Description
This Southern Tomato Pie is a classic summer dish that combines juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy mayo-cheese topping in a flaky pie crust. Easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings, this savory pie is a crowd-pleaser that showcases the best of peak-season tomatoes.
Ingredients
Crust:
1 frozen 9-inch deep-dish pie shell (store-bought; keep frozen until use)
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (sprinkled on the bottom to prevent sogginess)
Tomato Layers:
4 large ripe tomatoes (sliced 1/4-inch thick; Beefsteak or Roma)
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheesy Topping:
3/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
-
Crisp the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar evenly over the bottom of the frozen pie shell. Pre-bake for 5 minutes to set the crust and melt the cheese. Remove from the oven and set aside. -
Prepare Tomatoes:
Slice the tomatoes about 1/4-inch thick. Lay the slices in a single layer on a rack over a sheet pan or on paper towels. Lightly salt the tomatoes and let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. After 10 minutes, pat the tops of the tomatoes dry thoroughly. -
Layer the Tomatoes and Basil:
Arrange the salted, dried tomato slices in overlapping layers inside the pre-baked pie shell. Sprinkle the chopped basil evenly between the layers. -
Make the Topping:
In a bowl, combine Duke’s mayonnaise with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the mixture is thick and creamy. -
Top & Bake:
Spread the mayo-cheese mixture over the tomatoes, making sure to seal it to the edges of the crust. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. -
Cool:
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) before slicing. This will help the filling set and allow for clean slices.
Notes
Cheese Swap: If you prefer a sharper flavor, you can use all cheddar cheese. For a milder taste, try using all mozzarella cheese.
Add a Twist: Try adding a layer of caramelized onions or roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust if you need to make the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes:
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Savory, Pie, Southern
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
