Description
This classic Tomato Pie recipe features a flaky premade pie crust filled with juicy beefsteak tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy cheddar cheese and mayonnaise topping. Baked until bubbly and golden, this savory pie offers a delightful balance of tangy tomatoes and rich, cheesy flavors perfect for a summer brunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 premade pie crust
Tomato Filling
- 4 beefsteak tomatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
Topping
- 1 cup heavy mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Pre-bake Pie Crust: Place the premade pie crust in a pie dish and bake it for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. This helps prevent a soggy crust when you add the tomato filling.
- Prepare Tomato Filling: Arrange the thinly sliced peeled tomatoes evenly in the prebaked pie crust. Season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, fresh or dried basil, and chopped chives. For a firmer pie, salt the tomatoes beforehand to remove excess moisture, but note the traditional recipe is more moist than dry.
- Mix Topping: In a medium bowl, stir together the heavy mayonnaise and grated cheddar cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the mayonnaise and cheese mixture evenly over the seasoned tomatoes in the pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes to let it set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Peeling tomatoes prevents excess moisture and sogginess in the pie.
- Salting tomatoes beforehand can reduce moisture if a less liquid pie is desired.
- Using Duke’s mayonnaise is traditional for authentic flavor but any heavy mayonnaise will work.
- Letting the pie cool before slicing ensures cleaner cuts and better texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Savory Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
