn into a warm, cheesy, savory pie—without any meat in sight? Tomato pie might just be one of the most delicious surprises your summer table needs. Let’s dive into how to make a tomato pie that’s easy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh tomatoes.
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How to Make an Easy Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A simple and delicious vegetarian tomato pie with fresh tomatoes, cheese, and herbs, baked to golden perfection in a flaky crust.
Ingredients
3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 prebaked pie crust
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Slice the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Make sure your pie crust is prebaked and cooled.
Layer tomatoes and chopped basil in the pie crust.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and shredded cheese. Spread this mixture over the tomatoes.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT40M
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Pie Recipe
Tomato pie is Southern comfort at its best. It’s simple enough for a weekday lunch, but special enough for a weekend gathering. You only need about 15 minutes of prep, and after baking for 40 minutes, you’ve got a bubbling, golden pie ready to slice. With its fresh flavors, creamy filling, and flaky crust, it’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6
What You Need: Essential Ingredients
To keep things simple and flavorful, here are the basic ingredients and why they matter:
- Fresh Tomatoes (3 large or about 1 ½ pounds): The star of the show! Choose ripe but firm tomatoes. Heirloom, beefsteak, or Roma work beautifully.
- Salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from the tomatoes.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds creaminess to the cheese topping.
- Shredded Cheese (1 ½ cups): A mix of cheddar and mozzarella melts like a dream and gives that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Basil (¼ cup chopped): Adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
- 1 Prebaked Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade—use what you love.
- Optional add-ins: Red onion slices, garlic powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce for kick.
Substitutions and Swaps:
- Greek yogurt instead of mayo? Yes, it’ll lighten it up!
- Gluten-free crust? Absolutely.
- Add spinach or thin zucchini slices for extra veggies.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Tomato Pie
Let’s break it down. This isn’t a fussy recipe—just follow the steps and enjoy the process.
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
- Slice your tomatoes about ¼-inch thick.
- Lay them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to release moisture.
- Pat dry to avoid a soggy pie.
Tip: Don’t skip this! It makes your pie firm and not watery.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Make sure your pie crust is prebaked and slightly cooled.
Step 3: Layer the Base
- Start with a layer of tomatoes, slightly overlapping.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil.
- Add a few red onion rings if using.
Step 4: Mix the Topping
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, shredded cheese, and a pinch of garlic powder (if desired).
- Spread this mixture evenly over the tomato layers.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the pie on a baking sheet (just in case it bubbles over).
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Assembling the Perfect Tomato Pie
A tomato pie is all about layers. The crust provides a flaky base, the tomatoes offer juicy flavor, and the cheesy mayo topping bakes into a bubbly blanket. Here’s how to make yours look as good as it tastes:
- Presentation Tips:
- Add a fresh basil sprig on top before serving.
- Use a serrated knife to slice cleanly through the layers.
- Serve with a green salad or fresh fruit for a summer lunch.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This tomato pie keeps surprisingly well!
- To make ahead: Assemble the full pie and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Pop a slice into a toaster oven or microwave. It reheats well!
Tomato Pie Variations: Get Creative
Feel like switching it up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Southern Style: Use Duke’s mayo and add a bit of pimento cheese to the topping.
- Caprese Pie: Add sliced mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.
- Spicy Tomato Pie: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne in the cheese mix.
- Breakfast Tomato Pie: Add a layer of scrambled eggs or bacon crumbles.
The best part? You can’t really go wrong. This pie is like a warm hug in every bite.
Health Benefits of Tomato Pie
Surprisingly, tomato pie is more than just comfort food—it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants like lycopene.
- Basil: A natural anti-inflammatory herb.
- Cheese (in moderation): Provides calcium and protein.
- Vegetarian: A meat-free meal everyone can enjoy.
To lighten it up, use part-skim cheese or swap in yogurt for mayo. Every bite still bursts with flavor.
Common Questions About Tomato Pie
1. Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?
Yes, just slice them in half and salt them the same way. It’ll be more bite-sized but just as delicious.
2. How do I keep my tomato pie from being soggy?
Salting and draining the tomatoes is key! Also, use a well-baked crust.
3. Can I freeze tomato pie?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual slices. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
4. What kind of cheese works best?
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella is classic, but fontina or gruyere can be fancy swaps.
5. Is this a main dish or a side?
It can be both! Serve it with soup or salad for a main, or slice it smaller for a potluck side.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Tomato pie isn’t just for Southern kitchens—it’s for anyone with a few fresh tomatoes and a craving for something cozy. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and flexible. Add your own twist, and make it yours.
Whether you’re pulling tomatoes from the garden or grabbing them at the grocery store, this cheesy tomato pie will win hearts at your table. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become a summer staple.
