If you’re hunting for the coziest, sun-ripened dinner, let me introduce you to the Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave. This vibrant Southern staple stars a flaky crust, juicy summer tomatoes, and a cheesy, golden topping that melts into every layer for ultimate comfort. Each forkful is loaded with flavors both fresh and nostalgic, making it perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunch, or anytime you want to bring a little sunshine to your table. Whether you’re a tomato pie first-timer or a lifelong fan, this recipe guarantees true crowd-pleasing magic—the kind you’ll crave all season long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of the Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave lies in just a handful of simple, familiar ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the tangy tomatoes to the cheesy topping, so choose the ripest produce and your favorite brands for the best flavor and texture.
- 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade): The foundation that holds all those savory, juicy layers—blind-bake for extra crispiness!
- 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced and drained on paper towels: Plump, in-season tomatoes offer the sweetest bite; draining is key for a non-soggy pie.
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining tomatoes): A quick sprinkle draws out excess tomato moisture and deepens flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Sautéed onions lend gentle sweetness and a lovely golden color.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise brings the entire cheesy topping together, creating rich, irresistible creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For a robust, tangy cheese layer that bubbles beautifully when baked.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds gooey stretch and a milder cheese flavor that complements the cheddar.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped): Basil brings bright, herbal notes that tie the tomato and cheese together.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Just a pinch for that savory backbone—no bites of raw garlic here!
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Grounds the flavors and gives every bite a gentle hint of spice.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Add a pop of green and freshness when serving.
How to Make Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by blind-baking your 9-inch pie crust so it holds up beautifully under all that juicy filling. Pre-baking creates a golden, flaky barrier that keeps the bottom crisp—exactly what you want in the Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave.
Step 2: Drain the Tomatoes
Slice your ripe tomatoes and lay them out on paper towels. Give them a sprinkle of salt and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step draws out plenty of moisture, helping you avoid a soggy crust and intensifying the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
While the tomatoes drain, sauté your thinly sliced onions in a little oil or butter over medium heat. In 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll have tender, golden onions that add a subtle, caramelized sweetness to the pie’s base.
Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Topping
In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. This rich, herby topping is what makes the Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave so decadent.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
To build those glorious layers, start by spreading the sautéed onions over the bottom of your pre-baked crust. Next, arrange your tomato slices in slightly overlapping rows for maximum juiciness and beauty. Finally, dollop the cheese-mayo mixture over the top and use a spatula to smooth it out, covering all the tomatoes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled pie into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top will turn golden and bubbly, sealing in the layers below. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes—this makes slicing neater and allows the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Cut into generous slices and get ready for that first irresistible bite of the Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave.
How to Serve Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave
Garnishes
A scattering of freshly chopped parsley gives a burst of color and mild flavor, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add richness. For even more flair, try a few leaves of fresh basil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving—small touches that make your pie look and taste extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve your Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave with leafy green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrette, grilled vegetables, or even some chilled cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For heartier fare, pair with roasted potatoes or a bowl of creamy soup to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your pie for brunch gatherings by cutting it into smaller wedges and serving with sparkling drinks. For a lunch buffet, offer bite-sized squares atop a wooden board with a spread of Southern-inspired sides. Or create a DIY “tomato pie bar” with small bowls of different toppings and garnishes for your guests to sprinkle on just before eating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave to cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making a second-day slice arguably even more delicious.
Freezing
This tomato pie can be frozen either whole or in individual slices. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps the crust nicely crisp.
FAQs
Can I use heirloom or cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
Absolutely! Heirloom tomatoes offer amazing color and rich, sweet flavors, while cherry tomatoes are delightfully juicy and hold their shape well. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Is there a good substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can try using plain Greek yogurt or a blend of sour cream and a touch of olive oil. The key is to have something creamy to bind the cheeses for that signature topping.
What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust?
The secret lies in two steps: first, blind-bake your pie crust until golden. Second, drain those tomatoes on paper towels with a sprinkle of salt. Following both ensures your Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave stays delightfully crisp and sliceable.
Can I add meat, like bacon or ham, to this tomato pie?
Definitely! Crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham add a savory, smoky layer. Just pat them dry before adding to prevent extra moisture in your pie.
Is this tomato pie recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this is a wonderful vegetarian main course. For a vegan adaptation, experiment with vegan cheese and mayo, and you’ll still end up with a comfort dish everyone will want seconds of!
Final Thoughts
If home-cooked comfort food is calling your name, this is the recipe to try. The Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave is the kind of dish that brings people together, turning simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece. Give it a go—just don’t be surprised when friends and family ask for the recipe before they’ve finished their slice!
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Irresistibly Best Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Crave Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this irresistible tomato pie. Layers of ripe tomatoes, savory onions, and a cheesy, creamy filling come together in a flaky pie crust to create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade), blind-baked
Tomato Filling:
- 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced and drained on paper towels
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining tomatoes)
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Tomatoes: Slice tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and let sit to drain moisture. Pat dry.
- Sauté Onions: Sauté sliced onions until soft and golden. Set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix mayonnaise, cheddar, mozzarella, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Assemble Pie: Layer onions, tomatoes, and cheese mixture in baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- To prevent a soggy crust, drain tomatoes well and use a well-baked pie shell.
- For extra flavor, consider adding bacon or fresh basil between tomato layers.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus draining time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
