Tomato Pie
A Southern classic that turns summer's best tomatoes into a savory, cheesy delight. With a flaky crust and a creamy topping, this pie is pure comfort food, perfect for a light lunch or a standout side dish.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Drain the Tomatoes (30-40 minutes passive time)
- b.Slice the tomatoes about 1/4-inch thick.
- c.Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- d.Sprinkle evenly with 1 tsp of salt. Let stand for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- e.After 30 minutes, use more paper towels to gently pat the tops of the tomatoes completely dry. This step is crucial to prevent a watery pie.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blind Bake the Pie Crust (10-15 minutes)
- b.While tomatoes are draining, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges.
- d.Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- e.Bake for 10-12 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment and weights, then bake for another 2-3 minutes until the bottom is lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Filling (5-7 minutes)
- b.Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Pie (5 minutes)
- b.Spread half of the sautéed onions over the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
- c.Arrange half of the drained tomato slices in an overlapping layer.
- d.Sprinkle with half of the chopped basil, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- e.Repeat with the remaining onions, tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Make the Topping and Bake (30-35 minutes)
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, Dijon mustard, and the remaining 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- c.Carefully spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top layer of tomatoes, sealing it to the edges of the crust.
- d.Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest Before Serving (At least 1 hour)
- b.Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. For the cleanest slices, allow it to cool for up to 2 hours.
- c.This resting period is essential for the filling to set properly. Slicing it too early will result in a runny pie.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip draining the tomatoes! This is the most important step to prevent a watery pie.
- 2Blind baking the crust with pie weights ensures it stays crisp and doesn't get soggy from the filling.
- 3Use high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and creamy texture. Low-fat versions can separate when baked.
- 4Let the pie rest! A warm pie will be runny; a cooled pie will hold its shape perfectly for clean slices.
- 5For extra flavor, try adding a clove of minced garlic to the onions while sautéing.
- 6Use a mix of tomato varieties like heirloom and Roma for more complex flavor and beautiful color.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbs
Try adding other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives along with the basil for a more complex herbal note.
CheeseCheese
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Provolone, or a spicy Pepper Jack in the topping for a different flavor profile.
CrustCrust
For a homemade touch, use a classic all-butter pie crust or a savory cornmeal crust for added texture and flavor.
Add insAdd-ins
Incorporate 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the layers for extra savory depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases and protecting the skin from sun damage.
Source of Vitamin C
The fresh tomatoes and basil in this pie provide a good amount of Vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system, skin health, and iron absorption.
Provides Calcium
The cheddar and mozzarella cheeses contribute a significant amount of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
This is the most common issue! It's crucial to slice the tomatoes, salt them, and let them drain for at least 30 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before layering them in the pie. Using ripe but still firm tomatoes also helps.