Can I make Southern Tomato Pie ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the cheese mixture and slice the tomatoes several hours in advance. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble the pie shortly before baking. For the best texture, bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it.

What are the best tomatoes for Southern Tomato Pie?

Heirloom tomatoes are often considered the best choice because of their rich flavor and natural sweetness. However, Roma tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, and locally grown garden tomatoes also work wonderfully. The key is choosing ripe, flavorful tomatoes and removing excess moisture before assembling the pie.

How do I keep Southern Tomato Pie from becoming watery?

The most important step is to pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels before layering them into the pie. Some cooks also lightly salt the tomatoes and let them rest for 15 to 20 minutes before drying them. Pre-baking the crust also helps prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.

Can I use a different cheese in Southern Tomato Pie?

Absolutely. While Gruyère provides a rich and smooth flavor, Southern Tomato Pie is highly adaptable. Mozzarella, provolone, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses can all produce delicious results. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavor of fresh tomatoes

Southern Tomato Pie Easy Recipe for Summer Flavor

Name: Southern Tomato Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 deep-dish frozen pie crust (9-inch); 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced and patted dry; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 Ritz crackers, crushed; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Description

Southern Tomato Pie is a classic Southern savory pie made with layers of ripe fresh tomatoes, a creamy cheese and mayonnaise filling, fresh basil, green onions, and a buttery cracker topping baked in a flaky pie crust. It’s a delicious way to showcase summer tomatoes and makes an excellent brunch, lunch, or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 deep-dish frozen pie crust (9-inch)
4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced and patted dry
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 Ritz crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the oven according to the pie crust package instructions and pre-bake the pie crust until lightly golden.
Slice the tomatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded Gruyere cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, and basil until well mixed.
Arrange a layer of tomato slices in the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Continue layering the remaining tomatoes, seasoning each layer lightly.
Spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the tomatoes.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the pie.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
Allow the pie to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Pat the tomatoes dry thoroughly to prevent a watery pie.
Heirloom tomatoes provide exceptional flavor but Roma tomatoes also work well.
Gruyere can be replaced with mozzarella, provolone, or sharp cheddar cheese.
Pre-baking the crust helps maintain a flaky texture.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat slices in the oven for the best texture.
Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley, oregano, or Italian seasoning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 503 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 615 mg
Fat: 40 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 62 mg