Name: Southern Tomato Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust; 4–5 ripe tomatoes, sliced; 1 teaspoon salt; 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (about ¼ cup); ½ cup green onions, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ¾ cup mayonnaise; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly captures the heart of summer with the comforting richness of a savory pie, then this Southern Tomato Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy, ripe tomatoes layered over a buttery crust and enriched with a creamy blend of cheeses, fresh basil, and hints of garlic and green onion, this pie is a beautiful celebration of simple ingredients that come together in a way that’s both hearty and fresh. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the South, ideal for sharing with friends and family any time you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pie crust sits on the right side of a white marbled surface, with a smooth, even texture and a crimped edge. To the left, there is a clear bowl filled with bright red tomatoes, shiny and round. Above the tomatoes, smaller clear bowls hold shredded cheese (pale yellow), creamy white sour cream, and thin white onion slices. Small glass bowls contain green chopped herbs, darker green dried herbs, golden yellow olive oil, white salt, black and white pepper, and finely grated pale cheese, all neatly arranged in rows around the pie crust and tomatoes. The scene is brightly lit and clean, with everything placed on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Southern Tomato Pie Recipe means gathering a handful of ingredients that are straightforward but each brings its own magic to the final dish. From the tang of ripe tomatoes to the creamy, cheesy topping and fragrant fresh herbs, these essentials are the building blocks of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden finish.

Unbaked pie crust: The crisp foundation that holds all those delicious layers together perfectly.

4–5 ripe tomatoes: Juicy and full of flavor, they’re the star of the pie and make it irresistibly fresh.
1 teaspoon salt: Draws out excess moisture from the tomatoes and enhances their natural sweetness.
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (about ¼ cup): Adds a sweet, aromatic touch that brightens every bite.

½ cup green onions, finely chopped: Offers subtle sharpness and crunch for textural contrast.
1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses the filling with gentle warmth and depth of flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into gooey, creamy goodness.

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, tangy edge that balances the mild mozzarella.
¾ cup mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy layer that ties all the ingredients together.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a little kick and rounds out the seasoning.

How to Make Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your tomatoes ready. Slice 4 to 5 ripe tomatoes, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with multiple layers of paper towels. Sprinkle them with a teaspoon of salt and let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting step is key—it draws out moisture from the tomatoes so your pie won’t get soggy. Afterward, pat them dry gently with fresh paper towels to remove all that excess liquid.

Step 2: Pre-bake the crust

Next, roll out your unbaked pie crust and place it into your pie dish. Crimp the edges in your favorite way for a bit of visual charm, then prick the bottom lightly with a fork—this helps prevent bubbles during baking. Pop the crust into the oven at 375°F and bake for 10 minutes until it sets. Once done, pull it out and set it aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the filling

Time to mix the flavorful filling! In a bowl, combine the chopped basil, green onions, and minced garlic. In another bowl, stir together the shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Mix these cheesy components until smooth and nicely blended, as this creamy mixture will top and seal your pie.

Step 4: Assemble the pie

Now comes the fun layering part that brings this Southern Tomato Pie Recipe to life. Spread half of your dried tomato slices evenly over the pre-baked crust, then sprinkle half of the herb mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes and herbs. Finally, spread the creamy cheese and mayonnaise blend evenly to cover the top, smoothing it out so every slice will have that luscious golden cheese layer.

Step 5: Bake the pie

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) now and bake your assembled pie uncovered for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden, and slightly crisp top. This bake time lets all the flavors meld and the cheese to turn perfectly gooey with those inviting golden hints that say, it’s ready!

Step 6: Rest and serve

When your pie is out of the oven, patience is virtue—let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling set just enough so each slice holds together when you cut it. Serve warm, and get ready for compliments, because this Southern Tomato Pie Recipe really shines best fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

A round pie with a golden, thick crust on the edge, filled with a mix of cooked orange and red tomato pieces, thin slices of caramelized onions, and scattered green chopped basil leaves on top. The filling looks soft and slightly glossy, with some parts showing a light char. The pie is in a silver metal pie dish, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra fresh chopped basil or a few torn basil leaves add visual beauty and a fresh herbal aroma that perfectly complements the cheesy richness of the pie. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over each slice before serving can also add a subtle, silky finish.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides that won’t overpower it. Think crisp green salads with a citrus vinaigrette, or a bright cucumber and red onion salad to cut through the richness. Fresh fruit like watermelon or a chilled glass of iced tea are classic Southern accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a crowd, try serving individual mini tomato pies in ramekins or a pre-cut pie with a garnish station featuring extra basil, cracked pepper, and flaky sea salt. Another fun idea is layering heirloom tomatoes in different hues to add colorful visual appeal that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Tomato Pie Recipe is just as delightful the next day! Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, all those flavors have time to meld even further, and you can enjoy a quick slice warmed up for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, you can freeze it. Make sure the pie is completely cooled, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Frozen tomato pie will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the best texture, as it can leave the crust soft and the filling unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! A pre-made crust works perfectly for this Southern Tomato Pie Recipe and makes the preparation even easier. Just be sure to pre-bake it as directed for the best texture.

What type of tomatoes work best?

Use ripe but firm tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. They hold their shape well and provide the perfect balance of juiciness and texture without making the pie too soggy.

Is mayonnaise really necessary in the filling?

Yes, the mayonnaise adds richness and helps bind the cheeses and herbs together, creating that luscious creamy layer on top that defines this Southern classic.

Can I make this pie vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as your cheeses do not contain animal rennet. Always double-check, but most shredded mozza and cheddar are suitable.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

From start to finish, including pre-baking the crust and baking the assembled pie, expect about one hour. Most of that time is hands-off while the pie bakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Southern Tomato Pie Recipe that’s hard to resist once you’ve tried it. It’s a slice of Southern sunshine on your plate, combining simple ingredients into a dish that’s cozy, fresh, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this tomato pie will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!