Southern Tomato Pie Recipe with Cheesy Crust and Fresh Herbs

Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by Souhail

If you’ve never tried a Southern Tomato Pie recipe, you’re in for something seriously special. The first time I had a slice, I was sitting on a screened porch in Georgia, the summer air thick with the smell of tomatoes and fresh-cut basil. One bite and I was hooked, flaky crust, juicy tomatoes, melty cheese, and herbs layered into something that tasted like sunshine and comfort all in one.

This pie is what I reach for when I want something cozy but not heavy, fresh but indulgent. It’s the ultimate celebration of summer tomatoes and works perfectly for brunch with friends, a light lunch on the patio, or even a simple, satisfying dinner with a side salad. It’s homey, a little rustic, and absolutely bursting with flavor, and the best part? It couldn’t be easier to make.

Why You’re Going to Love This Tomato Pie

Let’s talk about why this tomato pie is a must-bake staple when tomato season rolls around. This recipe takes a few simple ingredients and transforms them into something cozy, elegant, and ridiculously satisfying.

• Perfect for Seasonal Tomatoes: This recipe makes the most of juicy, ripe tomatoes when they’re at their peak.
• Two-Cheese Heaven: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar creates a melty, flavorful top that turns golden and bubbly.
• Herby Freshness: Basil and green onions bring brightness that balances out the rich cheese and creamy mayo.
• Flaky Pre-Baked Crust: Using a store-bought (or homemade) pre-baked crust saves time while still delivering buttery goodness.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No fancy equipment, just fresh produce and pantry staples.

Dietary Options & Customizations

• Vegetarian-Friendly: As written, this is a great meatless main.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate.
• Lighter Version: Swap full-fat mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter twist.
• Add Protein: Crumble in some cooked bacon or diced ham if you want extra richness.

Recipe Card

Southern Tomato Pie

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Lunch, BrunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

A savory Southern classic filled with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and melty cheese in a flaky pie crust.

Ingredients

• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Fresh ground black pepper

Directions

• Prep the Tomatoes (30 minutes): Lay sliced tomatoes on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 20–30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, crucial for preventing a soggy pie! After resting, blot them gently with more paper towels.
• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your pie is.
• Layer the Filling (5 minutes): In the pre-baked crust, layer your tomato slices, followed by chopped basil and green onions. You want the layers to overlap and fill the pie evenly.
• Make the Cheese Mixture (3 minutes): In a bowl, stir together the mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and a good few grinds of black pepper. It’ll be thick and creamy.
• Top the Pie (2 minutes): Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tomato layers. Use a spatula to gently smooth it out to the edges.
• Bake (30–35 minutes): Pop the pie in the oven and bake until the top is golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is starting to brown and the edges of the crust are crisp.
• Cool and Slice (10 minutes): Let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so everything sets up beautifully.

Notes

• Salting tomatoes is key to avoid a soggy pie.
• For best flavor, use fresh summer tomatoes.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top before baking!

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Secrets to the Perfect Tomato Pie

Here are a few little tips that make a big difference when making this Southern classic:

• Salt Those Tomatoes: Don’t skip this step! It’s the key to a sturdy, non-soggy pie.
• Use Full-Fat Mayo: It gives the best creamy consistency and flavor. If you want to lighten it up, use Greek yogurt but expect a tangier bite.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are convenient, but they often have anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Cool Before Slicing: The cheese mixture needs a few minutes to set so you don’t end up with a gooey mess.

Delicious Twists on the Classic

There are so many ways to riff on this Southern Tomato Pie recipe and make it your own. Here are a few favorite variations:

1. Bacon Tomato Pie

Add crispy chopped bacon between the tomato and herb layers. Smoky, salty, and so good.

2. Spicy Tomato Pie

Mix a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cheese layer for a little Southern heat.

3. Caprese Tomato Pie

Swap green onions for slices of fresh mozzarella, and drizzle the baked pie with balsamic glaze for an Italian twist.

4. Corn & Tomato Pie

Add a half cup of fresh corn kernels between the layers for a sweet pop of texture.

5. Pesto Tomato Pie

Mix a tablespoon of pesto into the cheese blend for extra herbal richness.

What to Serve with Tomato Pie

This pie is flavorful and filling, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• Fresh Garden Salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Chilled Watermelon Slices for a refreshing contrast
• Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans for some crunch
• Iced Sweet Tea or Lemonade for the full Southern experience

Want to get fancy? Serve slices with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of microgreens for brunch vibes.

FAQs About Southern Tomato Pie

Wrapping It Up, Southern Style

If you’re still wondering whether to try this Southern Tomato Pie recipe, just go for it. It’s easy, full of summer flavor, and totally soul-satisfying. Whether you’re pulling garden-fresh tomatoes off the vine or grabbing a few ripe beauties from the market, this pie makes them the star of the show in the tastiest way.

And if you’re looking to keep the Southern comfort food vibes going, you’ll love exploring a few more delicious ideas from the kitchen:

• Try this sweet and savory Southern Cornbread and Sweet Cornbread to round out any meal.
• Curious about the tomato’s cousin? Check out this flavorful Chilean Tomato Stew Recipe, perfect for cozy nights.
• And for dessert? These charming Moon Spell Cookies are just as magical as they sound!

Let me know how your tomato pie turns out in the comments below or tag me on social, I love seeing your kitchen creations. Happy baking, friends!