Authentic Italian Tomato Pie: A Taste of Home

This authentic italian tomato pie recipe has become a real family favorite. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, but also impressive enough to serve to guests. In my busy life, I need recipes like that – ones that are both delicious and practical. I usually make it on Sundays, and we enjoy it for lunch with a simple salad. It’s the perfect comfort food! One of my “aha” moments with this authentic italian tomato pie was realizing the importance of using good-quality tomatoes. It makes all the difference!

Honestly, once you taste this authentic italian tomato pie, you’ll never want to make another tomato pie recipe again! Trust me, once you try this authentic italian tomato pie, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list – most of these are pantry staples! The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final flavor, so choose wisely. For instance, the type of tomatoes you select can make or break the dish. Roma tomatoes, with their firm texture and concentrated flavor, are ideal, but don’t hesitate to experiment with heirloom varieties for a unique twist. Similarly, freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers a superior taste compared to pre-shredded options, adding a nutty and savory dimension to the pie.

Save

• 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts: I usually buy the Pillsbury kind, but feel free to use your favorite brand. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own!
• 4 large ripe tomatoes: I always use Roma tomatoes for my authentic italian tomato pie because they have the best flavor and texture.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best!
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: I prefer Duke’s, but any good-quality mayonnaise will work. The mayonnaise adds a creamy tanginess that complements the other flavors.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Don’t skimp on the basil! It adds so much flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives: If you don’t have chives, you can substitute with green onions.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: I love garlic, so I sometimes add a little extra. Garlic is a cornerstone of Italian cooking, providing a pungent aroma and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick!

When making authentic italian tomato pie, you can find good quality tomatoes at your local farmer’s market. They are typically fresher and taste better, especially during tomato season. Here’s a authentic italian tomato pie trick I learned from my mom: sprinkle a little sugar over the sliced tomatoes to help bring out their sweetness.

For busy families making authentic italian tomato pie, you can chop the herbs and garlic ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. To save money on authentic italian tomato pie ingredients, check for sales on Parmesan cheese and buy it in bulk. Store leftover authentic italian tomato pie ingredients, such as fresh herbs, in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them fresh longer. A little planning can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here’s how to make this amazing authentic italian tomato pie, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks! Each step is designed to build upon the previous one, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Pay close attention to the details, as they can make a significant difference in the final outcome. For instance, the pre-baking of the crust is essential to prevent it from becoming soggy, while the draining of the tomatoes ensures that the filling is not too watery.

Save

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will catch any drips and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively. I learned the hard way with authentic italian tomato pie that a pretty crust makes it taste even better!
3. Bake the pie crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This helps prevent the crust from getting soggy. In my kitchen, authentic italian tomato pie usually takes exactly 15 minutes to partially bake the crust.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the tomatoes. Core the tomatoes and slice them about 1/4-inch thick. Place the tomato slices on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to drain excess moisture. This is crucial! Soggy tomatoes = soggy pie. The salt helps to draw out the excess liquid, concentrating the tomato flavor.
5. In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, basil, chives, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This cheese mixture creates a creamy and flavorful base for the tomatoes.
6. Once the pie crust is partially baked, remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.
7. Arrange the tomato slices in the baked pie crust. Overlap them slightly, creating a beautiful mosaic. Don’t worry if your authentic italian tomato pie isn’t perfect; it will still taste amazing!
8. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Make sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown and bubbly. While the authentic italian tomato pie is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start prepping the salad we’re going to have with it. Your authentic italian tomato pie should smell like a warm, savory garden. It’s a truly heavenly aroma!
10. Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up and prevents you from burning your mouth. This is a family-tested authentic italian tomato pie time-saver: if you are short on time you can prepare everything the day before and bake it when you are ready.

Serving

Now for the best part – serving this glorious authentic italian tomato pie! There are so many ways to enjoy it. The versatility of this dish is one of its greatest assets. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, it can be adapted to suit the occasion. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a light lunch, or serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

• The kids love our authentic italian tomato pie when I cut it into small squares and serve it with a side of steamed green beans. It makes a complete and satisfying meal.
• My go-to side dishes that pair with authentic italian tomato pie are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. The salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
• This authentic italian tomato pie is perfect for summer potlucks, casual get-togethers, or even just a cozy night in.
• I like to garnish my authentic italian tomato pie with a few extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
• If you have extra authentic italian tomato pie, it’s delicious cold the next day! It’s also great warmed up in the microwave or oven.

I’ve tried a few seasonal authentic italian tomato pie variations over the years. One of my favorites is adding roasted red peppers to the filling in the fall. My friends always ask for this authentic italian tomato pie recipe whenever I bring it to a party! I am telling you, this pie never disappoints.

FAQs

Got questions about making authentic italian tomato pie? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get from friends and family about this recipe. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or concerns. I’m always happy to help fellow bakers achieve tomato pie perfection!

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for this authentic italian tomato pie recipe?While fresh tomatoes are definitely the best, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them really well to remove any excess moisture. I would recommend using crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, and be sure to pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the pie. You know what I do when my authentic italian tomato pie needs canned tomatoes? I make sure to only use the best italian imported canned tomatoes, they tend to give the best results!
2. My pie crust always gets soggy. What am I doing wrong when baking my authentic italian tomato pie?Soggy pie crust is the bane of every baker’s existence! The key is to pre-bake the crust and to drain the tomatoes really well. Also, make sure you’re baking the pie on the bottom rack of the oven. If you’ve still got a soggy crust, try brushing the bottom of the crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that helps prevent the crust from getting soggy.
3. Can I make this authentic italian tomato pie ahead of time?Yes, you can! You can assemble the pie up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure that the filling is heated through. Be aware the crust might get a little soggy.
4. I don’t like mayonnaise. Can I substitute something else in this authentic italian tomato pie recipe?I know mayonnaise isn’t everyone’s favorite! You can substitute sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even cream cheese. Just be aware that the flavor and texture of the filling will be slightly different.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this authentic italian tomato pie?Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Roasted red peppers, zucchini, onions, and spinach all make delicious additions.
6. My filling is too runny. How can I fix it when making authentic italian tomato pie?If your filling is too runny, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to the cheese mixture. This will help thicken it up.
7. What’s the best way to store leftover authentic italian tomato pie?Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days.

My Final Thoughts

This authentic italian tomato pie recipe is more than just a dish to me; it’s a taste of home, a connection to my family, and a reminder of simpler times. It is more than just some tomato pie. The scent alone brings back so many good memories.

Save

Here are my authentic italian tomato pie Pro Tips:

• Use good-quality ingredients. It really does make a difference!
• Don’t skip the pre-baking step. Soggy crust is the enemy!
• Let the pie cool before serving. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to pie.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few different authentic italian tomato pie variations. One of my favorites is adding a layer of fresh mozzarella cheese under the tomatoes. It adds a creamy, delicious element. Another fun variation is using different types of tomatoes, like heirloom tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.

My son, Michael, loves the classic authentic italian tomato pie, while my daughter, Sofia, prefers the version with roasted red peppers. I encourage you to make this authentic italian tomato pie your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Try adding a sprinkle of oregano or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

I hope you enjoy making this authentic italian tomato pie as much as I do. It’s a simple recipe, but it’s packed with flavor and love. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy baking!

I hope you enjoy this authentic italian tomato pie recipe as much as my family and I do!

Internal Links:Southern Tomato Pie Recipe   Spinach Tomato Tortellini Easy Recipe

External Links:  Allrecipes Tomato Pie 

Authentic Italian Tomato Pie: A Taste of Home

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This is a simple, rustic, and delicious Italian Tomato Pie. It’s perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread, sliced 1 inch thick
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet.
4. Spoon tomato mixture over bread slices.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For a spicier pie, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture. You can also use fresh tomatoes in place of canned, just be sure to peel and seed them first.