When summer’s sun ripens garden tomatoes to their fullest glory, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a slice of Southern tomato pie. This beloved classic, a harmonious blend of tangy tomatoes, flaky crust, and creamy, cheesy goodness, captures the very essence of summertime comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious food lover, our easy guide will help you master this savory delight, turning ripe summer tomatoes into a dish that’s as satisfying as a warm breeze on a porch swing. Get ready to savor summer in every bite!
Savor Summer: Your Easy Guide to Southern Tomato Pie
Savor summer’s bounty with a Southern Tomato Pie that perfectly marries the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the aromatic punch of flavorful herbs. This beloved dish celebrates the season’s ripest produce, delivering a pie that’s both comforting and bright. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re refining your technique, these expertly crafted tips will help you build a buttery, flaky crust layered with a luscious filling that balances tangy tomatoes and rich cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
Prep and Cook Time
Preparation: 25 minutes
Cooking: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
Medium – Suitable for cooks comfortable with basic dough-making and layering flavors thoughtfully
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups ripe, fresh tomatoes, sliced about ¼-inch thick (preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining tomatoes)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade or high-quality)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and blend with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. Slowly drizzle in the ice water, stirring gently until the dough pulls together.
- Chill and Roll Out: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll out on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle, then transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess edges. Chill again while preparing the filling.
- Drain the Tomatoes: Lay sliced tomatoes on paper towels, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with additional towels to ensure a non-soggy pie.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté another minute. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh basil, thyme, sautéed onion mixture, and black pepper. Stir gently to blend.
- Layer the Pie: Spread half of the mayonnaise-cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Arrange half of the drained tomato slices on top, then cover with the remaining mayo-cheese mixture. Finish by layering the remaining tomato slices, slightly overlapping for visual appeal and even flavor distribution.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie on the middle rack for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, shield them with foil halfway through baking.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to rest for 10-15 minutes to set. This enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
Tips for Success
- Herb Variations: Try swapping thyme for fresh oregano or tarragon for an unexpected fragrant twist.
- Cheese Options: For a creamier texture, replace half the cheddar with cream cheese or mozzarella.
- Preventing a Watery Pie: Don’t rush draining the tomatoes-this step is crucial to keep your pie from becoming soggy.
- Make-Ahead: The crust can be pre-baked (blind bake) for 8 minutes to ensure crispiness before layering the filling.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 3 days; gently reheat to retain flakiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Southern tomato pie warm or at room temperature accompanied by a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garnish slices with a few whole basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a vibrant finish. This pie also pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or a herbaceous white wine, elevating your summer gathering or weeknight dinner with ease.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Tomato Pie | 320 | 10 | 25 | 20 |
For more Southern-inspired recipes, check our Southern Classics Collection. And for an in-depth look at choosing and prepping tomatoes, visit USA Today’s guide to perfect tomatoes.
Q&A
Q&A: Savor Summer – Your Easy Guide to Southern Tomato Pie
Q1: What exactly is a Southern tomato pie?
A1: Think of Southern tomato pie as a savory, sun-kissed tribute to ripe summer tomatoes. It’s a flaky pie crust filled with layers of juicy tomatoes, tangy mayonnaise or cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs – baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food that tastes like a sunny Southern afternoon!
Q2: Why is Southern tomato pie so popular in the summer?
A2: Summer is tomato’s time to shine! When tomatoes are at their ripest and juiciest, Southern tomato pie captures that perfect burst of flavor. It’s a way to celebrate the season’s bounty with a dish that’s simple, fresh, and indulgently cheesy.
Q3: Can I make Southern tomato pie ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the pie the day before and refrigerate it, but for best flavor and texture, bake it right before serving. If you’re preparing it early, keep the tomatoes and filling chilled until just before baking to avoid sogginess.
Q4: What kind of tomatoes work best?
A4: Heirlooms, beefsteaks, or any ripe, juicy tomatoes are perfect. The key is picking tomatoes bursting with flavor and low on extra moisture. To prevent a watery pie, slice the tomatoes and salt them lightly beforehand to draw out excess juice.
Q5: Is the crust hard to make?
A5: Not at all! You can use a store-bought pie crust to save time or make your own for that extra homemade touch. The crust should be buttery and flaky, providing the perfect base that contrasts the luscious tomato filling.
Q6: Are there any creative twists to this classic?
A6: Definitely! Some folks add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for a smoky kick, swap mayo for rich ricotta, or top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The beauty is in personalizing your pie while keeping that Southern essence.
Q7: What should I serve with Southern tomato pie?
A7: Pair it with a crisp green salad, sweet iced tea, or a light summer vegetable medley. The pie’s rich, tangy flavors balance beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides.
Q8: Can this dish be made vegetarian or vegan?
A8: The classic recipe is vegetarian-friendly but typically includes mayonnaise and cheese. To go vegan, substitute dairy with plant-based cheese and vegan mayo, and ensure your crust has no butter or eggs. The result is still deliciously summer-perfect!
Q9: How can I store leftovers?
A9: Wrap the pie tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to keep the crust crisp and the filling luscious.
Q10: Why should I try making Southern tomato pie this summer?
A10: Because every bite is a celebration of summer’s simplest joys-a comforting dish rooted in tradition but flexible enough for your personal flair. It’s easy, delicious, and a guaranteed way to savor the season with Southern charm!
Closing Remarks
As the sun sets on a long summer day, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a slice of Southern tomato pie-where flaky crust meets the juicy, ripe bounty of garden tomatoes, all wrapped in a savory, cheesy embrace. Armed with this easy guide, you’re ready to bring the heart of Southern kitchens to your own table, savoring every bite of a tradition that’s as warm and welcoming as a summer afternoon. So go ahead, harvest those tomatoes, roll up your sleeves, and bake your way to a slice of pure Southern sunshine-because sometimes, the simplest joys are the most delicious.
