Southern Tomato Pie is a classic summer recipe! Layers of ripe tomatoes, cheese, pesto, herbs and onions all baked in a flaky crust for a savory pie that’s downright scrumptious.
Once summer tomatoes start coming in, I make one of these pies almost every week either for us or a gathering we might be attending. Yesterday, I made one for a sweet, sweet couple who became just became new parents. I’ve known the Mom, Kori, since she was ten years old and that fact that she just gave birth to a precious baby boy has had me in tears more than once over the past few days. It was wonderful to get in the kitchen and make the new family a meal because Mama and Daddy needed a little TLC even though I did have somewhat of an ulterior motive – hugging & kissing on that sweet baby!
This weekend, I’ll be making another one of these yummy pies for special event – Memorial Day. Lot’s of folks call this weekend the official start of summer but it’s something much, much more. There’s a very important reason that Monday is a holiday…it’s to remember and honor those who have served and died protecting our freedom and our country. So, whether we are celebrating the birth of baby or one of our nations important holidays, I hope we can stop and truly remember what that special time is about. For me, it’s about spending time with family and friends making memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Memorial Day, friends…this Southern Soul is counting her blessings.
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the rush of things that we forget the true meaning of a special day, so here’s a few ideas on how we can remember Memorial Day ~
- Raise the American Flag.
- Attend a parade.
- Visit a local veterans cemetery.
- Attend a memorial service.
- Visit a battlefield.
- Honor the National Day of Remembrance – In 2000, Congress addressed the fact that many Americans simply use Memorial Day as a day to eat burgers. They created the National Moment to make sure our troops are honored. At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, every American is asked to pause for just one minute to honor the fallen.
- full list of Memorial Day traditions found here.
There are some dishes that just scream All American like apple pie, hot dogs & hamburgers, BBQ, and in my family, tomato pie!
Ingredients
- 4-5 large tomatoes
- 1 pie shell
- ⅓ cup of thinly sliced sweet onions
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese - shredded
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese - grated
- 4-5 large basil leaves - sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup good quality mayo - not salad dressing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Slice 4-5 tomatoes with skin on and place on paper towels to drain - about an hour or longer if you have time.
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out pie dough and place in pie or tart pan and trim edges. Prick pie shell to prevent rising. Bake for 8 minutes, remove from oven and let cool for about 20 min.
- Layer onion on bottom of pie shell then sprinkle on grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to form an even layer.
- Spread pesto over cheeses.
- Layer half the tomatoes over pesto in a circular pattern overlapping.
- Mix mayo with grated cheddar cheese and spread on top of tomatoes.
- Sprinkle on fresh basil.
- Layer remaining tomatoes over basil.
- Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes minutes. If the edges get brown early, put a pie ring on top or use a homemade one made out of tinfoil.
- Remove pie from oven and sprinkle on additional Parmesan cheese.
- Allow pie to rest at least 30 minutes, sprinkle on basil, slice and serve.
Did you make my Tomato Pie with Cheese & Pesto?I'd love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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This tomato pie is delicious! My husband couldn’t stop raving about it!
Hey there Kerry!
Wow! I am thrilled to hear that you and your husband enjoyed this recipe, there’s nothing better than a good slice of Tomato Pie! Thank you so much for your kind words and this fantastic rating, I really appreciate your support!
~Donya
Wasn’t sure about tomato pie as I’ve just started eating tomatoes. This was fantastic! Made it Friday night for a potluck & making Sunday for family dinner!!!
Hey there Tanya!
I am so happy to hear you’ve become a tomato lover, tomatoes are one of my absolute favorite foods, they’re good in just about anything! I’m glad it went over well at the potluck, thank you so much for your phenomenal rating and your kind words of support! I hope you have a great Labor Day!
~Donya
I used Pillsberry premade piecrust and didn’t pre-bake it also I switched up the mozzarella for fresh mozzarella it was a delicious recipe❤️
Hey there Sheila!
Wow! Thank you so much for this fantastic rating and your sweet words! Glad to hear you enjoyed this dish, I am a huge fan of tomatoes and this recipe is possibly my favorite tomato recipe so I’m glad you liked it as well! If you ever have any questions about a recipe, please don’t hesitate to ask. I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend!
~Donya
This was very delicious but I did make a change… I added real bacon bits. I just sprinkled them over the mayo & cheese layer then put more tomatoes right on top. If I make it again, I will omit the pesto. while it’s tasty, I think it makes it too oily and it’s very rich. I think that would cut down some on the richness.
Hey there Karen!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe and for your rating! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe and really made it work for you, I agree the pesto can be rich and if you want something lighter then leaving out the pesto is a good idea. Thank you for your support, and I hope you have a fantastic Labor Day weekend!
~Donya
I don’t care for mozzarella cheese, but would another cheese substituted work (as far as good flavor), do you think? If so, what would you suggest.. Thanks
Hey there.
You could try shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Enjoy,
~Donya
I just made your tomato pie and the southern pineapple casserole. Both were simply delicious! I simply love your recipes!
Carla!
You have made my day. Thank you so much for giving the recipes a try and for letting me know you liked them. I’m just glowing!
Have a wonderful day, friend!
~Donya
Love this. I’m using up some home grown tomatoes making this. Does it freeze well? Thinking of making extras to save for the fall/winter. Thanks. Trish
Hey Trish,
I would bake the pie, let it cool then freeze it. I’ve not frozen one before but I think this might work. I would not freeze without cooking it first. Hope this helps!
Have a great day!
~Donya
Love tomato pie!! I found using Roma tomatoes are best bc they don’t have as much juice and make the pie more firmer!!
Hey there Elaine!
I completely agree with you, Roma tomatoes are a terrific choice for this recipe! Thank you so much for your support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please feel free to reach out!
~Donya
I can NOT eat mayo at all. Will substituting sour cream or yogurt work?
Michelle, I don’t think either of those substitutions will work, unfortunately. There’s only 1/2 cup of mayo but if you really feel strongly about it, I suggest just leaving it out. Hope this helps!
Happy Easter,
~Donya
So good!… I love it!