Name: Best Tomato Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought); 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick; 1 teaspoon salt (for draining tomatoes); ½ cup chopped yellow onion; ½ cup chopped fresh basil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Description

This Best Tomato Pie recipe features a flaky pre-baked pie crust layered with perfectly drained ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, onions, and a luscious blend of mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Ideal as a main course or side dish, this Southern American classic offers a savory summer pie that’s bursting with fresh flavors and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Tomato Layer

4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
1 teaspoon salt (for draining tomatoes)
½ cup chopped yellow onion
½ cup chopped fresh basil

Cheese Mixture

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Drain Tomatoes: Place tomato slices in a single layer on a paper towel-lined tray. Sprinkle them evenly with salt and let sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, pat the slices thoroughly dry with additional paper towels to prevent a soggy crust.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie evenly.
Assemble Pie: In the pre-baked pie crust, start by layering the chopped yellow onion evenly across the bottom. Follow with half of the drained tomato slices, and sprinkle half of the fresh chopped basil on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining tomato slices and basil.
Prepare Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated cheddar, mayonnaise, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until you create a creamy, uniform mixture.
Top and Bake: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top layer of tomatoes in the pie. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Notes

For a sturdier pie, you can roast or broil tomato slices for a few minutes before layering to reduce moisture further.
Adding cooked bacon or using a blend of cheeses such as fontina or Gruyère can enhance the flavor complexity of the pie.