The Ultimate Southern Savory Tomato Pie Recipe: A Summer Delight

Indulge in the quintessential taste of summer with our incredibly delicious Southern Savory Tomato Pie. Featuring a golden, buttery, and flaky pie crust, this dish is generously filled with sun-kissed, vine-ripened tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, a touch of creamy mayonnaise, and a crispy Panko crumb topping. Baked to perfection until it’s bubbling and golden brown, this savory pie truly is a slice of heaven.

Embrace the Flavors of Summer with a Classic Tomato Pie

As the long, warm days of summer arrive, there’s a particular culinary joy that Southerners eagerly anticipate: the arrival of perfectly ripe, juicy tomatoes. And what better way to celebrate this seasonal bounty than with a classic Tomato Pie? This iconic dish captures the essence of summer in every bite, offering a comforting yet fresh experience that is hard to resist. Imagine a homemade, tender pie crust encasing a warm, rich, and intensely flavorful filling bursting with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the savory tang of cheese. It’s a dish that transcends mere sustenance, becoming a cherished tradition and a symbol of summer’s peak.

Our Tomato Pie recipe offers an extraordinarily rich and satisfying flavor profile, designed to be savored slowly. Each small piece is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a delightful dinner when paired with a crisp, simple green salad. If you’ve yet to experience the magic of a homemade Tomato Pie, now is the perfect time to discover this Southern gem. It promises to be a dish you’ll eagerly await and prepare every summer, a truly unparalleled way to utilize those bountiful, sun-ripened tomatoes from your garden or local market.

Why This Tomato Pie Recipe Stands Out

This particular recipe, inspired by the acclaimed Tupelo Honey Cafe: Spirited Recipes from Asheville’s New South Kitchen, is truly exceptional. It features a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, delivering a bold and intensely cheesy flavor that perfectly complements the tomatoes. What sets it apart is its simplicity; with just a few core ingredients, the natural, vibrant flavor of the tomatoes is allowed to shine through, creating a balance that is both sophisticated and deeply comforting.

For those looking to enrich their collection of Southern cookbooks, “Tupelo Honey Cafe: Spirited Recipes from Asheville’s New South Kitchen” is an absolute must-have. It’s celebrated for its innovative, modern takes on traditional Southern ingredients. You’ll find recipes that tantalize the palate, such as Root Beer Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Jalapeno Sauce and Apple Salsa, and their famously delicious Sweet Potato Pancakes with Peach Butter and Spiced Pecans. Beyond these creative twists, the cookbook excels in showcasing recipes that truly highlight the freshness and quality of local, seasonal produce, much like our beloved Tomato Pie.

The Unexpected Star: Mayonnaise in Tomato Pie

Now, we understand that mentioning mayonnaise in a savory pie might raise an eyebrow or two for some, especially the self-proclaimed “mayonnaise haters.” But before you dismiss this recipe, we urge you to give it a chance. While the quantity of mayonnaise in this pie might seem substantial, the finished product surprisingly bears no overt mayonnaise taste. Instead, this humble condiment works wonders, contributing an incredibly rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s the secret ingredient that binds the filling, creating an irresistibly smooth and luscious consistency that truly must be experienced to be believed.

One of the best qualities of Tomato Pie is its versatility in serving temperature. While I personally prefer it served warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to remain gooey, it is equally delightful at room temperature. For those who enjoy a chilled savory treat, it can even be served cold, making it a perfect make-ahead option for picnics or potlucks during the summer months.

Crafting Your Perfect Southern Tomato Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bake this exquisite Southern classic? Here’s everything you need to know to create a mouth-watering Tomato Pie that will impress everyone.

Tomato Pie Recipe

By Christin Mahrlig

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 13 votes)

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs

Servings: 8

Savory Tomato Pie Recipe

A delicious and rich savory pie that’s best made with summer tomatoes at the height of ripeness, ensuring the most vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pie Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup ice water

For the Filling:

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 10 ounces)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 green onions, white and green parts chopped
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Panko crumbs
1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick

Instructions

**Prepare the Pie Crust:** In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cut-up butter and pulse for about 10 seconds, until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Slowly add the ice water, pulsing the mixture for no longer than 30 seconds, just until it begins to form a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the dough ball into 2 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial for a flaky crust.
**Roll out the Dough:** Remove one dough disk from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for several minutes to become slightly pliable. On a lightly floured surface (or between two sheets of parchment paper for ease), roll out the dough until it’s large enough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer the pie crust to the pie plate. If using parchment, simply flip the dough into the pan and peel off the paper. (Save the second dough disk for another pie or freeze for later use).
**Prepare the Tomatoes:** Arrange the sliced tomatoes on several layers of paper towels. Gently press down with more paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step is vital to prevent a soggy pie.
**Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
**Assemble the Filling:** In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly mix together the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh parsley, chopped green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, and Panko bread crumbs until well combined.
**Layer the Pie:** In the prepared pie crust, arrange half of the drained tomato slices in an even layer. Spoon and spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Repeat these layers with the remaining tomatoes and cheese mixture, ensuring the top layer is the cheese mixture.
**Bake:** Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and the filling is bubbling delightfully.
**Serve:** Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

The pie dough recipe yields enough for 2 pie crusts. You’ll only need one for this recipe.
To ensure your butter is truly cold for the pie crust, cut it into pieces and then pop it in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes before using.
For the absolute best flavor, use very ripe, in-season summer tomatoes. Their natural sweetness makes all the difference.
Recipe Source: adapted from Tupelo Honey Cafe Cookbook.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 669 kcal per serving

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Tips for a Flawless Tomato Pie

Achieving the perfect Tomato Pie is simple with a few key tips:

Drain Your Tomatoes Religiously: This cannot be stressed enough. Tomatoes are full of water, and if not properly drained, your pie will be watery and soggy. Salt them lightly and let them sit on paper towels for at least 30 minutes, pressing gently.
Cold Butter for the Crust: Ensure your butter for the pie dough is ice-cold. This creates those desirable pockets of steam during baking, leading to a wonderfully flaky crust.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which results in a tough crust. Pulse just until the dough comes together.
Use Quality Ingredients: Since this pie highlights fresh tomatoes and cheese, the quality of your ingredients truly matters. Opt for fresh, flavorful tomatoes and a good sharp cheddar.
Let it Rest: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the pie to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking lets the filling set, making for cleaner slices.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the classic Tomato Pie is divine, feel free to experiment with these delicious twists:

Herbacious Additions: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, or oregano into your cheese mixture for an extra layer of aromatic flavor. Basil and tomatoes are a match made in heaven!
Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheeses. A mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or even a touch of smoked gouda can add complexity. Mozzarella could be used, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Kick it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the filling can add a subtle spicy kick.
Add Meaty Goodness: Cooked and crumbled bacon, pancetta, or caramelized onions can be layered with the tomatoes for an even richer, more savory pie.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe by using your favorite store-bought or homemade gluten-free pie crust.

This versatile pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, a piece of flaky fish, or a light vegetable soup. It’s also fantastic as part of a brunch spread or a summer picnic.

Storing and Reheating Your Tomato Pie

Leftover Tomato Pie, if there is any, can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to crisp up the crust again. You can also microwave it for a quicker reheat, though the crust might lose some of its crispness.

A Taste of Southern Heritage

Tomato pie holds a special place in Southern culinary traditions. It embodies the Southern philosophy of making the most of seasonal produce, transforming simple, fresh ingredients into a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s often found on family tables during summer gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, a testament to its enduring popularity and deliciousness. This pie isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of summer, family, and the rich flavors of the American South.

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