Mouthwatering Southern Tomato Pie: A Comforting Classic You’ll Love

Southern tomato pie stands as a cherished culinary treasure in the heart of Southern cuisine.

This delightful dish captures the essence of summer’s bounty with ripe, juicy tomatoes as its star ingredient.

Layers of fresh produce and rich, creamy fillings create a mouthwatering experience that reflects the region’s love for comfort food.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts alike celebrate this savory pie as a testament to Southern cooking traditions.

The combination of flaky crust, garden-fresh tomatoes, and decadent cheese transforms a simple recipe into a remarkable meal.

Regional flavors and family recipes merge to make this pie a beloved staple at family gatherings and community potlucks.

Top Reasons To Make Southern Tomato Pie

• Quick and Easy Summer Delight: This Southern Tomato Pie offers a hassle-free recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed Cheese Combination: Blending cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere creates a rich, complex taste that elevates the humble tomato to gourmet status without complicated techniques.
• Moisture-Mastery Technique: Strategic salting and drying of tomatoes ensures a perfectly crisp pie crust, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining a delightful texture that impresses even picky eaters.
• Versatile Serving Option: Great for summer potlucks, brunches, or as a stunning side dish that works equally well as a main course, making it a go-to recipe for multiple occasions.

What Goes In Southern Tomato Pie

• Homemade Pie Crust: Flaky base for the pie, provides structure and adds delicious texture.
• Cornmeal: Helps create a crisp bottom layer and prevents soggy crust.

• Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Onion: Core ingredients that provide fresh flavor and garden-fresh taste.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to the pie filling.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Creamy, melty ingredients that create rich, complex flavor profile.
• Mayonnaise: Binds cheese and adds creamy smoothness to the filling.

• Kosher Salt: Helps draw moisture out of tomatoes and enhances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the pie's taste.

• Aluminum Foil or Pie Shield: Protects pie crust edges from burning during baking.
• Paper Towels: Used for drying tomatoes and removing excess moisture.

How To Bake Southern Tomato Pie

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

For homemade crust, roll out into a 9-inch pie pan. Blind-bake with pie weights, then bake without weights for 3-4 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prep Tomatoes

• Cut tomatoes in half crosswise
• Squeeze out seeds and excess juice
• Chop into bite-sized pieces
• Place in colander
• Sprinkle with kosher salt
• Let sit for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Spread on paper towels
• Press additional paper towels to remove moisture

Step 3: Set Up Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place baking sheet or pizza stone on center rack.

Step 4: Layer Pie Base

• Sprinkle cornmeal on pie crust bottom
• Add shredded cheddar cheese
• Scatter chopped onion
• Spread fresh basil
• Layer half of dried tomatoes

Step 5: Create Cheese Mixture

• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Gruyere cheese

Step 6: Assemble Pie

• Spread cheese mixture over tomatoes
• Add remaining tomatoes
• Top with additional cheese blend

Step 7: Bake Pie

• Cover crust edges with aluminum foil
• Place on heated baking sheet
• Bake 40-45 minutes until golden brown
• Remove foil during last 5-10 minutes if needed

Step 8: Serve

Let pie cool 15-30 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.

Tips For Perfect Southern Tomato Pie

• Drain Tomatoes Thoroughly: Pat tomatoes completely dry to prevent a watery pie and ensure a crisp, flavorful crust.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Caramelize onions before adding to the pie for a sweeter, more intense taste that complements the tomatoes.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Sprinkle cornmeal on the bottom of the pie crust to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crispy texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with extra fresh basil just before serving to boost the pie's aromatic quality and visual appeal.

Storing Southern Tomato Pie The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Southern Tomato Pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pie slice on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent cheese from burning.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds. Note that microwave reheating might slightly soften the crust's crispness.
• Storage Tip: Keep pie separate from other strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate tomato and cheese flavors.

Tasty Sides For Southern Tomato Pie

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheesy tomato pie and refresh the palate.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a simple side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the pie's creamy texture and complement its southern flavors.
• Match with Chilled Rosé: Choose a dry rosé with bright acidity that echoes the tomato's tanginess and provides a cool counterpoint to the warm, cheesy pie.
• Complement with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Prepare a light herb-roasted chicken breast as a protein accompaniment that won't overshadow the pie's delicate tomato and cheese profile.

Southern Tomato Pie Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Southern Tomato Pie: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring the same flaky texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive diners.
• Vegan Tomato Pie
• Low-Carb Tomato Pie: Create a crust using cauliflower or almond flour base, reducing cornmeal and eliminating traditional pie crust. Increase protein content by adding more herbs and using full-fat cheese varieties to maintain rich taste profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Tomato Pie: Incorporate feta cheese instead of cheddar, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle oregano and za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired version that transforms the classic Southern recipe with international flair.

Southern Tomato Pie Common Questions

• Why do I need to salt the tomatoes before adding them to the pie?

Salting tomatoes helps draw out excess moisture, preventing a soggy pie crust and ensuring a more concentrated tomato flavor.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute or mix cheeses based on your preference, but aim to maintain a similar total volume and meltability of the cheeses used.

• How do I know when the tomato pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when it’s golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, typically after 40-45 minutes in the oven. The crust edges should be nicely browned.

• Is this dish considered a main course or a side dish?

Southern tomato pie can be served as a delicious main course for lunch or dinner, especially during summer when tomatoes are at their peak freshness.

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern Tomato Pie brings summer’s freshest flavors into a comforting culinary journey through Georgia’s kitchen traditions. Crisp herbed crust cradles ripe tomatoes and melted cheeses, inviting you to savor each delectable Southern-inspired bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes (about 1 ½ lbs), seeded and chopped (4 cups)
• 1 (9-inch) homemade or store-bought pie crust

Cheese Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup gruyere cheese, shredded

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or up to ½ teaspoon for extra spice)
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch pan, par-baking with pie weights, then remove weights and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes until lightly golden. Allow crust to cool completely.
2. Halve tomatoes crosswise, gently squeeze to remove seeds and excess liquid. Chop into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a colander.
3. Sprinkle kosher salt over tomatoes and let rest for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to help release moisture.
4. Carefully transfer tomatoes onto paper towels, gently press with additional towels to absorb remaining liquid.
5. Position oven rack with a baking sheet or pizza stone in the center, preheat to 375°F.
6. Evenly distribute cornmeal across the pie crust bottom as a moisture barrier.
7. Create a foundational layer by spreading cheddar cheese, followed by chopped onions and fresh basil.
8. Arrange half of the prepared tomatoes over the herb and cheese layer.
9. Whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, cayenne, black pepper, and a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere cheeses.
10. Smoothly spread the cheese mixture over the tomato layer, ensuring even coverage.
11. Top with remaining tomatoes and sprinkle the remaining cheese varieties across the surface.
12. Shield pie crust edges with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
13. Carefully place pie on preheated baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
14. Remove foil during final 5-10 minutes to encourage even browning of crust edges.
15. Allow pie to rest and cool for 15-30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

• Pat tomatoes dry thoroughly to prevent a soggy crust, ensuring crisp texture and concentrated flavor.
• Salting and draining tomatoes is crucial for removing excess moisture, preventing pie from becoming watery.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother, more even melting and better overall integration into the pie.
• Blind-baking the crust creates a sturdy base that won’t become soggy from tomato juices.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg