I’m so excited to share this Tomato Pie Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a fresh slice of summer on your plate. Juicy, ripe tomatoes meet a creamy, cheesy topping nestled in a buttery flaky crust — it’s comfort food with a bright, garden-fresh twist. I love making this pie when tomatoes are at their peak, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to make it all year round!
When I first tried this tomato pie, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together yet how impressive it looks and tastes when served. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even a picnic, and the way the layers of tomato, basil, and cheese combine is just pure magic. Once you nail this Tomato Pie Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Flavorful: Ripe tomatoes and fresh basil bring vibrant flavor to every bite.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients mean you can whip it up on a weeknight or weekend.
- Versatile Serving: Works as a main dish, appetizer, or side — perfect for any occasion.
- Keeps Well: Leftovers taste great and can be reheated easily without losing texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tomato Pie Recipe is really in the fresh, colorful ingredients working together. Whenever I shop for this dish, I keep an eye out for ripe roma tomatoes and fresh basil that still smells like summer in your kitchen.
- Roma tomatoes: I like these because their flesh is firm and juicy but not watery, which helps keep the pie from becoming soggy.
- Fresh basil leaves: Nothing beats fresh basil for that peppery, sweet aroma. Chop them just before assembling to keep the flavor bright.
- Green or red onion: Red onion adds a bit of sweetness, while green onion gives a milder flavor; choose what you prefer!
- Pre-baked pie crust: Ready-made crust saves time — just make sure it’s baked long enough to hold all the juicy tomatoes.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a soft, melty texture that won’t release too much moisture.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful bite and depth of flavor to the topping mix.
- Mayonnaise (or mayo/Greek yogurt mix): The creaminess here balances the acidity of the tomatoes; I often do half mayo, half Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top lends a golden crust and a boost of savory flavor as it bakes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer perfectly — don’t skip this step!
Variations
I like to mix things up a bit depending on what’s available in my kitchen and what my family is craving. This Tomato Pie Recipe is pretty forgiving, so feel free to get creative with your add-ins and substitutions.
- Adding protein: Sometimes I add crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham for a savory boost — my family goes crazy for it!
- Dairy-free option: Swap the cheeses and mayo for vegan alternatives; the pie still comes out delicious with fresh tomatoes shining through.
- Herb swap: Fresh thyme or oregano can replace basil, giving the pie a different herbaceous angle.
- Spicier twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes layered in gives the pie a gentle kick that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Make Tomato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes
The trick to a non-soggy tomato pie lies in starting with perfectly drained tomatoes. Layer the sliced tomatoes in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps pull out extra moisture. Then, pat them dry carefully with paper towels—don’t rush this step because watery tomatoes can ruin your crust’s crunch.
Step 2: Assemble the pie layers
Once your tomatoes are ready, start layering them in the pre-baked pie shell along with chopped basil and onions. Season the layers with salt and pepper as you go — I learned that seasoning now means every bite’s perfectly flavored. You want to build those flavors right from the bottom up.
Step 3: Mix the cheesy topping
Combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and your choice of mayonnaise or mayo-Greek yogurt mix until smooth. Spreading this evenly over the layered tomatoes creates that creamy, golden crust that makes this tomato pie so unforgettable. Don’t forget to sprinkle the parmesan on top for that little extra punch!
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Bake the pie at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and bubbly. When you pull it out, patience is key! Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing — this step helps the filling set so you get clean slices that hold together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Tomato Pie Recipe
- Dry Your Tomatoes Well: I can’t stress this enough — patting your tomatoes dry prevents a soggy crust and ensures each bite is perfect.
- Use Pre-Baked Pie Crust: Baking the crust ahead of time keeps the base crisp and helps it hold up against juicy toppings.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the pie sit after baking; it firms up so the slices stay together and look beautiful on the plate.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t forget to taste as you layer — a little salt and pepper go a long way in making this pie shine.
How to Serve Tomato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves on top right before serving because it adds a pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes I add a quick drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dusting of cracked black pepper to make each piece look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This tomato pie pairs wonderfully with light salad greens dressed simply, or a cold cucumber salad keeps things fresh. For something heartier, a bowl of chilled gazpacho or a side of garlic-roasted potatoes makes a fantastic combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this pie in mini tartlet pans for individual servings — guests love that personal touch! You can also arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with garnishes and bowls of extra cheese or fresh herbs for a beautiful buffet spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover tomato pie tightly covered in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. I learned that cutting the pie into individual slices before chilling makes grabbing a quick snack easier and keeps the pie fresher overall.
Freezing
Freezing tomato pie is possible but not my favorite because tomatoes can get watery when thawed. If you want to try, wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw slowly in the fridge to help preserve texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftover tomato pie in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes to bring back that golden top and crispy crust. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to soften the crust too much for my taste.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tomatoes for this Tomato Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While roma tomatoes are great for their low moisture, you can use beefsteak, heirloom, or even cherry tomatoes sliced thin. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry well to avoid sogginess.
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Do I have to pre-bake the pie crust?
Pre-baking the crust is highly recommended because it creates a sturdy base that won’t get soggy from the juicy tomatoes. If you skip this step, you risk ending up with a soggy bottom.
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Can I make the mayo and yogurt topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix your cheese and mayo or yogurt topping a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before spreading to make sure it’s evenly combined.
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How long does leftover tomato pie stay good in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, leftover tomato pie will be fresh and tasty for up to three days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor start to decline.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Pie Recipe is one of those unexpected heroes in my recipe box — easy to make but feels like a special occasion every time. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with those little personal touches I mentioned. Remember, the key is fresh ingredients and a bit of patience to get it just right — and once you do, it’s pure joy on a plate. Give it a try next time you want something both homey and impressive!
PrintTomato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious and savory Tomato Pie features layers of fresh roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and onions in a pre-baked pie crust, topped with a creamy cheese and mayonnaise mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, this pie combines fresh garden flavors with a rich and creamy topping for a satisfying, easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 5 roma tomatoes, peeled and sliced
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onion or red onion, chopped
Pie Base and Cheese Mixture
- 1 9-inch pre-baked pie crust
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or 1/2 mayo, 1/2 Greek yogurt)
- 2 Tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare tomatoes: Lay the peeled and sliced roma tomatoes in a single layer in a colander placed over the sink. Sprinkle them with salt to draw out excess moisture and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Dry tomatoes: Using paper towels, pat the tomato slices dry carefully to remove most of their moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the pie from becoming soggy.
- Layer filling: In the pre-baked pie crust, arrange a layer of tomato slices followed by chopped basil and onions. Season these layers with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare cheese topping: Mix together the shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and mayonnaise (or mixture of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt) in a bowl until well combined.
- Assemble and top: Spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the layered tomatoes in the pie crust. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the pie set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Peeling the tomatoes is essential to avoid excess moisture and sogginess in the pie.
- You can use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for a lighter topping with a tangy flavor.
- Make sure the pie crust is pre-baked so the filling cooks evenly and the crust stays crisp.
- Allow the pie to rest before cutting to let the filling set properly for neat slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pie)
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 604mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 36mg