Tomato Pie Recipe
If you have been on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant dish that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the rich creaminess of cheese, then this Tomato Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with summery flavors and nestled in a buttery pie crust, this dish brings comfort and elegance to any table. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or impressing guests at a weekend brunch, the Tomato Pie Recipe shines with its perfect balance of textures and colors, making it a true celebration of garden-fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple, well-chosen ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. Each one plays an essential role, ensuring the Tomato Pie Recipe is both flavorful and visually stunning.
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (9-inch): Provides a flaky, buttery foundation for the pie that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced: Fresh, juicy tomatoes are key to delivering that bright, summery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from the tomatoes, preventing a soggy crust.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy richness that melts into every bite.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Gives the pie a creamy texture and helps bind the cheesy topping together.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley: Brings a burst of herbaceous freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the flavor profile.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty dimension to the topping.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Infuses the pie with aromatic, Mediterranean notes.
How to Make Tomato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake your masterpiece. Gently place the refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure to crimp the edges for that classic homemade look. This crust will be the crisp vessel holding all the delicious layers together.
Step 2: Layer the Tomatoes
Arrange your sliced medium ripe tomatoes in overlapping layers inside the pie crust. Sprinkle the tomatoes evenly with one teaspoon of salt and let them rest for about 10 minutes; this step is crucial as it draws out excess moisture, preventing a soggy base. After resting, carefully drain off the liquid to keep the crust from getting watery.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil or parsley, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and your dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir everything until well blended — this mixture will be spread over the tomatoes to create a rich, creamy topping that melts and browns delectably in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Evenly spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture over the layered tomatoes, covering them completely. Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, signaling that every flavor has melded together beautifully.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Tomato Pie Recipe cool slightly before slicing to allow the filling to set. This little patience step makes all the difference when serving perfect slices that hold together with ease.
How to Serve Tomato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top just before serving add a vibrant pop of color and an herbal aroma that makes every bite even more inviting. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also enhance the flavors elegantly.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light soup to make a balanced meal. The freshness and creaminess of the Tomato Pie Recipe complement many sides, making it versatile for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the pie in bite-sized squares as finger food at parties, or complement it with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea. You can even swap in heirloom tomatoes for a rainbow of colors that make this Tomato Pie Recipe a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Tomato Pie Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. It’s just as tasty when enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pie unbaked after assembling it, wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
To bring leftover slices back to life, pop them into a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of cheddar in this Tomato Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella will give the pie a creamier, milder cheese flavor and a lovely stretchy texture. You might want to add a bit more Parmesan or seasoning to boost the depth of flavor.
Is it necessary to salt the tomatoes before baking?
Yes, salting is a key step to draw out excess moisture from the tomatoes. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and keeps your Tomato Pie Recipe perfectly textured.
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Definitely! A homemade crust can add a personal touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out properly and fits your pie plate to ensure even baking and a flaky base.
How ripe should the tomatoes be for this recipe?
Use ripe but firm tomatoes. Overly soft tomatoes can release too much juice, making the pie watery, while underripe ones might lack the sweet flavor that makes this Tomato Pie Recipe so special.
What are good herbs to include in the topping?
Basil and parsley are classic choices that bring freshness, but you can also experiment with thyme, oregano, or even fresh chives to tailor the pie to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Pie Recipe is such a gem to have in your cooking repertoire — it captures the essence of summertime flavors with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver impressive results every time. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy this delightful, savory treat as much as I do!
Print
Tomato Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Pie is a savory, delicious dish featuring ripe tomatoes layered over a flaky pie crust, topped with a creamy mixture of sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish, it combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a rich, cheesy topping baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (9-inch)
Tomato Layer
- 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pie once assembled.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges to form a neat border that will hold the filling securely.
- Layer the Tomatoes: Arrange the sliced tomatoes in overlapping layers over the pie crust. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over the tomatoes and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, carefully drain off the liquid to prevent a soggy crust.
- Mix the Cheese Topping: In a bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil or parsley, black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended to create a creamy, flavorful topping.
- Spread the Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the prepared tomatoes, covering them completely.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent excess juice making the pie soggy.
- Draining the tomato juices after salting is essential for a crisp crust.
- Fresh basil adds a brighter flavor, but parsley works well as a substitute.
- This pie can be served as a light main dish or a flavorful side.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Savory Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
