A slice of classic tomato pie on a white plate, topped with fresh basil leaves, bathed in sunlight.

Classic Tomato Pie: 5 Steps to Pure Joy

Name: Classic Tomato Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 1 store-bought or homemade pie crust; 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Written by Alex Hayes

September 3, 2025

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Oh, wow, if you’re looking for something that just screams summer garden goodness, you’ve GOT to try this classic tomato pie. Seriously, it’s this amazing Southern-style savory pie, all flaky crust, gooey cheddar, and fresh basil. It’s one of those dishes that feels totally special but is surprisingly easy to whip up. You know, I used to think cooking was this big, scary thing. My corporate job had me totally burned out, and the kitchen felt like the last place I wanted to be. But then I tried baking bread, and that simple success just… changed everything. It was like unlocking this pure joy I never knew I had! This pie is exactly the kind of food that brings back that feeling – simple, satisfying, and so worth sharing. If you want to hear more about my kitchen journey, you can check out my story here, or follow along for more cooking adventures on Facebook!

A slice of classic tomato pie on a white plate, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Crust, tomatoes, and creamy filling are visible.

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Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Classic Tomato Pie
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for Southern Tomato Pie
How to Prepare Your Classic Tomato Pie: Step-by-Step
Tips for the Best Classic Tomato Pie
Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Pie
Storing and Reheating Your Classic Tomato Pie
Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Tomato Pie

Why You’ll Love This Classic Tomato Pie

You’re going to absolutely fall in love with this classic tomato pie for so many reasons!

So Easy to Make: Seriously, it’s a breeze, even if you’re new to pies!
Flavor Explosion: That combo of juicy tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and fresh basil? Pure perfection.
Perfect for Summer: It’s the ultimate way to use up all those amazing garden tomatoes you’ve got.
Comfort Food at its Finest: It’s warming, satisfying, and just feels like a hug in a pie crust.
Great Anytime: Whether it’s an easy dinner or a side for a cookout, it always delivers!

## Ingredients for Your Classic Tomato Pie

Alright, let’s talk ingredients for this absolute winner of a classic tomato pie! You really only need a few simple things, and the star, of course, is ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Make sure you’ve got about four large ones, all sliced up nicely.

To make sure we don’t end up with a watery pie mess (nobody wants that!), we’re going to salt them. So you’ll need 1 teaspoon of salt, and then a little extra for seasoning later. For that creamy, dreamy base, grab about half a cup of mayonnaise. Then toss in a quarter cup of fresh basil, all chopped up, with another quarter cup of finely chopped yellow onion. For that cheesy goodness, we’re using half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and just a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. And you’ll need one good pie crust – store-bought is totally fine, or go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!

A delicious slice of classic tomato pie, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and melted cheese.

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Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for Southern Tomato Pie

When it comes to making the absolute best Southern tomato pie, the ingredients really do matter! For the tomatoes, you absolutely want to use the ripest, most flavorful ones you can find, especially if you’re lucky enough to have them fresh from the garden during the summer. Those juicy, sun-ripened beauties are what make this pie sing! If yours are a little less juicy, don’t stress too much; remember we’re salting them to draw out extra moisture anyway. If you’re looking for more tips on using those gorgeous summer tomatoes, I’ve got you covered right here!

Now, about the cheese – cheddar is classic here because it melts so beautifully and has that perfect little tang. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a nice Gruyère or even a Monterey Jack would be pretty darn tasty too. And basil? Fresh is definitely best! If you can’t find any, a little pinch of dried basil will work in a pinch, but you might want to use a bit less. As for the crust, nothing beats a good homemade one, but hey, we’re all about making things easy here, so a store-bought crust is totally my go-to on a busy weeknight. Trust me, it’s still going to be delicious!

How to Prepare Your Classic Tomato Pie: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this amazing classic tomato pie into the oven! It’s a really straightforward process, and honestly, the results are so worth it. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bubbly, delicious pie ready in no time.

Preheating and Tomato Preparation for Cheddar Basil Pie

First things first, get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, we need to prep those tomatoes. Lay your sliced tomatoes out on some paper towels and give them a good sprinkle with about a teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This is super important because it draws out excess moisture, which means no soggy bottom for your cheddar basil pie!

Mixing the Savory Filling

Now, grab a medium bowl. We’re going to mix up the super flavorful filling! Just combine the mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil, chopped yellow onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and that pinch of black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. It should look creamy and delicious, ready to go!

Assembling and Baking Your Summer Tomatoes Pie

Time to assemble! Spread about half of that cheesy mayo mixture evenly over the bottom of your pie crust. Then, arrange those drained and patted-dry tomato slices right on top. Now, use the rest of that cheesy mixture and spread it evenly over the tomatoes. Pop that pie into the preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for a crust that’s golden brown and a filling that’s wonderfully bubbly. Using these beautiful summer tomatoes really makes a difference!

Cooling and Slicing Your Classic Tomato Pie

Okay, this part is tough because it smells SO good, but it’s crucial! Once it’s out of the oven, let that classic tomato pie cool for at least 15 minutes. This gives the filling a chance to set up a bit, which is key for getting nice, clean slices. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

Tips for the Best Classic Tomato Pie

Alright, let’s chat about how to make this classic tomato pie absolutely perfect every single time. The secret really lies in a few simple things that make a huge difference. First off, tomato selection is key! You want the ripest, juiciest summer tomatoes you can find – they just have the best flavor. If you want even more tips on picking the best summer produce, check out my latest blog posts here.

For that flaky crust we all love, make sure your crust is nice and cold when you assemble the pie. And don’t skip the step of salting and draining those tomatoes! I know it seems like an extra step, but it’s the magic trick to avoid a watery mess and get nice, clean slices. Trust me, it’s worth every minute!

Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Pie

This savory pie is just so versatile, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all summer long! It’s absolutely fantastic on its own for a light lunch, maybe with a simple side salad. But for those gorgeous summer days when you’re entertaining or want to really showcase your garden bounty, it’s amazing as part of a big summer garden board. Imagine it surrounded by fresh cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and maybe some grilled corn – pure perfection! If you want more ideas for using all those amazing garden goodies, you’ve got to check out my garden recipes!

Storing and Reheating Your Classic Tomato Pie

Leftover classic tomato pie? Lucky you! Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2-3 days and actually tastes pretty great at room temperature, too, which is perfect for picnics or just a quick snack. If you prefer it warm, a quick stint in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) will do the trick and bring back that lovely comforting feel.

Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Tomato Pie

Got questions about this delicious classic tomato pie? I’ve got you covered!

Can I use different types of cheese in my tomato pie?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and works wonderfully, feel free to mix it up. A sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a nice Gruyère can add a different yummy dimension. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese!

What if my tomatoes seem extra juicy?

That’s why salting them is so important! Letting them sit on paper towels with salt draws out that excess water. Pat them dry really well afterwards. If they still feel pretty wet, you can even give them a *very* gentle press with another paper towel before layering them into the pie. It makes all the difference for a sliceable pie!

Do I really need to salt the tomatoes?

Yes, yes, and yes! Trust me on this one. Salting is the secret weapon to prevent a soupy, watery tomato pie. It draws out moisture, ensuring your pie has a fantastic, sliceable texture. It’s a small step that delivers HUGE results!

Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Of course! If you love a homemade crust, go for it! A good flaky, buttery crust is always a treat. However, if you’re short on time or just want to keep things simple, a good quality store-bought crust works perfectly fine and still delivers a delicious pie. We’re all about making cooking enjoyable here!

How long does classic tomato pie last in the fridge?

This pie is best enjoyed within about 2 to 3 days after baking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the pie dish tightly with plastic wrap. It’s still quite enjoyable at room temperature, which is lovely for picnics or lunches!

## Nutritional Information for Classic Tomato Pie

Just a heads-up, these nutritional values are estimates, okay? They can change a bit depending on exactly what ingredients you use, especially the brand of mayo or cheese. But generally speaking, a slice of this delicious classic tomato pie has about 350 calories, 25g of fat (with 10g being saturated), 10g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. For all the nitty-gritty details, you can check out my full disclaimer here.