Go Back
To make a great Southern tomato pie, you need key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 pre-made pie crust - 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 3 green onions, chopped (including green tops) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick) These simple ingredients bring out the fresh taste of tomatoes. You can add some optional ingredients for more flavor. Try these: - Crumbled bacon for a smoky taste. - A sprinkle of paprika to enhance color. - Chopped bell peppers for a crunch. - Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for depth. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Choosing the right tomatoes is key for your pie. Here are my tips: - Look for ripe tomatoes that feel firm but slightly soft. - Choose tomatoes that are bright and have a deep color. - Avoid tomatoes with bruises or blemishes. - Heirloom tomatoes add unique flavors and colors. The better the tomatoes, the tastier your pie will be. Check out the Full Recipe to get started! First, you need to prepare the tomatoes. Use four large, ripe tomatoes. Slice them evenly. Place the slices on a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt over them. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This draws out the extra moisture. After that, pat the slices dry with another towel. This step is key. It helps keep your pie from getting soggy. Now, grab your pre-made pie crust. Layer half of the tomato slices on the bottom. Next, add half of the chopped green onions. Then, sprinkle half of the chopped fresh basil on top. In a bowl, mix one cup of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. If you like a little spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Spread half of this mixture over your layered ingredients. Finish this layer with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once layered, place the pie in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want it bubbly and golden brown on top. When done, remove the pie from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the pie hold its shape. For the full recipe, feel free to check the detailed instructions provided earlier. Enjoy your delicious Southern Tomato Pie! To keep your crust crisp, start by salting your tomatoes. This draws out moisture. After 10-15 minutes, pat your tomatoes dry. This simple step makes a big difference. You can also blind bake your crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier that keeps the crust from getting soggy. For a rich flavor, I love using sharp cheddar cheese. It melts well and pairs nicely with tomatoes. You can also try mozzarella for a creamier texture. If you want a bit of tang, add some crumbled feta or goat cheese. Mixing different cheeses can add depth to your pie, making each bite exciting. Southern tomato pie is best served warm. I like to garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a light salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the pie's richness. For drinks, sweet tea or chilled white wine is a perfect match. Want to level up your meal? Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all those delicious flavors. For the full recipe, check out my detailed guide. {{image_2}} You can make Southern Tomato Pie vegetarian by adding more veggies. Try spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add color and taste. You can also use different cheeses like mozzarella or feta. This gives the pie a new twist. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer tasty choices. You can also make your own crust using almond flour or rice flour. This keeps the pie light and crunchy without gluten. Want to boost the flavor? Add bacon or chicken. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it on top. For chicken, use cooked and shredded meat. Both options add heartiness. They make the pie more filling and satisfying. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy making your Southern Tomato Pie! To keep your leftover Southern Tomato Pie fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the pie to room temperature before you store it. This way, it won't trap steam and get soggy. When you are ready to enjoy your leftover pie, reheating it properly is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is warm throughout. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes, but the crust may not stay crisp. If you want to keep your Southern Tomato Pie for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then follow the reheating tips above for the best taste. Enjoy your delicious pie even later! If you want to skip mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and tang. You can also try sour cream for a similar texture. Both options keep the pie rich and tasty. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Choose whole or diced tomatoes for best results. Drain them well to remove excess liquid. Fresh tomatoes give a brighter flavor, but canned works in a pinch. To spice up your Southern Tomato Pie, add cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. For more heat, mix in diced jalapeños with the tomatoes. Adjust the amount to your taste! For the full recipe, check the above sections. In this article, we explored how to make the perfect Southern Tomato Pie. We covered essential and optional ingredients, tips for choosing the best tomatoes, and provided step-by-step baking instructions. Plus, I shared tricks to avoid a soggy crust and some tasty variations to try. Southern Tomato Pie is simple, tasty, and fun to make. With these tips, you can impress anyone at your table. Now you're ready to bake your own delicious pie!

Southern Tomato Pie

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Savory Southern Tomato Pie! This delicious recipe features layers of juicy ripe tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy, zesty filling, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish is incredibly easy to make. Click through for step-by-step instructions and presentation tips to impress your guests with this Southern classic!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pre-made pie crust

4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 green onions, chopped (including green tops)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Place the sliced tomatoes on a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with another towel.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until smooth.

        In a pie crust, layer half of the tomato slices on the bottom, followed by half of the chopped green onions and half of the fresh basil.

          Spread half of the mayonnaise mixture on top, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

            Repeat the layering process with the rest of the tomato slices, green onions, basil, mayonnaise mixture, and finish with the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pie is bubbly and golden brown on top.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves. Cut into wedges and plate on a rustic wooden board for a charming Southern appeal.