Tomato Pie Recipe

Tomato Pie is a comforting, old-fashioned delight that truly captures the spirit of summer with every bite. This savory pie layers juicy, ripe tomatoes with smoky bacon, fresh basil, and plenty of gooey Cheddar cheese, all tucked into a flaky deep-dish crust. The harmony of lush tomatoes, herbs, and rich, cheesy topping makes this dish irresistible whether served piping hot or just slightly chilled. If you want the heart and flavor of a summer garden wrapped in pie form, you’re in the right place.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tomato Pie lies in the simplicity of its ingredients—each one offers something special, from the sweet acidity of ripe tomatoes to the fresh pop of basil and the irresistible richness of cheese. Honestly, when every ingredient is chosen with care, this homespun classic absolutely shines.

• Pie Crust: A ready-to-use deep-dish crust gives the pie its foundation and keeps assembly a breeze.
• Tomatoes: Use 4 large, ripe tomatoes—peeled and sliced—for their juicy flavor and summer brightness.
• Bacon: Chopped, cooked bacon brings smoky, savory notes that complement the tomatoes perfectly.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced, these add mild crunch and a bit of zip to each bite.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped leaves pack undeniable freshness and an herbal punch—don’t skip this!
• Dried Oregano: Just a teaspoon delivers classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For subtle depth and aromatic warmth—it’s the secret to irresistible savory goodness.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Only a touch, but it adds gentle heat that elevates the whole pie.
• Cheddar Cheese: Two cups, shredded, bring that melty golden crown we all crave on a savory pie.
• Mayonnaise: A quarter-cup creates a creamy, dreamy topping that browns beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Tomato Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First things first—gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Having everything at arm’s reach will make the layering process both easy and enjoyable. Plus, preheating means you’ll be ready to slide your Tomato Pie right into the oven without interruption.

Step 2: Layer Up the Pie

Grab your deep-dish pie crust and start creating vibrant, flavorful layers. Begin with some of the sliced tomatoes, then scatter on bacon, green onions, and a good sprinkle of basil. Follow these with a dusting of dried oregano, garlic powder, and a dash of crushed red pepper. Keep alternating layers until all your tomatoes and other filling ingredients are used up—build it high and proud.

Step 3: Mix and Add the Cheese Topping

In a small mixing bowl, stir together the shredded Cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. This combo will turn beautifully golden and bubbly as it bakes, sealing in the juiciness of the tomatoes below. Carefully spread this creamy, cheesy mixture over the top of the pie, covering evenly to the edges.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil (to prevent over-browning at first) and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let the Tomato Pie bake for another 30 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen long before the crust turns golden and the cheesy top bubbles temptingly.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your Tomato Pie to cool slightly before cutting, which helps the slices hold together. Serve it warm and gooey, or let it come to room temperature for a more picnic-style treat—it’s delicious either way!

How to Serve Tomato Pie

Garnishes

For a dish this stunning and homey, simple garnishes work best. Sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top just before serving—this not only adds an extra burst of color, but it also brings out the herbal, summery notes that make Tomato Pie irresistible.

Side Dishes

Tomato Pie is fantastic as the centerpiece of a summer meal, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with a tangy green salad, roasted vegetables, or a chilled cucumber soup for a lively contrast in flavors and textures. A slice of pie alongside easy summer corn makes for pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Tomato Pie family-style right from the pie plate, or make individual mini pies for a personal touch at gatherings. For brunch, consider serving slices atop a bed of baby arugula. If you want to get really playful, cut the pie into cute squares and set them out as a savory hand-held appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Tomato Pie, you’re in luck—it keeps beautifully! Simply let the pie come to room temperature, then wrap slices snugly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days, making next-day lunches or quick snacks a treat.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You can freeze Tomato Pie. Slice it into portions, wrap each tightly to prevent freezer burn, then pop into a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat Tomato Pie in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until bubbly and warmed through. Microwaving works too, of course, but the crust might soften a little. Either way, your pie will be just as comforting as when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in Tomato Pie?

Absolutely! While Cheddar is classic, you can mix in a bit of mozzarella for stretch, or use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment based on what you have on hand.

Do I have to peel the tomatoes?

Peeling the tomatoes is recommended for the best texture, but if you don’t mind a bit of extra skin in your pie, you can certainly leave them on, especially if you’re using very ripe or heirloom varieties.

Can Tomato Pie be made vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the bacon and bump up the green onions and basil. You could also add a handful of sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra heartiness.

Is Tomato Pie better served hot or cold?

Both options are delicious. Warm Tomato Pie is gooey and aromatic, while colder slices are firmer and fantastic as a picnic snack. Try it both ways to find your personal favorite.

Can I use a homemade pie crust?

Definitely! A homemade deep-dish crust can make Tomato Pie taste even more like a special occasion. Just be sure to pre-bake (or “blind bake”) the crust so it stays crisp under all those juicy tomatoes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort with the sunny flavors of the season, you simply have to give Tomato Pie a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as wonderful on a picnic blanket as it is at the family table. Trust me—one slice and you’ll be hooked!

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