Print

Creamy Southern-Style Tomato Pie Recipe with Cheddar and Basil Made Easy

creamy southern-style tomato pie - featured image

A rich and creamy Southern-style tomato pie featuring a custardy filling with sharp cheddar and fresh basil, balanced perfectly with cream cheese and mayonnaise for a comforting summer dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust (or homemade)
  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced thick (Roma or beefsteak)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently to the edges. Dock the crust lightly with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until just starting to turn golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Slice tomatoes about ¼-inch thick. Lay them on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and set aside for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add chopped onion, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Fold in shredded cheddar and sliced basil gently, saving a bit of cheddar for topping.
  4. Layer half of the drained tomato slices evenly over the pre-baked crust. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the tomatoes. Repeat with remaining tomato slices and topping mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheddar over the top.
  5. Bake on the middle rack at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
  6. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to settle.

Notes

Drying the tomato slices on paper towels after salting is crucial to prevent a soggy crust. Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes helps create a moisture barrier. Let the pie rest after baking for cleaner slices and better flavor melding. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil. Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe between cuts for neat slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato pie, southern tomato pie, creamy tomato pie, cheddar tomato pie, basil tomato pie, summer pie, easy tomato pie, savory pie