If you are looking for a delightful dish that perfectly balances fresh, juicy tomatoes with rich, melty cheese, this Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe is your new best friend. This savory pie captures the essence of summer in every bite, blending a flaky crust with layers of ripe tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fragrant fresh herbs. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough to serve for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. Once you try this recipe, it’s destined to become one of your go-to comfort foods that everyone will rave about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor and texture—from the buttery pie crust that holds everything together to the fresh herbs that add a burst of brightness.
- Pie crust: Either store-bought or homemade, a flaky 9-inch pie crust forms the sturdy base.
- Tomatoes: Four medium ripe tomatoes provide juicy sweetness and a vibrant red color.
- Salt: One teaspoon to draw out excess moisture from the tomatoes, preventing sogginess.
- Mozzarella cheese: One cup shredded for a creamy, mild melt that complements the tangy tomatoes.
- Cheddar cheese: One cup shredded adds a sharp, flavorful kick and lovely color contrast.
- Mayonnaise: Half a cup creates a rich, luscious binding layer that keeps the pie moist.
- Fresh basil: Quarter cup chopped to infuse the pie with aromatic herbal notes.
- Green onions: Quarter cup chopped for a gentle oniony crunch that enhances taste complexity.
- Garlic: One clove minced to give a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Half teaspoon for a mild, warming spice.
- Olive oil: One tablespoon optional, perfect for brushing the crust for extra crispness and golden color.
How to Make Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Tomatoes
Start by slicing your ripe tomatoes into even rounds then lay them out on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is key to pull out some of the watery juices, which keeps your pie crust from becoming soggy. After resting, pat the tomato slices dry to make sure they’re ready for layering.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in your pie dish and bake it without any filling for about 10 minutes. This technique, known as blind baking, solidifies the crust so it can hold those juicy tomatoes and cheesy layers without losing its structure. When done, let it cool slightly before adding toppings.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses with mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, chopped green onions, and black pepper. This creamy mixture will add richness and flavor to every slice of your Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe. Stir everything until well blended before layering.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Start by layering half of the prepared tomato slices evenly over the partially baked crust. Then spread half of the cheese and mayo mixture over the tomatoes, ensuring even coverage. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes and cheese mixture for a wonderful stacked effect. If you want, brush the exposed pie crust edges with olive oil for a gorgeous golden finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop the assembled pie into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese filling bubbles invitingly. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing, which allows the filling to set just right for perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like extra chopped basil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper elevates the appearance and flavor of your pie. A drizzle of good olive oil or even a few torn baby arugula leaves on top brings a fresh, peppery bite that complements the creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a versatile main, pairing beautifully with light sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even a complementary bowl of chilled gazpacho for a delightful contrast. A simple cucumber salad with lemon and dill can also balance the richness of the pie perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut the Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe into small squares or wedges for easy sharing. Serve on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates to highlight the vibrant reds and greens. Top each serving with a tiny dollop of pesto or aioli for an extra gourmet touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days when wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day, whether served cold or reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pie by wrapping them securely in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe lasts for up to two months, perfect for meal prepping or saving for a future craving. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover pie in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch but may result in a softer crust. Baking also helps revive the cheesy topping back to its melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and often tastes even better. Just make sure to blind bake it as directed to avoid sogginess.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Ripe, firm tomatoes like Roma or beefsteak are ideal. They hold their shape well and have the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the cheese mixture?
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and moisture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and helps bind the cheese filling. You can try sour cream or Greek yogurt as alternatives, but mayo gives the classic texture.
Can I make this pie vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, this recipe already fits the bill. To make it vegan, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use vegan mayo. Keep in mind the texture might change, but it will still be delicious!
How long does it take to make this pie from start to finish?
The total time is about one hour, including preparation, resting the tomatoes, baking the crust, and baking the assembled pie.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into a special dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this pie brings comfort and freshness in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Cheesy Tomato Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Tomato Pie is a delicious savory tart featuring layers of ripe tomatoes, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, fresh basil, and green onions, all baked in a flaky pie crust. Perfect as a brunch centerpiece or a light dinner, this pie combines creamy, cheesy flavors with fresh herbs and a slight tang from mayonnaise for a rich and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Pie and Toppings
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing moisture from tomatoes)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare tomatoes: Arrange the sliced tomatoes on paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry with additional paper towels to prevent a soggy crust.
- Blind bake the crust: Place the pie crust in a pie dish and bake it empty for 10 minutes to partially cook it, which helps avoid a soggy bottom. Remove and let it cool slightly.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, chopped green onions, and black pepper until well incorporated.
- Assemble the pie – first layer: Place half of the tomato slices in the bottom of the partially baked pie crust. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes to create the first savory layer.
- Assemble the pie – second layer: Repeat the layering by adding the remaining tomato slices and then spreading the rest of the cheese mixture evenly over the top.
- Optional crust brushing: For an extra golden and crispy crust, brush the edges with the tablespoon of olive oil before baking.
- Bake the pie: Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using ripe, but firm tomatoes helps maintain structure and flavor.
- Patting the tomatoes dry after salting is essential to prevent a soggy crust.
- Blind baking the crust ensures a crisp base for the moist filling.
- Mayonnaise in the cheese mixture adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients.
- Fresh basil and green onions add a bright, fresh herbal note that complements the tomatoes.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives.
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
