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- 4 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 store-bought pie crust (9-inch) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped (for garnish) To start making the Southern Tomato Pie, you need fresh ingredients. Ripe tomatoes are key. They should be juicy and flavorful. Choose tomatoes that are firm but not hard. Salt helps remove water from the tomatoes. This step keeps your pie from being soggy. The mayonnaise gives the pie a creamy texture. It also helps the cheese melt nicely. The cheeses add rich flavors. Sharp cheddar brings a tangy taste. Mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey quality. Garlic powder gives a nice kick, while dried basil adds a hint of earthiness. Black pepper rounds out the flavor. You can find a store-bought pie crust at your local grocery store. It saves time and effort. Finally, fresh basil is perfect for garnish. It adds color and a burst of flavor right before serving. This combination of ingredients makes a delightful dish. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through the steps! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Slice the tomatoes and let them drain for moisture removal. - Prepare the cheese mixture with mayonnaise and spices. Start by preheating your oven. This step is important for even baking. Next, slice the tomatoes evenly. Sprinkle them with salt. This helps draw out extra moisture. Let the tomato slices sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This prevents a soggy pie. While the tomatoes drain, make the cheese mixture. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir it well until everything blends smoothly. Once the tomatoes are done draining, pat them dry with a paper towel. This extra care helps keep your pie from getting too wet. - Arrange tomato slices in the pie crust. - Add cheese mixture and repeat the layering process. - Finalize with the remaining cheese mixture on top. Now, take your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Arrange half of the tomato slices in the crust, making a nice layer. Then, spoon half of your cheese mixture over the tomatoes. Spread it out evenly. Add the rest of the tomato slices on top, followed by the last bit of the cheese mixture. This creates a tasty, layered effect. - Bake in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. - Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Put the pie in the oven and bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. After baking, take the pie out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice. When you're ready, sprinkle fresh basil on top for a pop of flavor. For the full recipe, check back with the ingredients above. To keep your crust nice and crisp, salting and draining the tomatoes is key. Salt draws out moisture from the tomatoes. It’s important to let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This helps to reduce the water in your pie. After draining, pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel. Use a delicate touch so you don’t squish them. This step is vital to avoid a soggy crust. Selecting ripe tomatoes makes a big difference in flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft to the touch. They should smell sweet and fresh. For the cheeses, go for high-quality options. Sharp cheddar adds depth, while mozzarella gives a creamy texture. If you can, buy from local sources. Fresh ingredients always taste better. Southern Tomato Pie pairs well with fresh sides. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. When plating, use a colorful dish to make the pie pop. Garnish with fresh basil on top for a beautiful finish. These small touches will make your dish look and taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy crafting your Southern Tomato Pie! {{image_4}} You can make your Southern Tomato Pie even better by adding veggies. Spinach and zucchini work great. They add color and nutrition. Chop the spinach finely and slice the zucchini thin. Mix them in with the tomatoes or layer them in the pie. You can even try bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor. Each veggie brings its own taste, making your pie unique. If you want a twist on the cheese, consider some substitutes. Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor. Goat cheese is creamy and rich. Both options can replace cheddar and mozzarella. Just make sure to crumble or slice them thinly. Mix them into your cheese blend for a new taste. This way, you can enjoy different cheese profiles in your Southern Tomato Pie. Changing the herbs can enhance the flavor of your pie. Instead of just basil, try thyme or oregano. Both herbs add a nice aroma and depth. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. Fresh herbs give a bright taste, while dried herbs work well too. Don't be afraid to experiment. Each herb brings its own charm to the dish. To store your Southern Tomato Pie, let it cool completely first. Place the pie in the fridge. Use an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Your leftovers can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, just reheat a slice in the oven or microwave. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pie well in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. This method keeps the pie fresh for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This way, you keep the flavor and texture just right. What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe? For Southern Tomato Pie, use ripe, juicy tomatoes. Varieties like beefsteak or heirloom work best. Their flavor shines through and adds sweetness. Can I make the pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead. Assemble it and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for the best taste and texture. How can I tell when the pie is done baking? The pie is done when the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. A light jiggle in the filling is fine. Let it cool a bit before slicing. What can I substitute for mayonnaise? If you want to avoid mayonnaise, try Greek yogurt. It gives the same creaminess and adds some tang. Another option is sour cream for a richer taste. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this pie gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust. Many brands offer options that work well. Check the label to ensure it meets your needs. What drinks pair well with Southern Tomato Pie? Southern Tomato Pie pairs nicely with iced tea or a light white wine. Lemonade can also be refreshing alongside this dish. Can I serve it at room temperature or is it best warm? You can serve Southern Tomato Pie warm or at room temperature. However, warm gives the best flavor and melty cheese. Enjoy it whichever way you prefer! Southern Tomato Pie blends ripe tomatoes, rich cheese, and spices. You learned how to prepare, layer, and bake this delightful dish. Tips included preventing sogginess and choosing quality ingredients. Don't forget variations like adding spinach or using different cheeses. Finally, remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With this knowledge, you can create a perfect Southern Tomato Pie every time. Enjoy making it your own!

Southern Tomato Pie

Savor the taste of summer with a mouthwatering Southern Tomato Pie! This delicious recipe combines fresh tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and fragrant herbs in a flaky crust for a dish that's perfect for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create this comforting homemade delight that your family will love. Ready to impress your guests? Click through now to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

4 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 store-bought pie crust (9-inch)

1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Slice the tomatoes into even rounds and sprinkle them with salt. Let the slices drain in a colander for approximately 15 minutes to help remove excess moisture, which prevents a soggy pie.

      While the tomatoes are draining, prepare the cheese mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

        After the 15 minutes have passed, gently pat the tomato slices dry using a paper towel to eliminate any residual moisture.

          Take your pre-made pie crust and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it's settled nicely. Arrange half of the tomato slices in an even layer across the bottom of the crust.

            Spoon half of the prepared cheese mixture over the first layer of tomatoes, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining tomato slices, creating a second layer. Finish by spreading the rest of the cheese mixture on top of the final layer of tomatoes.

              Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and turns a lovely golden brown color.

                Once the pie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to make slicing easier.

                  Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

                      Presentation Tips: Serve slices warm on a colorful plate, and consider adding a small side salad for a delightful contrast.