Imagine: luscious, red ripe tomato slices, fragrant fresh basil, pungent garlic, bright green onion, and a delightful blend of two cheeses – all baked to perfection in a golden, flaky crust. This isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary experience. This classic Southern Tomato Pie is a symphony of summer flavors, calling your name from the moment it emerges from the oven.
Get ready for something truly special today! For far too long, I’ve harbored a desire to create a classic Southern Tomato Pie, and the day has finally arrived. Looking back, I can’t quite fathom why I waited so long to embrace this quintessential summer delicacy. Its rich history and comforting flavors are a testament to Southern culinary traditions, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates the bounty of the season.
This isn’t merely a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the peak of summer’s harvest. Every bite transports you to a warm, sun-drenched afternoon, evoking memories of simpler times and delicious home-cooked meals. The allure of ripe tomatoes, combined with the savory richness of cheese and herbs, all nestled within a buttery crust, is simply irresistible. This pie isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of freshness, flavor, and the joy of seasonal eating.
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This incredible Tomato Pie recipe comes courtesy of my dear friend, Amy. Her culinary expertise shines through in this dish, and it has quickly become a cherished staple in my own kitchen rotation. It’s truly one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, especially when fresh, ripe tomatoes are abundant. If you’re looking for a delightful way to utilize your summer harvest or simply crave a taste of authentic Southern comfort, this pie is an absolute game-changer.
Beyond its incredible flavor, making a tomato pie is an experience in itself. It’s a chance to connect with fresh ingredients, embrace the warmth of your kitchen, and create something truly memorable for your loved ones. The anticipation as it bakes, filling your home with an irresistible aroma, is almost as rewarding as the first bite. This pie embodies the essence of summer cooking: simple, fresh, and utterly delicious.
As we dive deeper into the glorious season of fresh produce, particularly tomatoes, I’m thrilled to share a series of new recipes focused on this versatile fruit. In addition to this exquisite Tomato Pie, be sure to explore more delightful tomato-centric dishes. If you’re following me on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll also discover a wealth of other inspiring tomato recipes from my fellow food bloggers. It’s a true celebration of all things tomato, offering endless ideas for your summer kitchen!
In addition to the star of today’s feature, you can also look forward to a fantastic recipe for Tomato Cracker Salad, a unique and delicious Southern classic. And for an appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser, I’ll be sharing a fresh take on Fresh Tomato Bruschetta. Each of these recipes highlights the incredible versatility and vibrant flavor of ripe summer tomatoes, offering perfect ways to enjoy them throughout the season.
But today, our focus is entirely on this magnificent creation! Just look at those irresistible layers of creamy, melted cheese, perfectly complementing the juicy tomatoes and aromatic herbs. This pie isn’t just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a truly satisfying meal in itself. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and truly savor every single bite.
Essential Ingredients for a Classic Southern Tomato Pie:
Crafting the perfect Southern Tomato Pie requires a harmonious blend of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the iconic flavor and texture of this beloved dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- **Pie Crust:** Whether you opt for a convenient store-bought crust or embark on the rewarding journey of making your own homemade crust, a flaky, golden base is essential. It provides the perfect foundation, holding all the delicious fillings together.
- **Ripe Tomatoes:** The star of the show! Choose firm, vibrantly colored, and intensely flavored red ripe tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and juiciness are what make this pie truly shine.
- **Fresh Basil:** This aromatic herb adds a quintessential Mediterranean touch, complementing the tomatoes beautifully. Freshly chopped basil elevates the flavor profile with its peppery, slightly sweet notes.
- **Green Onion & Garlic:** These alliums provide a foundational layer of savory flavor. Green onions offer a mild, crisp bite, while minced garlic delivers a warm, pungent depth that enriches the entire pie.
- **Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese:** The magic of a Southern Tomato Pie lies in its cheesy topping. A blend of creamy mozzarella for stretchiness and sharp cheddar for robust flavor creates an irresistible, golden-brown crust that holds the filling together and adds incredible richness.
- **Mayonnaise:** This might seem an unusual addition, but it’s a Southern secret! Mayonnaise helps bind the cheese topping, ensuring it melts into a smooth, creamy layer and adding a subtle tang that balances the rich flavors.
- **Salt and Pepper:** Simple seasonings are key to enhancing the natural taste of the fresh ingredients. Salt helps draw out excess moisture from the tomatoes and season the dish, while freshly cracked black pepper adds a delightful aromatic kick.
Before we begin layering our delicious ingredients, a crucial first step is to remove some of the excess liquid from the tomatoes. This prevents your pie from becoming soggy, ensuring that delightful flaky crust stays crisp. To do this, line a large cookie sheet with a couple of layers of paper towels. Arrange your sliced tomatoes in a single layer on the towels, then generously sprinkle them with salt. Allow them to rest for about 30 minutes. The salt will help draw out moisture. After 30 minutes, gently pat the tops of the tomatoes with additional paper towels to absorb any accumulated juice. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final texture of your pie.
While your tomatoes are draining, it’s the perfect time to prepare your pie crust. Pre-baking, or blind baking, the crust is essential for a Southern Tomato Pie. This step ensures that your crust is cooked through and won’t get soggy from the tomato filling. Begin by gently poking holes into the bottom and sides of the crust with the tines of a fork. This allows steam to escape, preventing the crust from puffing up unevenly. Pre-baking the crust also creates a barrier, protecting it from moisture and contributing to that desirable flaky texture that makes a pie truly exceptional.
To ensure your crust bakes evenly and maintains its shape, I recommend using a pie weight. If you don’t have pie weights, aluminum foil works just as effectively: simply crumple a piece of heavy-duty foil and press it gently into the crust. This helps to weigh down the bottom and sides, preventing shrinkage and large bubbles during baking. For comprehensive guidance, I have detailed step-by-step instructions for pre-baking a pie crust available right here on my blog, ensuring you achieve a perfect golden-brown foundation for your tomato pie.
With the tomatoes draining and the pie crust pre-baking, turn your attention to the aromatic components. Finely chop your fresh green onion, mince the garlic, and julienne or chop the fresh basil leaves. Set this vibrant mixture aside. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses with the creamy mayonnaise and a generous grinding of fresh black pepper. Stir gently until well combined; this creates the rich, tangy topping that will crown your pie. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) ensures a smooth and enjoyable assembly process.
Once your crust is cool and the tomatoes are sufficiently drained, it’s time to assemble this culinary masterpiece. Begin by carefully arranging a uniform layer of the blotted tomato slices onto the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. Overlap them slightly if necessary to create a solid foundation. This first layer sets the stage for the flavorful tiers to come, ensuring every slice of pie has a good amount of tomato goodness.
Next, take half of your fragrant green onion and fresh basil mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the first layer of tomatoes. These herbs will infuse the pie with their vibrant aromas and distinct flavors, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. This step is crucial for building complex flavor profiles throughout the pie, ensuring a delightful taste experience with every mouthful.
Continue the layering process by adding another layer of tomato slices over the herbs. Then, sprinkle the remaining half of the basil and green onion mixture generously over the tomatoes. Finally, and perhaps most enticingly, gently spread the rich, creamy cheese mixture evenly over the entire top of the pie. Ensure the cheese mixture covers all the tomatoes and herbs, creating a beautiful, golden crust when baked. Place your assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is bubbling and gloriously golden brown. This layering technique ensures a balanced distribution of flavors and textures in every single slice.
Isn’t it absolutely stunning? This finished Southern Tomato Pie is a true feast for the eyes and the palate. Observe that perfectly flaky, golden-brown crust, cradling layers of vibrantly red, ripe tomatoes. The subtle, yet distinct, flavors of fresh basil, savory onion, and pungent garlic intertwine beautifully, all harmonized by that luxurious, melty cheese topping. It’s a dish that inspires immediate admiration and a longing for that first incredible bite. The aroma alone is enough to captivate anyone in its vicinity – a truly swoon-worthy creation!
If you’re lucky enough to be growing your own tomatoes this year, or have a kind neighbor sharing their bountiful harvest, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe. It truly reaches its peak perfection with the unmatched flavor of homegrown tomatoes. However, don’t despair if you don’t have access to garden-fresh produce. Should you scrap the whole idea and miss out on this delicious tomato pie? Absolutely not! While selecting quality tomatoes from the grocery store can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, I’ve gathered some helpful tips to ensure you pick the best possible fruit for your culinary endeavors, guaranteeing a delicious pie every time.
Expert Tips: How to Choose the Best Tomatoes for Your Pie:
The success of any tomato-centric dish, especially a Southern Tomato Pie, hinges significantly on the quality of your tomatoes. Selecting the right ones ensures maximum flavor and a delightful texture. Here are some essential tips to guide you:
- **Prioritize Local & Seasonal:** Whenever possible, seek out tomatoes grown locally or within a close proximity to your region. Tomatoes that travel long distances (such as many imported varieties from Mexico, a major grower) are often picked green and ripened artificially. Local, in-season tomatoes tend to be harvested at their peak, offering superior flavor and freshness.
- **Look for “Vine Ripened”:** This phrase is a key indicator of quality. Vine-ripened tomatoes are allowed to mature naturally on the plant, which allows them to develop their full sugar and acid balance, resulting in a much richer, more complex flavor. Avoid tomatoes that might have been sprayed with ripening gases, as these often lack the deep taste of their naturally ripened counterparts.
- **Inspect the Exterior Carefully:** Take a moment to examine the tomato’s skin. Steer clear of any tomatoes that exhibit discoloration, bruises, soft spots, or blemishes. Even a small black mark can indicate internal rot or mold, which will compromise the taste and safety of your pie. A healthy tomato should have a smooth, taut, and uniformly colored skin.
- **Assess the Weight:** A good, juicy tomato should feel heavy for its size. This density indicates a high water content and firm flesh, essential for a flavorful pie. Tomatoes that feel unusually light are often dry, mealy, and lack the vibrant juiciness you desire.
- **Trust Your Sense of Smell:** Don’t hesitate to give a tomato a good sniff, especially near its stem end. A truly good tomato will emit a distinct, earthy, sweet, and slightly tangy aroma – a scent that signals ripeness and flavor. If a tomato has no scent at all, it’s highly likely to be bland and tasteless. Be particularly diligent when choosing smaller varieties like grape or cherry tomatoes packaged in plastic containers: look for bright red fruit with few blemishes, and always check for that tell-tale earthy aroma.
By following these tips, you’ll significantly increase your chances of finding exceptional tomatoes, ensuring your Southern Tomato Pie is bursting with authentic, delicious flavor.
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Explore More Ways to Cook with Fresh Tomatoes:
Fresh tomatoes are incredibly versatile, lending their vibrant flavor to a myriad of dishes beyond just pie. If you’re looking for more inspiration to utilize your tomato harvest, consider these fantastic recipes:
- Zucchini & Tomato Bake: A delightful casserole combining the best of summer vegetables in a comforting, cheesy bake.
- Low Carb Spinach, Tomato and Feta Crustless Quiche: A light yet satisfying option for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dinner, packed with fresh flavors.
- Roasted Tomato Vegetable Soup: Roasting tomatoes brings out their deep, concentrated sweetness, making for an incredibly rich and flavorful soup.
- Tomato Tart with Goat Cheese and Capers: An elegant and savory tart featuring the bright tang of goat cheese and briny capers alongside fresh tomatoes.
- Ombre Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Tart: A visually stunning tart showcasing the beautiful colors of heirloom tomatoes with creamy ricotta cheese.
These recipes offer diverse ways to enjoy the unparalleled taste of fresh tomatoes, ensuring every part of your harvest can be transformed into something truly special.
Enough talk! Let’s get right to the recipe so you can experience this incredible Southern Tomato Pie for yourself. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Print Recipe
Tomato Pie
Red ripe tomato slices, fresh basil, garlic, green onion and two kinds of cheese baked in a flaky golden crust. This classic Southern Tomato Pie just begs to be eaten.
Cuisine: American |
Keyword: Alabama, fresh tomatoes, pie, southern, Tomato
Calories: 446 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 5-6 red ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 10 leaves)
- 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Line a pie plate with the unbaked pie crust, shaping it to fit snugly. Using the tines of a fork, gently poke holes across the bottom of the crust. To prevent the crust from bubbling up during baking, place a piece of heavy-duty foil (foil method) or pie weights in the center. Bake the crust for approximately 8 minutes, or until it just begins to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) in preparation for baking the pie.
- While the pie crust is pre-baking, prepare your tomatoes. Line a large cookie sheet with two layers of paper towels. Arrange the sliced tomatoes in a single layer on the towels and generously sprinkle them with salt. Let them rest for 30 minutes to allow excess moisture to drain.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh basil, chopped green onion, and minced garlic. Set this aromatic mixture aside.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- After the 30-minute resting period, gently blot the tops of the tomatoes with additional paper towels to remove any remaining excess juice. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy pie.
- Now, it’s time to assemble the pie. Place an even layer of the drained tomato slices into the bottom of the cooled, pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle half of the basil, green onion, and garlic mixture over these tomatoes. Add another layer of tomato slices, followed by the remaining half of the herb mixture. Finally, carefully spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of the pie, ensuring it covers all the ingredients.
- Bake the pie for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C), or until the cheese topping is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the pie to set, making it easier to cut and ensuring the filling holds together beautifully.
Notes
This recipe has been slightly adapted from the wonderful blog, House of Nash Eats.
Nutrition
| Calories: 446kcal
| Carbohydrates: 20g
| Protein: 12g
| Fat: 36g
| Saturated Fat: 13g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g
| Cholesterol: 48mg
| Sodium: 789mg
| Fiber: 2g
| Sugar: 3g