There's nothing quite like biting into a perfect slice of southern living tomato pie on a warm summer evening. This beloved Southern comfort food combines the sweetness of ripe garden tomatoes with a rich, creamy filling that's been passed down through generations of Southern kitchens.What makes this southern living tomato pie so special is its perfect balance of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
Unlike other tomato dishes, this savory pie transforms simple summer tomatoes into an elegant dish that's equally at home on your dinner table or at a church potluck. The southern living tomato pie recipe we're sharing today captures all the authentic flavors that make this dish a true Southern classic.
Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
The southern living tomato pie has deep roots in Southern culinary tradition, dating back to the early 1900s when resourceful home cooks needed creative ways to use their abundant tomato harvests. This classic Southern dish became a staple because it showcased the natural sweetness of vine-ripened tomatoes while creating a satisfying meal that could feed a crowd.
What sets our southern living tomato pie apart from other versions is the careful attention to moisture control and the perfect blend of cheeses and seasonings. Many recipes fail because they don't properly address the high water content in fresh tomatoes, but this time-tested approach ensures every slice holds together beautifully. The combination of mayonnaise and cheese creates that signature creamy texture that makes this southern living tomato pie absolutely irresistible, while the flaky homemade crust provides the perfect foundation for all those wonderful flavors.
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Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Cold butter, cubed
- ice water
For the Filling:
- Large ripe tomatoes (about 3 pounds)
- Salt
- Pie crust
- Mayonnaise
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Fresh chives, chopped
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Slice tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds
- Lay tomato slices on paper towels in a single layer
- Sprinkle both sides generously with salt
- Let tomatoes drain for 30-45 minutes to remove excess moisture
- Pat tomatoes dry with clean paper towels
Prepare the Crust
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms
- Roll out dough and place in 9-inch pie pan
- Pre-bake crust at 350°F for 15 minutes until lightly golden
Make the Cheese Mixture
- Combine mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan in a bowl
- Mix in chopped basil, black pepper, and garlic powder
- Stir until well combined and creamy
- Set aside until ready to assemble
Assemble and Bake
- Layer half the dried tomato slices in pre-baked crust
- Spread half the cheese mixture over tomatoes
- Add remaining tomato slices in overlapping pattern
- Top with remaining cheese mixture, spreading evenly
- Sprinkle with fresh chives and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden
- Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Slice and salt tomatoes, then drain thoroughly on paper towels.
- Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Bake the homemade crust until lightly golden and set.
- Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
Mix mayonnaise, cheeses, and herbs into a smooth, creamy blend.
- Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Layer tomatoes and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly.
Expert Cooking Tips
The key to a perfect southern living tomato pie lies in proper moisture management and ingredient selection. Here are the professional secrets that will take your pie from good to extraordinary:
Tomato Selection and Preparation
- Choose firm, ripe tomatoes that aren't overripe or mushy
- Heirloom varieties like Cherokee Purple or Brandywine add exceptional flavor
- Never skip the salting and draining step ; this prevents a soggy bottom crust
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform tomato slices
Crust and Assembly Tips
- Pre-baking the crust is essential for preventing sogginess
- Brush the pre-baked crust with beaten egg white for extra moisture protection
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing for clean cuts
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily for the cheese mixture
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Transform your basic southern living tomato pie into exciting new variations with these creative adaptations:
Dietary Adaptations
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise. Gluten-free eaters can use a almond flour crust or store-bought gluten-free pie crust. Make it dairy-free by using vegan mayonnaise and nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheeses.
Flavor Variations
- Herb Garden Pie: Add fresh thyme, oregano, and rosemary to the cheese mixture
- Bacon Lover's Version: Sprinkle crumbled bacon between tomato layers
- Mediterranean Style: Include sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives
- Spicy Southern: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Caramelized Onion: Layer thinly sliced caramelized onions with the tomatoes
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes creating the perfect southern living tomato pie much easier and more enjoyable:
- 9-inch deep-dish pie pan (ceramic or glass works best)
- Mandoline slicer for uniform tomato slices
- Large colander for draining tomatoes
- Rolling pin for homemade crust
- Pastry brush for egg wash
- Sharp chef's knife for clean cuts
- Kitchen scale for accurate measurements
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage ensures your southern living tomato pie stays fresh and delicious for several days:
Short-term Storage
Refrigerate leftover pie covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes to crisp the crust. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy.
Make-Ahead Options
- Prepare and salt tomatoes the night before
- Pre-bake the crust up to 2 days ahead
- Mix the cheese filling and store covered in refrigerator
- Assemble the complete pie and refrigerate unbaked for up to 4 hours
Freezing Guidelines
While best served fresh, you can freeze baked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that transforms an ordinary tomato pie into an extraordinary southern living tomato pie ; the magic lies in the double-cheese technique. Instead of mixing all the cheese into the mayonnaise, reserve some sharp cheddar to sprinkle directly on the tomatoes. This creates layers of flavor and prevents the cheese from becoming too heavy.
The second secret involves timing. Many home cooks rush the draining process, but patience is key. Let those salted tomatoes drain for a full 45 minutes, and you'll notice how much liquid they release. This extra step is what separates a restaurant-quality southern living tomato pie from a soggy disappointment. Trust the process, and your family will think you've discovered the fountain of Southern cooking youth.
FAQ
What is Southern Grandma's tomato pie?
Southern Grandma's southern living tomato pie is a traditional savory pie featuring fresh sliced tomatoes layered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise and cheese, all baked in a flaky pie crust. It's a beloved summer recipe that makes the most of garden-fresh tomatoes.
What is the oldest tomato pie restaurant in the US?
Papa's Tomato Pies in Trenton, New Jersey, established in 1912, is widely recognized as America's oldest tomato pie restaurant, though their style differs from the Southern southern living tomato pie tradition we're celebrating here.
How do I keep my tomato pie from getting soggy?
The key to preventing a soggy southern living tomato pie is properly draining the tomatoes by salting them for 45 minutes, pre-baking the crust, and using a moisture barrier like beaten egg white on the crust before adding filling.
Should I peel tomatoes for tomato pie?
No, you don't need to peel tomatoes for southern living tomato pie. The skins add structure and help the slices hold their shape during baking, contributing to the pie's traditional rustic appearance.
Perfect Pairings for Your Southern Feast
Your homemade southern living tomato pie deserves equally delicious companions to create the perfect Southern meal. The rich, savory flavors of this classic dish pair beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides that complement rather than compete with the star of the show.
Consider serving your southern living tomato pie alongside our Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce recipe, which celebrates the same wonderful tomato flavors in a completely different format. For a true taste of Southern tradition, add our crispy Fried Green Tomatoes to your menu ; these golden, tangy fritters provide the perfect textural contrast to your creamy, rich southern living tomato pie. Together, these recipes create a celebration of tomato season that would make any Southern grandmother proud.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James
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Southern Living Tomato Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9-inch deep-dish pie pan Ceramic or glass preferred
- 1 Mandoline slicer For uniform tomato slices
- 1 Rolling pin For homemade crust
- 1 Pastry brush For brushing egg wash
- 1 Large colander For draining tomatoes
- 1 Mixing bowl For cheese mixture
- 1 Chef’s knife For slicing tomatoes
Ingredients
Pie Crust (if homemade)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cold butter Cubed
- 3–4 tablespoon ice water
Filling
- 4–5 large ripe tomatoes About 3 lbs, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 tablespoon salt For draining tomatoes
- 1 9-inch pie crust Pre-baked
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese Grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil Chopped
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon fresh chives Chopped, for topping
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes and salt both sides, then let drain for 30–45 minutes.
- Pat tomatoes completely dry with clean paper towels.
- Mix flour and salt. Cut in butter, add ice water until dough forms.
- Roll out dough, press into 9-inch pan, pre-bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Mix mayonnaise, cheddar, Parmesan, basil, pepper, garlic powder.
- Layer half the tomatoes in crust, then half the cheese mix.
- Repeat with remaining tomatoes and cheese, top with chives.
- Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
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