The Best Southern Tomato Pie Recipe You’ll Fall In Love With

Crafting a mouthwatering southern tomato pie brings summer’s bounty directly to your table.

Local gardens burst with ripe, juicy tomatoes perfect for this classic dish.

Layers of fresh ingredients create a savory masterpiece that celebrates southern culinary traditions.

Crisp pie crust cradles vine-ripened tomatoes and a creamy, herb-infused filling that melts in your mouth.

Families have treasured this recipe for generations, passing down delicious memories from kitchen to kitchen.

Cheese, basil, and golden tomatoes combine in a rustic pie that promises pure comfort and flavor.

Slice into this delectable creation and savor every single bite.

FAQs

• Why do I need to salt the tomatoes before baking?

Salting tomatoes helps draw out excess moisture, preventing a soggy pie crust and concentrating the tomato’s natural flavor. This technique ensures your pie remains crisp and delicious.

• Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use various tomatoes like beefsteak, Roma, or heirloom varieties. Just ensure they are ripe, firm, and sliced evenly for consistent baking and a beautiful presentation.

• Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the recipe?

You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. These alternatives provide similar creaminess and help bind the cheese mixture while maintaining the pie’s rich texture.

Southern Tomato Pie Rich with Rustic Flavors

• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dish that brings the warmth of homemade goodness right to your table, capturing the essence of traditional Southern cooking.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn an approachable recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a stunning pie, perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks looking to expand their culinary skills.
• Seasonal Produce Showcase: Highlight summer's fresh tomatoes in a delightful way, turning ripe, juicy tomatoes into a mouthwatering centerpiece that celebrates garden-fresh flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Enjoy a versatile dish that works beautifully as a side, lunch, potluck contribution, or light dinner, making it a go-to recipe for various gatherings and meal occasions.

Ingredients Checklist for Southern Tomato Pie Bake

• Pie Shell: A pre-made or homemade pastry crust that forms the foundation of the Southern Tomato Pie.
• Parchment Paper: A protective layer used during initial baking to prevent crust rising.
• Dried Beans or Pie Weights: Support the crust's shape during initial baking process.

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe slices that provide the signature flavor and moisture for the pie.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh herbs that add a vibrant and aromatic touch to the pie's layers.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds richness to the pie.
• Garlic: Finely minced to infuse a subtle, sharp flavor into the mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a smooth, melty texture to the pie.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp and tangy flavor complement to the other ingredients.

• Butter Cracker Crumbs: Adds a crispy and golden texture to the pie's surface.
• Black Pepper: Ground seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Used to draw out moisture from tomatoes and season the dish.

Clear Instructions to Bake Southern Tomato Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F. Grab a pie shell and line its interior with parchment paper.

Fill the shell with dried beans or pie weights to prevent rising. Bake for 20 minutes until the crust turns light golden.

Remove parchment and weights, then let the crust cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes

Spread tomato slices on paper towels.

Sprinkle salt over the slices and wait 10 minutes. Pat dry with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Layer the Pie Crust

• Tomato slices
• Fresh basil leaves

Keep a few tomato slices aside for the topping.

Step 4: Create Cheese Mixture

• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Grated cheeses
• Ground black pepper

Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the layered tomatoes and basil.

Step 6: Finish with Cracker Topping

Sprinkle butter cracker crumbs across the surface.

Arrange the reserved tomato slices on top for a beautiful presentation.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown color with a slightly bubbly surface.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for 15 minutes.

Slice and serve this delectable Southern classic.

Kitchen Secrets to Perfect Southern Tomato Pie

• Preserve tomato freshness by thoroughly draining and patting them dry to prevent a soggy pie crust. Salt helps extract excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture and concentrated flavor.
• Try cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for a more complex taste profile. Mix different cheeses to elevate the pie's richness and depth.
• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor and sweetness. Heirloom or vine-ripened varieties work best, delivering vibrant color and juicy texture.
• Consider using gluten-free crackers or almond flour for the topping to accommodate dietary restrictions. Swap traditional butter crackers with alternatives that maintain the same crunchy texture.
• Store leftover pie in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy crust. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Creative Twists to Reinvent Southern Tomato Pie

• Vegetarian Herb Quiche Variation: Replace tomatoes with a mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a colorful vegetable-based pie.
• Gluten-Free Southern Pie Variation: Substitute regular pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pie shell, and use gluten-free butter crackers for topping.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Adaptation: Swap traditional pie crust with a cauliflower or almond flour base, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add oregano and olives for Mediterranean flair.
• Vegan Tomato Tart Alternative: Create a dairy-free version using cashew-based cheese, nutritional yeast, plant-based mayonnaise, and tofu as cheese replacement with added nutritional herbs.

Side Dishes That Pair Well With Tomato Pie

• Select a chilled, light rosé wine to complement the pie's rich, savory flavors. The wine's crisp acidity cuts through the creamy cheese and buttery crust, creating a refreshing balance.
• Toss together a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Dress it with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, tangy contrast to the pie's warm, cheesy profile.
• Brew a classic sweet tea with a hint of mint, serving it ice-cold. The tea's sweetness and coolness perfectly offset the pie's warm, robust tomato and cheese combination.

Storage Techniques to Keep Tomato Pie Fresh Longer

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal the Southern Tomato Pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Method: Wrap the cooled pie completely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for maximum 1-2 months. Place a date label to track storage time.
• Reheating in Oven: Thaw frozen pie in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover pie loosely with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Microwave Quick Reheat: Cut individual slices and microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds.

Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern tomato pie celebrates summer’s bounty with layers of ripe tomatoes, crisp crust, and melted cheese. Cheese and herbs mingle in this Southern classic that invites you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 9-inch pie crust (not pre-baked)
• 4–5 tomatoes (Roma or beefsteak, sliced)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup butter cracker crumbs (approximately 12 crackers)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper (ground)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a pie shell by lining with parchment paper and pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes until light golden, then remove weights and parchment, allowing the crust to cool completely.
2. Slice tomatoes and arrange on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
3. Create alternating layers of tomato slices and fresh basil in the cooled pie shell, reserving a few tomato slices for the top.
4. Mix mayonnaise, garlic, grated cheeses, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the layered tomatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Scatter butter cracker crumbs across the surface and strategically place the reserved tomato slices on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and slightly bubbling surface.
8. Remove from oven and allow the pie to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent a soggy pie crust, using multiple layers of paper towels and salt to draw out excess moisture before baking.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or goat cheese to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the pie.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute butter crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour crumbs, ensuring a crispy topping without wheat ingredients.
• Enhance the herb profile by mixing fresh thyme or oregano with basil, creating a more complex and aromatic tomato pie that elevates the overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg