Southern Tomato Pie – Indulge in the essence of Southern cooking with this Southern Tomato Pie. A dish that captures the lively tastes of summer. Through its succulent tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a mixture of melted cheeses. Whether enjoyed during a family meal. Or a delightful outdoor brunch. This pie coordinates the tastes of garden produce with delightful components.
I can still recall my first attempt at baking this Southern Tomato Pie. It was a warm afternoon sufficed with warmth. And I desired to amaze my family with something special. The scent of baking pie crust mingling with tomatoes and basil wafted through our home. Drawing everyone to the kitchen in anticipation. My husband, not one to easily shower praise couldn’t help to commend the fusion of flavors. Even my vegetable-averse child requested seconds. It was a point of delight. As we connected over a dish that shortly became a family dearest.
What makes these Southern Tomato Pie truly stand out?
What makes this Southern Tomato Pie stand out? It’s about welcoming simplicity and flavor. Where ripe tomatoes and fresh basil take center stage. The combination of mozzarella and zesty aged cheddar forms a cheese pair. That enriches the intrinsic sweetness of the tomatoes. With crispy butter cracker crumbs. Bringing a textural balance. It’s not just delicious to taste. But visually appealing. Making each bite truly unforgettable.
What You Need To Make This Southern Tomato Pie Recipe?
Pie Crust: Let’s kick things off with the pie crust. Which acts like a hug. Holding together all the ingredients. It’s the foundation that sets the stage for everything!
Tomatoes: These are the stars of the show. Opt, for Roma or Beefsteak tomatoes. To strike that perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. They bring in that freshness and zing. That truly elevates this pie.
Salt: A sprinkle of salt goes a long way here. It helps extract moisture from the tomatoes. Ensuring our pie achieves the texture without turning soggy.
Basil: Fresh basil introduces a burst of color and flavor to the mix. It’s akin, to sprinkling a bit of summer magic into our pie.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves. They sure do make an impact. Garlic adds complexity and a touch of warmth. Blending seamlessly with all the flavors.
Cheeses (Mozzarella and Sharp Cheddar): Meet this duo! Mozzarella brings its meltiness. While sharp cheddar contributes a tangy twist. Together they create cheese harmony.
Mayonnaise: The sauce that brings everything with its creamy goodness making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Black Pepper: Just a dash of pepper provides that hint of spice. Giving our pie an extra oomph.
Butter Cracker Crumbs: The crispy topping that completes our pie. Providing a texture contrast and enhancing the appeal of the pie to match its delicious taste.
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Steps To Make Southern Tomato Pie:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your pie crust by lining it with parchment paper. And filling it with dried beans or pie weights for a bake session. This nifty trick prevents the crust from rising. Bake it until it turns slightly golden. Which should take 20 minutes. Remove it from the oven. Discard the weights and paper. Allow it to cool while you move on to dealing with the tomatoes.
Step 2: Tomatoes tend to have a lot of water content. So lay them out on paper towels. Sprinkle some salt over them. And let them sit for 10 minutes. This step helps remove moisture to prevent a soggy pie. Pat them dry with paper towels afterward.
Step 3: Once the crust has cooled down. It’s time to start layering. Begin with a layer of tomatoes. Sprinkle some basil over them and repeat this process until you reach the layer while saving some tomatoes for garnishing. In a bowl. Combine mayo, garlic, cheeses, and pepper until blended. Spread this mixture over the tomatoes in the crust evenly. Finally, sprinkle butter cracker crumbs on top. Finish off by placing the remaining tomato slices atop your creation.
Step 4: Bake this dish in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. And you see some gentle bubbling. Allow it to rest and cool for 15 minutes before indulging. This waiting period is essential. As it allows all the flavors to settle harmoniously.
Tip:
One great tip to heighten the taste of your Southern Tomato Pie. Is to salt and drain the tomatoes before assembling the pie. This measure is paramount. As it aids eradicate moisture from the tomatoes. Ensuring that your pie crust stays crispy and doesn’t turn soggy. Once you’ve sliced the tomatoes. Arrange them on a couple of layers of paper towels. Sprinkle a bit of salt over them. And allow them to rest for 10 minutes. Then gently pat them dry using paper towels. This not only seasons the tomatoes. Also extracts water. Intensifying their flavor and enriching the overall texture of your pie. This straightforward approach truly makes a difference in accomplishing that portion of Southern Tomato Pie. Where every element gleams – from the crust to the savory filling brimming with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use any type of tomato for this pie?
Roma or beefsteak tomatoes are recommended. For their firmness and flavor. But feel free to test sorts if you choose.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Prepping the tomatoes by salting and draining them in advance is a method to avert sogginess. Additionally, permitting the baked crust to cool before adding the filling aids hold its crispness.
Can this pie be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the pie a day before baking it at your comfort. Just keep it in the refrigerator. Until you’re ready to cook.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Tomato Pie
Ingredients
- One 9-inch pie crust
- 4-5 Roma or beefsteak tomatoes sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ c freshly chopped basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 c grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 c grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ c mayonnaise
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ c butter cracker crumbs about 12 crackers
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the pie crust: Place your 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish. Cover it with parchment paper. And fill it with dried beans or pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes until it turns slightly golden. Then take it out of the oven. Remove the parchment paper and weights and allow it to cool.
- While the crust is cooling. Lay out sliced tomatoes on paper towels. Sprinkle them with salt. And let them sit for around 10 minutes. Pat them dry to get rid of any moisture.
- Layer the pie: Once the crust has cooled down. Start layering tomatoes. Chopped basil in it setting aside some tomatoes for the top layer.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, grated cheeses, and black pepper. Spread this mixture over the tomato layers in the crust.
- Sprinkle butter cracker crumbs on top along with the remaining tomato slices. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until it becomes golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow the pie to cool for 15 minutes before slicing into it. Relish your Southern Tomato Pie!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
