Easy Southern Tomato Pie (Best, Old-Fashioned Recipe)

This easy tomato pie recipe stays true to traditional Southern cooking while being easy enough for home cooks of all skill levels. Just like my Harvest Apple Cake and Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread, this southern tomato pie is a recipe that I brought with me from my days in Auburn, Alabama (also my Easy Peach Cobbler).

This recipe doesn't rely on mayonnaise for creaminess; instead, it uses a perfect blend of cheese and herbs that lets the fresh tomato flavor shine through.

✨Why you'll love this recipe?

• No mayonnaise required
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Perfect for using up summer tomatoes
• Great for potlucks and family dinners
• Classic Southern comfort food at its finest

📋Recipe Ingredients

For the Crust

• Pie Crust - I used pre-made 9 inch pie crust but I trust Ina Garten's recipe if I am making homemade pie crust.

For Filling:

• Tomatoes - I have used a combination of romas, san marzanos , and a fleshy, round variety that was growing in my garden.
• Cheese - I have used a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Seasoning - you just need salt and pepper, but my seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder comes in handy as well.

Don't forget to check out the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients along with the quantities.

👩‍🍳Steps to make this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes - begin by slicing tomatoes into slices of medium thickness. Liberally salt the tomatoes and place them in a colander set over a mixing bowl to drain.

Step 2: Unroll the pie crust and place it in your pie dish. Use a fork to poke holes in the pie crust so that it does not puff up during the pre-bake.

Step 3: Pre-bake the crust at 350 degrees F until light golden (8-10 minutes) .

Step 4: Add the cheeses to the pre-baked pie crust.

Step 5: Add chopped basil along with the minced garlic.

Step 6: Remove the sliced tomatoes from the colander and lightly dab them with a paper towel to get rid of any remaining moisture.

Step 7: Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are lightly roasted.

Step 8: Top with more shredded cheese, chopped basil, salt, pepper and olive oil and serve.

📖Substitutions, Additions and Variations

• Homemade pie crust - if you prefer making your pie crust, please do it by all means. This easy southern tomato pie recipe does not include the time to make a pie crust. If I may, I would recommend Ina Garten's Pie crust recipe.
• Tomatoes - use any tomatoes that are in season but just make sure that you take the time to salt them to drain out any excess moisture or juices.
• Make it spicy - use a spicy cheese like pepper jack in combination with the Parmesan and add chili flakes to top the finished tomato pie.
• Add Protein: Layer in cooked bacon or ham for a heartier version.

🫙Storage, and freezing instructions

• Make Ahead: Blind bake the crust up to a day in advance. Store it and then assemble and bake when ready.
• Storage: The fully baked pie keeps well at room temperature for several hours, or refrigerate overnight. Serve at room temperature or reheat before serving.
• Freezing: Bake the pie completely and let it cool. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a reusable freezer bag or freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen pie overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You could also toast slices in the toaster oven until warm.

🥣 Serving suggestions

• With a dollop of pesto or herb butter
• Warm as a main dish with a simple summer salad. May I recommend my strawberry cucumber salad?
• At room temperature for picnics and potlucks
• As a side dish alongside grilled meats