Have You Ever Baked a Pie with Tomatoes?

Most people think pies are only sweet — filled with apples, berries, or chocolate. But what if we told you there’s a savory pie that’s cheesy, creamy, and bursting with fresh summer flavor? That’s the magic of Southern Tomato Pie. It’s warm, comforting, and full of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and gooey cheese. Let’s explore how to make this Southern classic in your kitchen — it’s easier than you think!

What Makes This Tomato Pie So Special?

Print

Southern Tomato Pie is a savory pie that’s baked with layers of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, sharp cheese, and a creamy topping — all inside a flaky pie crust. It’s a dish that reminds many people of summer gardens and family dinners on the porch.

Here’s what you’ll love about this recipe:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Total Time: About 1 hour, 10 minutes

You don’t have to be a professional chef to make tomato pie. With a little slicing and layering, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes impressive!

Essential Ingredients (And Why They Matter)

Before you begin, let’s look at what you’ll need and why each item is important.

Main Ingredients:

• Fresh Tomatoes (3–4 large):
  These are the heart of the recipe. Use ripe, red, juicy tomatoes — like heirlooms or beefsteak. The fresher, the better.
• Pie Crust (1):
  You can use store-bought for ease or homemade for extra flavor. A buttery, flaky crust is key to holding the pie together.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup):
  This helps create the creamy top layer that melts into the cheese.
• Cheese (1 ½ cups shredded):
  A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the pie a bold and gooey texture.
• Fresh Basil (a handful):
  This adds bright, herbal flavor. It pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
• Salt and Pepper:
  For seasoning. Tomatoes love salt!

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sliced Green Onions or Chopped Red Onions
• Crumbled Bacon for extra savoriness
• Hot Sauce or a dash of paprika for a little kick

Substitutions:

• Greek Yogurt or sour cream can replace mayo for a lighter version.
• Use store-bought crust if you’re short on time.
• Try Monterey Jack or Swiss if you don’t have cheddar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break it down so you can follow along easily. Get ready to enjoy the smell of tomatoes and cheese filling your kitchen!

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Pre-bake your pie crust.
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a 9-inch pie plate with your crust.
   • Poke the bottom with a fork and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
   • Let it cool.

Tip: Pre-baking helps prevent a soggy bottom when the tomatoes release juice.

Step 2: Slice and Drain Tomatoes

1. Slice tomatoes about ¼-inch thick.
2. Lay them on paper towels or a rack.
3. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture.
4. Pat dry with paper towels to remove extra juice.

Why drain them? Too much juice makes a runny pie. Draining helps the pie set better.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix:
   • ½ cup mayonnaise
   • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar + mozzarella)
   • Optional: a pinch of pepper or a dash of hot sauce
   • Stir until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Pie

Now it’s time to build your pie!

1. Bottom Layer: A layer of sliced tomatoes
2. Next: A sprinkle of chopped basil and optional onions
3. Repeat: Add another tomato layer
4. Top it off: Spread the mayo-cheese mixture over everything
5. Optional: Add crumbled bacon or more herbs on top

Time to Bake!

1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.
2. The top should be golden, and the pie should bubble slightly around the edges.
3. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the pie set up.

Presentation Tip: Garnish with a little fresh basil or a tomato slice for a pretty finish.

How to Store and Reheat Tomato Pie

Tomato Pie tastes best fresh, but leftovers are still delicious.

To Store:

• Let the pie cool completely.
• Wrap with foil or store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
• You can also microwave for 1–2 minutes, but the crust won’t stay as crisp.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Bake the crust and slice the tomatoes in advance.
• Assemble and bake the pie when ready to serve.

Fun Tomato Pie Variations

Want to try something new? Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Spicy Tomato Pie: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
• Caprese Style: Add fresh mozzarella slices and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
• Greek Twist: Use feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano.
• Crustless Option: Skip the crust and bake in a greased dish for a low-carb version.

Conclusion: Time to Try Tomato Pie

Tomato pie is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of summer, comfort food, and Southern tradition. It’s perfect for using up garden tomatoes or bringing something unique to a potluck. Whether you stick with the classic or add your twist, this savory pie will be a hit.

Try it today. Play around with the ingredients. Make it your own. And most of all — enjoy every bite!

FAQs About Tomato Pie