Description
This Southern Tomato Pie is a delightful savory dish featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy cheese-mayonnaise topping baked in a flaky pie crust. Perfect as a warm appetizer or a light main course, it balances fresh garden flavors with rich, melty cheese for a comforting taste of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Tomato Layer
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
Herb Mixture
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (about ¼ cup)
- ½ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with several layers of paper towels. Arrange the sliced tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, sprinkle them evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, pat the tomatoes dry thoroughly with fresh paper towels to avoid sogginess in the pie.
- Pre-bake the crust: Roll out the unbaked pie crust and place it into a pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative finish and prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake the crust in the 375°F oven for 10 minutes. Remove it carefully and set it aside while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped basil leaves, finely chopped green onions, and minced garlic, mixing well to distribute the herbs and garlic evenly. In a separate bowl, blend together the shredded mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the pie: Start by layering half of the prepared tomato slices in the pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle half of the herb mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Repeat the layering with the remaining tomato slices and top with the rest of the herb mixture. Finally, spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top layer, creating a creamy, cheesy topping.
- Bake the pie: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled pie on the middle rack and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Bake until the top turns golden brown and becomes slightly bubbly, signaling the filling is cooked through and the cheese topping has melted beautifully.
- Rest and serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps the pie set for easier slicing. Serve the Southern Tomato Pie warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patting the tomatoes dry is essential to prevent a soggy crust.
- Pretreating the pie crust by pre-baking ensures it stays crisp once the filling is added.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh basil and green onions add important freshness; do not skip these herbs.
- Allowing the pie to rest before slicing helps it hold together nicely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
