Filled with creamy mayonnaise and cheddar cheese mixture layered in between thick sliced of summer tomatoes makes this The Best Tomato Pie. There’s no better way to close out summer than making this delicious southern recipe.
Tomato season is underway and creating a dinner that is fresh with tomatoes is at the top of the list. Try this sausage tomato gnocchi, creamy tomato basil chicken or creamy tomato Italian parmesan chicken for more tomato recipes.
The Best Tomato Pie
Growing up in Alabama, Tomato Pie was a summer staple and one we enjoyed often. It’s Aimee here from the site Aimee Mars and southern recipes are my specialty. The basic ingredients in this simple and delicious recipe are mainly the same for all, but there are several different ways to prepare it. One this is for certain though, every end of summer should include this delicious recipe.
Ingredients in Tomato Pie
This savory pie is made of just a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand. The key is choosing super firm tomatoes, whether they come from your own garden, farmers market, or your local grocery store. Use your fingertips to gently squeeze the tomatoes to test their firmness.
- 9-inch pie shell: you can use a store-bought pie shell if you’re looking to make this recipe quickly or you can make a delicious one of your own like this buttermilk pie crust.
- 6 Tomatoes, large and very ripe: the firmer the tomatoes the better. If the tomatoes are too soft they’ll have way too much moisture, which will make your pie soggy.
- Salt: this is just a basic salt for coating the tomatoes before adding them to the recipe, it helps to drain any additional water.
- Fresh Basil: basil and tomato were meant to go together and putting this fresh ingredient in tomato pie are no different. I highly recommend using fresh basil if you can find it.
- Freshly Shredded Cheddar Cheese: you can use already shredded cheddar cheese for this recipe, but shredded your own makes it slightly softer and so it melts perfectly together into the pie.
- Mayonnaise: this key ingredient slightly holds this pie together and adds some delicious flavor.
- Seasoning: salt, pepper, and garlic powder and the main spices for this recipe, however, you can easily add in some more such as paprika and chili powder if you like a spicier version.
How to Make Tomato Pie
- Prepare the Tomatoes: slice the tomatoes about 1/4-inch in thickness and lay them flat in a single layer on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover the tomatoes in salt and then a top layer of paper towels and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl combine the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, fresh basil, and seasoning until fully combined.
- Arrange: place your desired pie shell into a pie dish and begin to arrange the pie by layering a single layer of tomatoes on the bottom. Then spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the tomatoes. Place another layer of tomatoes, overlapping some, on top, and repeat with the remaining cheese mixture. Finish layering the pie with some tomatoes on top. Firmly press the tomatoes in so the mixture comes together. Sprinkle some additional basil on top if desired.
- Bake: Place the pie in a pre-heated oven at 350º F and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the cheese becomes bubbly.
Which Tomatoes are Best for Tomato Pie?
The standard beefsteak or plum tomatoes work best for tomato pie because they’re not as juicy as tomatoes such as heirloom. Make sure to choose tomatoes that are firm to touch and not soft. If you really want to use heirloom tomatoes then you absolutely can, just also make sure they’re super firm. If you choose tomatoes that are too soft it will be hard to remove the water content and your pie will turn out soggy.
Can I use a Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Yes! If you’re short on time or just don’t want to hassle with making a crust then a store-bought crust will work just as well. There is one trick I always like to use though, and that’s to double up the crust. Purchase a dough that comes with two shells and layer one right on top of the other in your pie dish. This makes for an extra thick crust.
What to Serve with Tomato Pie:
This pie is surprisingly filling, and since it’s a summer recipe it pairs perfectly with the most traditional side dishes. Some of my favorites are listed below.
- Summer Corn Salad
- Grilled Ceasar Salad
- Baked Beans
- Classic Potato Salad
- Classic Deviled Eggs
- Strawberry, Pear, and Apple Spinach Salad
The Best Tomato Pie
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch Pie Shell
- 6 large Tomatoes very ripe
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 8 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF and if making prepare the pie dough.
Prepare the Tomatoes:
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Slice the tomatoes to about 1/4-inch in thickness and arrange them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Coat the tomatoes in salt and cover again with another layer of paper towels. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Make the Filling:
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In a medium bowl combine the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, fresh basil, and spices together until mixed well. Set aside.
Arrange the Pie:
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Place the 9-inch pie shell into your pie dish and arrange a single layer of sliced tomatoes on the bottom. Cover the tomatoes with half of the cheese mixture and repeat this step.
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Layer the last of the tomato slices on top, overlapping is okay, and firmly press them into the pie. This helps the ingredients come together.
Bake:
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Place the pie into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the cheese begins to bubble and the crust turns a golden brown.
Nutrition
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