Description
Tomato Pie is a classic Italian-American dish featuring a thick, chewy Sicilian-style crust topped with a rich, seasoned tomato sauce and finished with a light sprinkle of grated cheese. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or casual meals, this homemade Tomato Pie delivers authentic flavor whether served warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Locatelli cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Roma tomatoes, tomato puree, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Press the dough into a lightly oiled 13×18-inch baking sheet and prick the surface with a fork.
- Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes until lightly set.
- Remove from the oven and spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the Tomato Pie to cool for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Locatelli cheese, fresh basil, and parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Blind baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom.
- Use high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Tomato Pie can be served warm, room temperature, or cold.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- For a traditional Philly-style Tomato Pie, use only a light dusting of cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg