If you adore the rich flavors of fresh tomatoes combined with creamy cheese and herbs, then this Tomato Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort dish. Bright, savory, and incredibly satisfying, it showcases ripe tomatoes layered lovingly in a buttery pie crust and topped with a luscious blend of cheddar, mayonnaise, and aromatic herbs that bake into golden perfection. Perfect for summertime gatherings or whenever you crave a hearty slice of Southern-inspired goodness, this tomato pie is both simple to make and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Tomato Pie Recipe is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element is straightforward but essential, from the flaky pie crust providing structure to the fresh tomatoes that bring vibrant juiciness, while the cheese and herbs create that unmistakable savory richness.
- Refrigerated pie crust (9-inch): This forms the buttery, flaky base that cradles all the delicious filling.
- 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced: Use firm yet juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and minimal sogginess.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from tomatoes to keep your pie from getting watery.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a punch of tangy, melty goodness throughout the pie.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Binds the cheese and herbs together and keeps the topping creamy.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the pie with herbal notes and vibrant color.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to balance the richness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish on top.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Infuses the pie with warm, aromatic Mediterranean flavors.
How to Make Tomato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake your pie to golden perfection. Press the refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges nicely to create a beautiful, sturdy base that will hold all the juicy goodness.
Step 2: Layer and Salt the Tomatoes
Arrange the sliced tomatoes in overlapping layers inside the pie crust, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle with salt and allow the pie to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time draws out excess moisture from the tomatoes, preventing a soggy crust and concentrating their fresh flavor. Be sure to drain off the liquid before moving on.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Topping
In a bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil or parsley, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, herb-filled mixture that will top your juicy tomatoes beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the layered tomatoes in the pie crust. Slide your pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for the topping to bubble and turn a lovely golden brown, signaling that it’s perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your tomato pie cool slightly to allow the filling to set. This makes slicing easier and lets the flavors meld even more. Then, dive in and savor each delicious, comforting bite.
How to Serve Tomato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your tomato pie’s appearance and flavor by adding a few fresh herb sprigs like basil or parsley on top just before serving. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add shine and an extra layer of richness that pairs perfectly with the tomato’s brightness.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Pie Recipe shines beautifully alongside crisp green salads, such as arugula or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken pair wonderfully, making a well-rounded, inviting plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve tomato pie slices on wooden boards or colorful plates garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. For casual gatherings, cut into smaller squares and offer as bite-sized appetizers alongside a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tomato pie keeps nicely when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is completely cooled before covering to keep that flaky crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pie slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again, although fresh is always best with this dish to preserve the tomatoes’ juicy texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese topping regains its inviting melty texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! A homemade crust will add a personal touch and extra flavor to your tomato pie. Just make sure it’s rolled out to fit a 9-inch pie plate, and blind-bake it slightly if you want to avoid sogginess.
What is the best type of tomato for this pie?
Firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma or beefsteak are ideal because they have fewer seeds and less juice, helping maintain the pie’s structure while delivering sweet, vibrant flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This Tomato Pie Recipe is naturally vegetarian thanks to the cheeses but to make it vegan, replace the cheddar and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives and swap mayonnaise with a plant-based version.
Is it possible to add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Some people like adding cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or even slices of fresh mozzarella to enrich the flavors. Just keep in mind any additions might increase moisture, so adjust salting and draining accordingly.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Salting and draining the tomatoes before assembling is key. Also, preheating your oven properly and baking the pie long enough helps create a crispy, golden crust that holds up well against the juicy filling.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Pie Recipe is a delicious celebration of summer’s bounty that’s surprisingly easy to make and loved by all who try it. Whether for a family dinner, party, or casual lunch, it offers a comforting slice of sunshine on a plate. I truly encourage you to try this recipe soon — your taste buds will thank you!
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Tomato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory and delicious Tomato Pie featuring ripe tomatoes layered in a buttery pie crust, topped with a creamy mixture of sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (9-inch)
Tomato Layer
- 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Place the refrigerated 9-inch pie crust into a pie plate, gently crimping the edges to secure it in place.
- Layer Tomatoes: Arrange the sliced tomatoes in overlapping layers inside the pie crust. Sprinkle them evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt, then let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, drain any liquid released to prevent a soggy crust.
- Mix Cheese Topping: In a bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil or parsley, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the layered tomatoes in the pie crust.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Using ripe, juicy tomatoes enhances flavor, but be sure to drain excess moisture to keep the crust crisp.
- Fresh basil and parsley can be used interchangeably based on personal preference.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
- This pie can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
