Description
This Southern Tomato Pie is a savory and comforting dish featuring ripe tomatoes layered in a flaky pre-baked pie crust, topped with a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and garlic. Baked until golden and bubbly, it makes a perfect appetizer, side, or light meal with a delicious Southern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust, pre-baked
Tomato Layer
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit on paper towels for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, preventing a soggy crust.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, chopped basil, and chopped thyme until well blended and smooth.
- Assemble Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices in the pre-baked pie crust, slightly overlapping each slice to cover the entire crust evenly.
- Season Tomatoes: Sprinkle the black pepper evenly over the layered tomatoes to add a mild spiciness and enhance flavor.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly spread the prepared mayonnaise and cheese mixture over the top of the seasoned tomatoes in the pie crust.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Using ripe but firm tomatoes helps maintain the structure of the pie during baking.
- Letting tomatoes sit on paper towels absorbs excess water, preventing a soggy crust.
- Fresh herbs like basil and thyme add a fragrant, fresh flavor that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
- The pre-baked pie crust ensures the bottom remains crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Allowing the pie to cool slightly before cutting helps the layers set for easier slicing.
