Looking for the perfect summer recipe? This Southern tomato pie recipe is loaded with fresh tomatoes, creamy cheese, and buttery crust. Step-by-step instructions included!
There’s one dish that never fails to make my Southern heart skip a beat: Southern Tomato Pie. This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a love letter to heirloom tomatoes, flaky pie crusts, and everything that’s warm, buttery, and made with care. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or cold the next day (it’s just as good!), this Southern tomato pie recipe belongs on every summer table, potluck buffet, and lazy weekend brunch spread.
The Best Southern Tomato Pie Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Pie:
- 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade, pre-baked)
- 4–5 large ripe tomatoes (about 2 ½ lbs; heirloom or beefsteak work best)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for draining tomatoes)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup real mayonnaise (Duke’s is the Southern classic)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions: Step-by-Step Like a Southern Cook Would Teach You
Step 1: Pre-Bake Your Pie Crust
If you’re using a store-bought crust, thaw it according to package instructions. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the bottom with a fork and line with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
Pro Tip: Pre-baking prevents the crust from getting soggy from the juicy tomatoes.
Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes (This Part Matters!)
Slice your tomatoes about ¼-inch thick. Lay them on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and let them sit for 30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture so your pie isn’t watery.
Afterward, blot the tomatoes with more paper towels to remove moisture. If you skip this step, your pie will turn into soup—don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Topping
In a medium bowl, mix:
- 1 cup cheddar
- ½ cup mozzarella
- ½ cup Parmesan
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- Chopped basil, chives, thyme
- A pinch of pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Stir until creamy. This topping becomes golden and bubbly when baked—like a cheesy herb crown for your tomatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Layer the drained tomatoes in the cooled crust, overlapping in a circular pattern. Sprinkle with a bit of black pepper between layers. You can also tuck in some extra basil if you’re feeling fancy.
Spread the cheese-mayo mixture over the top in an even layer, right to the edges.
Step 5: Bake the Southern Tomato Pie
Pop your pie into the 375°F oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling, and the edges are lightly browned.
Let the pie rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing—this helps it set up and slice cleanly.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Serve Warm or Cold: It’s divine both ways. Try it with a side of grits or a fresh arugula salad.
- Store Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes, or enjoy cold.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The tomatoes release too much water when thawed.
It’s the balance of creamy, sharp cheese with juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes. The herbs cut through the richness, and the salty, buttery crust pulls it all together. Every bite tastes like a Southern garden at its peak. It’s comfort food, picnic food, potluck food, and show-off-to-your-in-laws food all in one slice.
Once you make this pie, it’s going to become a ritual every summer. When the tomatoes are bursting with juice and your basil plant is going wild, you’ll think of this Southern tomato pie recipe. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about history, community, and slow afternoons with sweet tea in hand. Trust me, there’s nothing more Southern than that.
Do not miss this Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe!
