Southern Tomato Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern Tomato Pie is the ultimate way to showcase fresh summer tomatoes. With a flaky crust, a creamy cheese topping, and the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, this dish is indulgent, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s simple to prepare, easily adaptable, and makes a stunning addition to any table. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or cold, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh ripe tomatoes (sliced)
• Salt
• Pie crust (store-bought or homemade, pre-baked)
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix with mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
• Fresh basil (chopped)
• Green onions or sweet onion (optional)
• Black pepper
• Optional: Dijon mustard, garlic powder, or hot sauce for extra flavor

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice tomatoes and lay them out on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry.
3. Pre-bake your pie crust for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, shredded cheese, and black pepper.
5. Layer the bottom of the pie crust with sliced tomatoes, chopped basil, and green onions (if using).
6. Repeat layers until the tomatoes are used up.
7. Spread the mayo-cheese mixture evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8. Total time is about 1 hour: 20 minutes for prep (including salting the tomatoes) and 30–35 minutes for baking.

Variations

• Add bacon: Crumble cooked bacon into the layers for a smoky twist.
• Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
• Fresh herb mix: Use parsley, oregano, or thyme in addition to basil.
• Different cheese: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, feta, or a cheese blend.
• Crustless version: Bake in a greased dish without the crust for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tomato pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese topping. Microwave reheating is possible but may soften the crust. This pie is also delicious cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What kind of tomatoes are best?

Use firm, ripe tomatoes like beefsteak, heirloom, or Roma. Avoid overly juicy tomatoes to prevent a soggy pie.

Why salt the tomatoes first?

Salting draws out excess moisture, preventing the pie from becoming watery during baking.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Serve cold, room temperature, or reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can substitute with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a mix of cream cheese and milk for a different flavor and texture.

Can I freeze tomato pie?

Freezing is not recommended as the tomatoes can become watery and the crust may lose its texture.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, the classic version is vegetarian. Just avoid any added meat like bacon.

Can I use cherry tomatoes?

Yes, but slice them in halves or quarters and be sure to salt and drain them well to reduce moisture.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

Peeling is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blanch and peel the tomatoes before slicing.

What can I serve with tomato pie?

Serve with a green salad, grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, or a light soup for a complete meal.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought crust works well and saves time. Be sure to pre-bake it for best results.

Conclusion

Southern Tomato Pie is a rich, flavorful dish that highlights the best of summer produce in a warm, comforting pie. With its creamy topping, juicy tomatoes, and flaky crust, it’s an irresistible combination of savory and sweet that brings Southern hospitality to your table. Whether for brunch, a light supper, or a potluck favorite, this tomato pie is sure to become a seasonal staple.

Southern Tomato Pie

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Southern Tomato Pie is a savory summer classic made with layers of juicy, ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, melty cheese, and a creamy mayonnaise topping in a flaky pie crust. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the perfect dish for brunch, lunch, or a light vegetarian dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Brunch / Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4–5 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix with mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or finely diced sweet onion (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay sliced tomatoes on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with additional paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, shredded cheese, pepper, and any optional seasonings (Dijon, garlic powder, or hot sauce).
4. Layer half of the tomatoes into the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle with half the basil and green onions, if using.
5. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, basil, and green onions.
6. Spread the mayo-cheese mixture evenly over the top layer.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

• Be sure to salt and drain the tomatoes to prevent a soggy pie.
• This dish is best with firm, ripe tomatoes like beefsteak, Roma, or heirloom.
• To save time, use a store-bought pie crust—but don’t skip the pre-bake step.
• Tomato pie makes great leftovers and is delicious served cold or reheated.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg