Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe
Cheesy Tomato Pie is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves the classic pairing of ripe, juicy tomatoes and melty cheese, all cozily nestled inside a flaky pie crust. This Southern-inspired dish transforms humble ingredients into something totally craveworthy: tangy tomatoes, rich cheddar, gooey mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a hint of Dijon for backbone. Whether you serve it as a main course in summer, a glorious side at your next brunch, or just slice it for a midnight snack, each bite delivers layers of creamy, savory satisfaction. Trust me—once you try Cheesy Tomato Pie, you’ll want to make it part of your regular recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good news: making Cheesy Tomato Pie doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients. Each item brings something important to the flavor, texture, or visual appeal—from that buttery crust to a zing from green onions. Here’s how every ingredient helps create this magic.
- 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked): The foundation of the pie; a crisp, golden crust holds all your luscious fillings without getting soggy.
- 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced and drained): The star ingredient—choose juicy Romas or heirlooms, but make sure to drain well for best results.
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness and helps draw out excess moisture to keep the pie from turning watery.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough kick to balance all the rich, creamy elements.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory warmth that ties the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the flavor and complements both the tomatoes and cheese.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Bright, herbaceous notes that lift the entire dish to a new level.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: A subtle crunch and mild pungency for color and zing.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The secret to gooey, melty goodness in every mouthful.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers that sharp, familiar cheesiness that anchors the pie.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Blends with the cheese for creamy, tangy richness—don’t skip it!
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A pop of flavor that brightens and sharpens the creamy filling.
How to Make Cheesy Tomato Pie
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F to get things started. Slice your ripe tomatoes about a quarter-inch thick and lay them on a double layer of paper towels. Sprinkle with half a teaspoon of salt and let them rest for 15–20 minutes. This step is crucial—the salt coaxes out extra water for tomatoes that stay jammy and rich, not soggy. Gently pat them dry with more paper towels before moving on.
Step 2: Mix That Seasoning
While the tomatoes are draining, stir together the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. This custom seasoning blend adds a background of spice that complements every juicy bite.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Spread
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Mix until everything’s fully blended—the mixture should be thick, creamy, and gorgeously speckled with cheese. This is what gives Cheesy Tomato Pie its signature rich filling and golden, bubbly top.
Step 4: Layer Up the Pie
Now comes the fun part: assembly! Spread half the tomato slices on the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle with half of the seasoning mix, half of the chopped basil, and half the green onions. Blob and gently spread half the cheese mixture over the top. Repeat all layers with the remaining tomatoes, seasonings, basil, onions, and the rest of your cheesy spread.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Set your assembled pie in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown. The smell will be irresistible—savory, herbaceous, and ultra cheesy. Let your Cheesy Tomato Pie cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing so it sets up nicely and each slice holds together.
How to Serve Cheesy Tomato Pie
Garnishes
The perfect garnish can elevate your Cheesy Tomato Pie from homey to eye-catching. Try a generous sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons or a dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving. A crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil adds a finishing touch that amplifies those summery tomato flavors.
Side Dishes
This savory pie pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with a lightly dressed arugula salad, roasted asparagus, or a chilled cucumber salad for a fresh contrast. For brunch, a fruit salad and crispy potatoes will round out your table and let Cheesy Tomato Pie take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, slice the pie into wedges and fan them out on a platter lined with fresh greens. Alternatively, bake mini versions in muffin tins for an elegant appetizer—perfect for a party or potluck. Or try adding a lattice crust on top for a twist that looks and tastes amazing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Tomato Pie keeps well covered in the fridge for up to three days. Once fully cooled, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s slice is even better than today’s!
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover slices tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to a month. For best texture, thaw the slices in the refrigerator before reheating—expect a bit softer crust, but still plenty delicious.
Reheating
To reheat Cheesy Tomato Pie, place a slice on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and the top is bubbly again. Microwaving works in a pinch (about 1–2 minutes), but the oven gives you the crispiest base.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust for Cheesy Tomato Pie?
Absolutely! A quality store-bought pre-baked crust is convenient and works just fine, making this recipe even easier to toss together on busy days.
What are the best tomatoes for Cheesy Tomato Pie?
Choose meaty varieties like Roma, plum, or heirloom tomatoes. Their dense flesh helps avoid excess moisture, so your final pie stays sturdy and flavorful.
Is there a way to make this pie lighter?
You can reduce calories by using a light mayonnaise, part-skim mozzarella, and a whole wheat crust if desired. The result will still be creamy and indulgent, but with a little less richness.
Can I add extra veggies or different cheeses?
Definitely! Feel free to tuck in sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or swap in gouda or gruyère for new flavor twists. Make sure to keep the ratios similar so your filling sets up nicely.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Draining and blotting your tomatoes is key, but you can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan over the bottom of the crust before adding the filling for an extra barrier against moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s summery, savory, and impossible to resist, give Cheesy Tomato Pie a try. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for company, and it never fails to spark conversation around the table. Get ready for requests for seconds!
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Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of Cheesy Tomato Pie, a Southern American classic bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, gooey cheeses, and a buttery crust. This recipe is a perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and herbaceous elements that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked)
Filling:
- 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced and drained on paper towels)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Slice tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and let sit to drain excess moisture.
- Prepare Seasonings: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Combine Cheese Mixture: Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
- Layer Ingredients: Layer tomatoes, seasonings, basil, green onions, and cheese mixture in pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use meaty tomatoes like Roma for best results.
- Drain tomatoes well to avoid a soggy pie.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
