Cheesy Tomato Pie

Let me introduce you to your new summertime obsession: Cheesy Tomato Pie. If you’ve never had one, oh friend—you’re in for a treat. This dish is everything you love about fresh tomatoes, melty cheese, and flaky pie crust, all wrapped up into one warm, savory slice of Southern comfort. It’s tangy, cheesy, herb-packed, and just indulgent enough to feel like something special without being fussy.

Imagine this: juicy, ripe tomatoes layered over a buttery crust, tucked under a dreamy, cheesy mayo topping that gets all golden and bubbly in the oven. Every bite bursts with flavor—the acidity of the tomatoes, the richness of the cheese, the buttery crunch of the crust. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like summer, like backyard dinners and garden-fresh goodness. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going straight into your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Tomato Pie

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just looking for a cozy way to use up those gorgeous tomatoes on your counter, this pie has your back. Here’s why it’s a total crowd favorite:

Versatile: Serve it warm, room temp, or chilled. It’s perfect for brunches, picnics, or an easy meatless dinner. It can be a main dish or a standout side.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce. You don’t need anything fancy to whip this together—just a handful of simple, flavor-packed ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Especially if you use a store-bought crust, this pie comes together fast and without much fuss. It’s beginner-friendly and low stress.

Customizable: Add herbs, change the cheese, toss in some caramelized onions or bacon if you’re feeling adventurous. Make it your own!

Crowd-Pleasing: There’s just something about warm cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a buttery crust that makes people go mmm. It’s a guaranteed win at the table.

Ingredients in Cheesy Tomato Pie

This pie is all about celebrating fresh, juicy tomatoes and rich, savory flavors. Here’s the dream team of ingredients that makes it all come together:

Fresh Tomatoes

The star of the show! Choose ripe, firm tomatoes—heirloom, Roma, or vine-ripened all work beautifully. The more flavor they’ve got, the better the pie.

Pie Crust

A buttery, flaky pie crust holds everything together. You can use a store-bought one to keep things easy or go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.

Mayonnaise

Stay with me—this is the secret to the pie’s rich, creamy topping. Mixed with cheese, it melts into a tangy, dreamy layer that ties everything together.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar gives the pie a bold, cheesy bite. It melts beautifully and plays perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Mozzarella Cheese

For that melty, stretchy factor. It brings balance to the cheddar and adds gooey goodness to every slice.

Fresh Basil

Chopped basil adds a fresh, herby pop that lifts all the rich flavors. It’s a little garden magic in every bite.

Green Onions

Mild and fresh, they add a nice little bite without overpowering the tomatoes or cheese.

Salt and Pepper

Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and make all the flavors sing.

Optional: A sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of hot sauce

Because extra cheese and a little kick never hurt anybody.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the crust gets golden and the cheese topping bakes to bubbly perfection.

Prepare the Tomatoes

Slice your tomatoes and lay them out on a few paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture so your pie doesn’t get soggy.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Place your pie crust in a standard pie dish and par-bake it for about 8–10 minutes. This helps keep the crust crisp on the bottom once the tomatoes go in.

Assemble the Dish

Layer your tomato slices in the pre-baked crust, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with chopped basil, green onions, and a pinch of pepper. Then mix your mayo with the shredded cheeses and spread that mixture evenly over the top of the tomatoes.

Cook to Perfection

Bake the pie for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on the crust—if the edges start to brown too quickly, just cover them with foil.

Finishing Touches

Let the pie cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set up and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temp with a light side salad or fresh fruit. It’s the ultimate feel-good, anytime dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8 slices
Calories per serving: [To be added]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Tomato Pie

This dish is just as lovely on a dinner plate as it is at a picnic or brunch spread. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve it:

With a Side Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette is the perfect fresh, tangy complement.

As a Brunch Star: Pair it with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee for a savory twist on your usual breakfast bake.

Picnic-Perfect: Chill the pie, slice it up, and bring it along on a warm afternoon. It travels well and tastes even better after sitting for a bit.

With a Bowl of Soup: Tomato bisque or even a light vegetable soup turns this into a cozy, comforting dinner.

As a Potluck Favorite: Slice into squares and serve as an appetizer or finger food. Watch them disappear fast.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can par-bake your crust and slice your tomatoes in advance to save time.

Spice It Up: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to the mayo-cheese mixture if you like a kick.

Make It Meatier: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or a few slices of ham for an extra savory layer.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven to keep the crust crisp.

Avoid Soggy Pie: Always salt and drain your tomatoes! It makes a huge difference in the final texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make it gluten-free?
A2: Yes—just use a gluten-free pie crust and double-check your mayo and cheeses for gluten-containing additives.

Q3: Can I freeze tomato pie?
A3: It’s not ideal—the texture of the tomatoes can change after freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q4: Can I make this without mayo?
A4: The mayo is what gives it that signature creamy topping, but you could try swapping in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.

Q5: What kind of tomatoes work best?
A5: Ripe, firm varieties like Roma, heirloom, or vine-ripened tomatoes are great. Just make sure to drain them well!

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
A6: Yes! It holds up well and can be made a few hours in advance and served at room temperature.

Q7: How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
A7: Par-bake your crust and make sure to drain the tomatoes. You can also sprinkle a little shredded cheese or breadcrumbs on the bottom before adding the tomatoes for extra insurance.

Q8: What other herbs can I use?
A8: Thyme, oregano, or chives work well alongside or in place of basil.

Q9: Can I make this without onions?
A9: Totally. Just leave them out or swap for caramelized onions if you prefer a sweeter note.

Q10: Is this good cold?
A10: Yes! It’s surprisingly delicious cold or at room temp, making it perfect for leftovers or packed lunches.

Conclusion

Cheesy Tomato Pie is one of those magical recipes that manages to feel both homey and special at the same time. It’s bursting with flavor, full of texture, and ridiculously easy to pull off. Whether you’re drowning in garden tomatoes or just craving something cozy and cheesy, this pie delivers in a big way. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to summer staple.

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