Oh, summer! When your garden is overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes and you’re looking for that *perfect* way to use them up. I get it! Believe me, I’ve been there, staring at basket after basket of vibrant produce, wondering what simple magic I could whip up. That’s exactly how this incredible Southern tomato pie came to be one of my all-time favorites. It’s just pure, soul-satisfying comfort in a flaky crust, and the best part? It couldn’t be easier. This is the kind of recipe that makes me so happy I learned to love my kitchen. It’s approachable, packed with fresh flavor, and a dish you’ll be so proud to share. Trust me, this is the cheesy tomato pie you’ve been dreaming of!
- Why You'll Love This Tomato Pie
- Ingredients for Your Perfect Tomato Pie
- How to Prepare This Easy Summer Pie
- Tips for a Crispy Crust and Flavorful Tomato Pie
- Heirloom Tomato Tart Variations
- Serving and Storing Your Fresh Tomato Bake
- Frequently Asked Questions about Tomato Pie
- Nutritional Information Estimate
- Share Your Garden Tomato Recipe Creations
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Pie
Seriously, this Southern tomato pie is a summer dream! Here’s why it’s going to be your new go-to:
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re totally new to cooking, you can whip this up in no time. No fancy skills needed!
- Uses Your Garden Bounty: It’s the absolute best way to show off those gorgeous, fresh summer tomatoes.
- Cheesy & Creamy Bliss: That luscious, cheesy mayo topping? Oh my goodness, it is pure heaven.
- Perfect for Summer: It’s light enough for a warm day but satisfying enough for any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a family dinner, everyone devours this easy summer pie.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Tomato Pie
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this amazing tomato pie. Using the freshest garden tomatoes you can find makes all the difference, honestly! Here’s the lineup:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust – Store-bought is totally fine, or use your favorite homemade one!
- 3 to 4 medium tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick – I love using ripe, juicy ones.
- 1 cup mayonnaise – Full-fat is best for that creamy richness, trust me!
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a nice kick.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that extra salty, nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil – So fragrant and delicious.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds a lovely brightness.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion – Adds a subtle savory note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
How to Prepare This Easy Summer Pie
Okay, friend, let’s get this gorgeous tomato pie into the oven! It’s really as straightforward as it gets, and trust me, the results are pure magic. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredible.
Preheating and Crust Preparation
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. You want to preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Now, for that perfectly crisp crust we talked about – if you want to go the extra mile, blind bake your unbaked pie crust for about 10 minutes before anything else. It really helps prevent a soggy bottom!
Layering the Tomato Pie
Once your crust is ready (or just waiting patiently), it’s time for the star players! Take your sliced tomatoes and arrange them in a single layer right inside that crust. Don’t overcrowd them, but make sure you get a good, full coverage. Then, sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper – this really brings out their sweet flavor. In a separate bowl, mix up that creamy, dreamy topping: the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chopped basil, parsley, and onion. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined, then spread this thick, luscious mixture evenly right over those tomato slices. Make sure it goes all the way to the edges!
Baking Your Cheesy Tomato Pie
Now for the best part – watching it bake! Pop that pie into your preheated oven. It’ll need about 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for that crust to turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling to look nice and set. It might bubble up a bit, which is totally okay! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps everything settle, and it’s much easier to slice and serve when it’s not piping hot.
Tips for a Crispy Crust and Flavorful Tomato Pie
Making this Southern tomato pie really isn’t complicated, but a few little tricks can take it from “really good” to “absolutely out-of-this-world!” One of my biggest secrets for that perfect bite? A crispier crust! If you can, definitely blind bake your pie crust for about 10 minutes before you add the tomatoes and that dreamy mayo mixture. It makes such a difference and totally stops any sogginess. And honestly, the quality of your ingredients matters so much here. Using really ripe, flavorful tomatoes and good-quality mayo and cheeses will just boost that delicious garden-fresh taste.
Heirloom Tomato Tart Variations
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have a garden bursting with beautiful heirloom tomatoes, you absolutely *have* to try them in this pie! They bring such a unique, lovely flavor and a gorgeous mix of colors. You can swap them right in for your regular slicing tomatoes. Just slice them about the same thickness, maybe a little thicker if they’re super meaty. Just a heads-up, some heirlooms can be a bit juicier or softer, so you might want to gently pat them dry with a paper towel after slicing. Trust me, it makes for an even more delicious dish!
Serving and Storing Your Fresh Tomato Bake
This amazing fresh tomato bake is so versatile! It’s fantastic served warm as a light main course, especially with a side salad to balance out that richness. Or, cut it into smaller squares, and it makes the perfect side dish for grilled chicken or fish. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 2-3 days. To reheat, I like to gently warm slices in a low oven or even a toaster oven for a few minutes to keep that crust nice and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you can – no one likes a soggy bottom!
Frequently Asked Questions about Tomato Pie
I get asked these questions all the time about making this cheesy tomato pie, usually right after people taste how amazing it is! So, I figured I’d just put the answers right here for you.
What are the best tomatoes for this Southern Tomato Pie?
For the absolute best flavor and texture in this southern tomato pie, ripe, juicy slicing tomatoes are your best bet. Think Beefsteak, Brandywine, or even just good quality vine-ripened tomatoes. While heirlooms are gorgeous, any tomato that is firm and full of flavor will work wonderfully! Just aim for ones that aren’t too watery.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom in my tomato pie?
A soggy bottom is the enemy, right?! My top tip is to blind bake your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, make sure your tomatoes aren’t overly watery; gently patting them dry after slicing can help. Letting the pie cool a bit before slicing also prevents a messy bottom.
Can I use different cheeses in my tomato pie?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are my go-to for that classic cheesy tomato pie flavor, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a bit of Provolone would be delicious. Just stick to about 3/4 cup of shredded cheese total so it doesn’t overwhelm the tomatoes.
Can I make this as a savory tomato casserole instead of a pie?
You sure can! If you don’t want to fuss with a pie crust, you can totally adapt this into a savory tomato casserole. Just spread your seasoned tomatoes in a greased baking dish, top with that dreamy mayo-cheese mixture, and bake until bubbly and golden. It loses the flaky crust but keeps all that amazing flavor!
Can I add other vegetables to this garden tomato recipe?
Sure thing! This garden tomato recipe is pretty forgiving. Thinly sliced zucchini or yellow squash layered with the tomatoes can be delicious. Just make sure they’re not too watery. A few thinly sliced bell peppers would also add a nice flavor dimension!
Nutritional Information Estimate
Just a little heads-up, this is a rough estimate for one slice of this delicious Southern tomato pie. The actual numbers can change a bit depending on the brands you use and how generously you slice it!
- Calories: Around 350
- Fat: Roughly 25g
- Protein: About 10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 20g
Share Your Garden Tomato Recipe Creations
Have you made this amazing tomato pie? I would absolutely LOVE to see your creations! Snap a pic and tag me on social media, or just drop a comment below to share your experience, any tasty variations you tried, or how much your family loved it. Your feedback means the world to me!
PrintSouthern Tomato Pie
A simple, cheesy Southern tomato pie perfect for summer gardeners. This recipe features layers of fresh tomatoes and creamy mayonnaise in a crispy crust. Includes tips for a perfect crust and heirloom tomato variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Savory Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 3–4 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange tomato slices in the unbaked pie crust. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, and onion.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the tomatoes.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Heirloom tomatoes can be used for a unique flavor and color.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg