Delight Southern Tomato Pie

There was a definite “aha!” moment when I realized the secret to a good southern tomato pie wasn’t just about the ingredients, but also about the love you put into it. Silly as it sounds, that’s what makes all the difference. Now, even with my hectic schedule juggling work, kids, and everything in between, this southern tomato pie is a dish I can whip up without breaking a sweat. It’s surprisingly easy, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. It fits perfectly into our busy family life because it’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, but also special enough for a weekend gathering. My kids actually cheer when they know I am making it.

Trust me, once you try this southern tomato pie recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories, creates new ones, and makes everyone feel a little bit closer. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS

Okay, let’s gather our goodies. Here’s what you’ll need to make my version of the best southern tomato pie:

• 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust, pre-baked: (Okay, I admit, sometimes I cheat and use store-bought. Don’t judge! Especially on busy weeknights.)
• 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced: (I always use heirloom tomatoes for my southern tomato pie when they’re in season. The flavor is just unbeatable.)
• 1 teaspoon salt: (This is crucial for drawing out excess moisture from the tomatoes. Don’t skimp!)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: (Freshly ground is always best, y’all.)
• 1 cup mayonnaise: (Duke’s is my brand of choice. It’s a southern thing!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: (Sharp cheddar gives it a nice bite, but mild works too, depending on your preference.)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: (Adds a lovely nutty flavor.)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: (Fresh herbs are a must! Adds a bright, summery flavor.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: (Optional, but I love the little kick it gives.)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: (Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.)

When making southern tomato pie, you can find the best tomatoes at your local farmer’s market, especially during the summer months. If you’re using store-bought tomatoes, try to find the ripest ones you can.

Pro Tip

Here’s a southern tomato pie trick I learned from my momma: after you slice the tomatoes, lay them out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, to draw out the excess moisture. This will prevent your pie from being soggy.

Time Saving Tips

For busy families making southern tomato pie, you can prep the tomatoes the night before and store them in the fridge. This will save you time the next day. You can also use pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Money Saving Tips

To save money on ingredients for southern tomato pie, buy tomatoes in bulk when they’re in season and freeze them. You can also grow your own basil and green onions in a small herb garden.

Storage Tips

Store leftover southern tomato pie ingredients, such as cheese and herbs, in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe, then refrigerated.

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP

Alright, now for the fun part! Let’s get down to making this delicious southern tomato pie. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly heated before you start baking. I use my convection oven for even baking.
2. Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Lay them out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before using. This is KEY to preventing a soggy southern tomato pie.
3. Make the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic (if using), and green onions. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. I usually add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra warmth.
4. Assemble the pie: Arrange a layer of tomato slices in the pre-baked pie crust. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Repeat with another layer of tomatoes and the remaining cheese mixture. Don’t worry if your southern tomato pie looks a little messy at this point – it’ll all come together in the oven!
5. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. I learned the hard way with southern tomato pie that you need to keep an eye on it towards the end of baking. Ovens vary, so start checking it around 30 minutes.
6. Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. If you try to cut into it too soon, it’ll be a gooey mess (though still delicious!).

In my kitchen, southern tomato pie usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including prep time and baking time. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to make, especially if you prep the tomatoes ahead of time.

While the southern tomato pie is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start preparing a simple salad to serve alongside it. It’s a great way to multitask and make the most of your time.

Your southern tomato pie should smell like a combination of ripe tomatoes, cheesy goodness, and fresh basil. It’s a truly irresistible aroma!

Family Tested Shortcut

Here’s a family-tested southern tomato pie shortcut: Use a pre-made pie crust! I know, I know, it’s not quite the same as homemade, but it’s a huge time-saver on busy weeknights. Just make sure to blind bake it before adding the filling to prevent it from getting soggy. Another tip I have is to use day old biscuits to line the pie crust. This adds a bit of unexpected flavor that blends well with the tomato.

SERVING

Now that your southern tomato pie is golden brown and bubbly, it’s time to serve it up! This is where you can really get creative and make it your own.

The kids love our southern tomato pie when I serve it with a simple side salad and some grilled chicken or pork chops. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.

My go-to side dishes that pair with southern tomato pie are a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, grilled asparagus, or a creamy coleslaw. The acidity of the salad helps to balance out the richness of the pie. I also sometimes like to serve it with some southern cornbread poppers, which are always a hit!

This southern tomato pie is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even just a casual weeknight dinner. It’s a versatile dish that can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.

For presentation tips, I like to garnish the southern tomato pie with a few fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. It adds a touch of elegance and makes it look even more appealing.

If you have extra southern tomato pie, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. It’s also delicious cold, straight from the fridge!

For seasonal southern tomato pie variations, try adding different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, or using different herbs, such as thyme or oregano. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant.

My friends always ask for this southern tomato pie recipe whenever I make it for a party. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and people are always impressed by how easy it is to make. I tell them to remember the Southern Tomato Pie History to help impress their friends!

FAQs

Alright, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making southern tomato pie. I’ve been there, I’ve made the mistakes, and I’m here to share my wisdom!

• Q: My southern tomato pie is always soggy. What am I doing wrong?

  A: You know what I do when my southern tomato pie comes out soggy? It’s likely the excess moisture in the tomatoes! Salting them and letting them drain is crucial. Don’t skip that step! Also, make sure your pie crust is pre-baked properly. Blind baking prevents it from getting soggy.

• Q: Can I use canned tomatoes for southern tomato pie?

  A: While fresh tomatoes are best for southern tomato pie, you can use canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them really well and pat them dry before using. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant, but it’ll still be delicious.

• Q: Can I freeze southern tomato pie?

  A: I wouldn’t recommend freezing southern tomato pie after it’s been baked. The texture of the tomatoes and cheese can change, and it might get a little watery. However, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Just assemble it as directed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

• Q: What kind of cheese is best for southern tomato pie?

  A: That’s a matter of personal preference! I like to use a combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese for my southern tomato pie, but you can experiment with other cheeses, such as goat cheese, mozzarella, or Gruyere.

• Q: Can I make southern tomato pie ahead of time?

  A: Yes, you can assemble the southern tomato pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the crust from drying out.

• Q: My crust is browning too quickly. What should I do?

  A: If your crust is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will prevent it from burning. You can also use a pie shield to protect the edges of the crust.

• Q: Can I make this a savory tomato pie or an heirloom tomato pie?

  A: Absolutely! By making this an heirloom tomato pie, you will increase the tomato flavor overall. You can also add spices to the tomato mixture such as cayenne, garlic powder, smoked paprika and more! Feel free to add bacon bits or other meats if you like to have it as a savory tomato pie as well.

My Final Thoughts

This southern tomato pie recipe isn’t just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a piece of my heart. It represents family gatherings, warm summer evenings, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. It holds a special place because it reminds me of my momma and her cooking style.

Pro Tips

Here are my final southern tomato pie Pro Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your own personal touch to the recipe. Try different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables. Make it your own!
• Use the best quality ingredients you can find. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the pie.
• Be patient! Don’t rush the process. Allow the tomatoes to drain properly, and let the pie cool before slicing. It’s worth the wait!

Southern Tomato Pie Variations

Here are a few southern tomato pie variations I’ve tried with my family:

• Spicy Tomato Pie: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a little kick.
• Pesto Tomato Pie: Spread a layer of pesto on the pie crust before adding the tomatoes and cheese.
• Bacon Tomato Pie: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture.

My husband loves the Spicy Tomato Pie, while the kids prefer the classic version. I personally love the Pesto Tomato Pie because it’s packed with flavor. Knowing the Nutritional Information of Tomatoes is important when choosing how to add this to our diets!

I encourage you to make this southern tomato pie your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. It’s a forgiving recipe, and even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time, it’ll still be delicious.

I hope you enjoy making this southern tomato pie as much as I do. May it bring you joy, laughter, and many happy memories around the dinner table. Trust me, once you make this for your friends and family, they will always ask for more!

Delight Southern Tomato Pie

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Pin Recipe

This Southern Tomato Pie recipe is a summertime classic, featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust. Perfect for potlucks or a light lunch!

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 20
• Cook Time: 40
• Total Time: 60
• Yield: 6
• Category: Pie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange tomato slices in the pre-baked pie crust.
3. In a bowl, combine cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, basil, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tomato slices.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, use ripe, locally grown tomatoes. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a little heat.