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To make a great Southern tomato pie, gather these key ingredients: - 3 large, juicy ripe tomatoes, sliced - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s for authenticity) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade, your choice) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich, savory pie. Ripe tomatoes give it a fresh taste, while the cheeses add a creamy texture. For the best flavor, I suggest using sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Sharp cheddar brings a bold taste. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch and creaminess. You can mix in other cheeses too, like gouda or Swiss, for unique flavors. Just remember to keep the total cheese amount around two cups. Herbs and spices enhance the pie’s taste. Here are some options: - Fresh basil for garnish - Fresh thyme for an earthy touch - Crushed red pepper for heat Feel free to experiment with these herbs. They can add depth to your Southern tomato pie, making it more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to put this dish together. Enjoy cooking! Start by slicing three large, juicy ripe tomatoes. Lay them flat on a cutting board. Sprinkle one teaspoon of kosher salt over the slices. This draws out moisture and helps avoid a soggy pie. Let the slices sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This makes the tomatoes less watery. After they rest, gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This is key for a great texture. In a medium bowl, combine half a cup of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and half a teaspoon each of black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix well until smooth. This creamy base adds a rich flavor to your pie. It binds the ingredients and gives a lovely taste that pairs well with the tomatoes. 1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking for the pie. 2. Pre-bake the Pie Crust: Lay the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden. This step helps keep the crust crispy. 3. Layer the Ingredients: Start with the tomato slices, laying them evenly across the crust. Spread half of your creamy mixture over the tomatoes. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. This builds flavor and texture in each bite. 4. Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden cheese topping. This is your sign that it’s ready. 5. Cool and Garnish: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the pie set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This Southern Tomato Pie brings together rich flavors and a crispy crust. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. For the full recipe, check out the Southern Tomato Pie section. To get a crispy crust for your Southern Tomato Pie, start with a pre-baked crust. Pre-bake it for about 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This step helps firm up the bottom. You can also brush the crust lightly with olive oil before baking. This adds flavor and helps keep moisture away. Soggy pie is a common issue with tomato pie. To avoid this, layer your tomatoes with salt first. Let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. This draws out extra moisture. After draining, pat them dry with paper towels. Using a mix of cheeses helps too. The cheese absorbs some moisture, keeping your pie firm. Serve your Southern Tomato Pie warm or at room temperature. For a nice touch, slice it into wedges. Place each piece on a plate with a sprig of fresh basil on top. Pair it with a light salad on the side. A mix of greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette works well. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pie. For a fun twist, you can serve it with garlic bread. It’s a great way to soak up any extra juices. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_4}} You can make Southern Tomato Pie even more tasty by adding other veggies and meats. Try adding sliced zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and flavor. You can also use cooked bacon or ham to add a savory twist. Just be sure to slice them thin so they cook evenly. Layer them between the tomatoes and cheese for a delicious blend. If you need a gluten-free crust, don’t worry! You can find many ready-made gluten-free pie crusts at the store. You can also make your own using almond flour or coconut flour. These options give a nice flavor and texture. Just follow the package instructions or your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe for best results. Want to make a vegan version? It’s easy! Replace the cheese with vegan cheese options. You can also swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo. Silken tofu blended with some lemon juice can work too. These swaps keep the creamy texture while making the pie plant-based. You won’t miss the dairy in this delicious dish. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To store your leftover Southern Tomato Pie, let it cool first. Place the pie in an airtight container. If you don't have one, cover the pie with plastic wrap. This keeps the pie fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you like, you can also keep individual slices in small containers. This way, you can grab a slice anytime. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie or slices on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Covering the pie helps keep it moist. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Freezing Southern Tomato Pie is easy and great for meal prep. First, let the pie cool completely. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double wrap helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven as described above for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your Southern Tomato Pie! If you want to swap out mayonnaise, you have some tasty options. Greek yogurt works great. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang. Sour cream is another choice and gives a rich flavor. You can also use a mix of cream cheese and milk for a thicker base. Each option will change the taste slightly, but they all work well. Yes, you can prepare your pie ahead of time. Make the pie, but do not bake it right away. Cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready, just bake it as directed. This way, you save time when serving guests. Southern Tomato Pie pairs well with various sides. Here are some great options: - A simple green salad for freshness - Coleslaw for a crunchy side - Cornbread for a classic Southern touch - Roasted vegetables for added flavor These sides balance the pie's rich flavors and create a well-rounded meal. For the full recipe, check out the Southern Tomato Pie guide. Southern tomato pie blends juicy tomatoes, rich cheese, and fresh herbs. You learned how to prep tomatoes and make a creamy pie base. You now know tips for a crispy crust and ways to avoid sogginess. Variations let you add veggies, meats, or cater to dietary needs. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh while reheating restores flavor. Embrace your own twists and enjoy this classic dish with friends or family. Dive into the joy of Southern cooking, and create something delicious!

Southern Tomato Pie

Discover the deliciousness of Southern Tomato Pie with this simple yet flavorful recipe! Made with fresh tomatoes, rich cheeses, and a creamy mayonnaise base, this pie is a true Southern delight. Whether you're hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Click through to explore how to create this mouthwatering Southern Tomato Pie that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

3 large, juicy ripe tomatoes, sliced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s for authenticity)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade, your choice)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking of your pie.

    Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes and sprinkle them generously with kosher salt. Place the slices in a colander and allow them to rest for about 15 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture, resulting in a less soggy pie.

      Mix the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully integrated. This will add a creamy, flavorful layer to your pie.

        Pre-bake the Pie Crust: Take your pie crust and gently lay it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pre-bake the crust in the oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until it is just starting to turn a light golden brown. Once pre-baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

          Assemble the Layers: Begin layering your pie by placing the drained tomato slices evenly across the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Evenly spread half of the mayonnaise mixture over the tomatoes, ensuring good coverage.

            Add the Cheeses: Sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the mayonnaise layer. Then, repeat the previous steps — add the remaining tomato slices, spread the rest of the mayonnaise mixture, and top off with the remaining cheeses.

              Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden brown cheese topping that indicates it is cooked to perfection.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the pie set, making slicing easier.

                  Garnish: Before serving, adorn the top of the pie with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an aromatic touch.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve slices on individual plates garnished with a sprig of fresh basil and a side of lightly dressed mixed greens. Enjoy your delightful Southern Tomato Pie!