Tomato Pie
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Nothing says summer like red, ripe tomatoes fresh from the garden. Nothing makes me give thanks for summer like a fresh tomato pie!
I don’t have a big garden at my house, but not for lack of trying. You see, I have very fat, happy, and mischievous squirrels, rabbits, and various other critters. They gobble cucumbers, disconnect baby cantaloupes from the vine, pick my pecan trees clean, and even dig up and relocate plants from time to time as the mood strikes them.
I am fully capable of using a bb gun along with various other measures to rid myself of these critters but truth be told, we just enjoy them so much and get far more giggles than stress over their antics so I leave them be. Besides, we do have a truce of sorts – they let me grow tomatoes. As long as I can do that, I get to keep my Southern citizenship and make yummy things for you like this tomato pie.
Speaking of critters in our little Bountiful woods, last week we even had a hawk come watch us eat lunch. Dangdest thing! I’m pretty sure he was attracted by all of those fat, happy, and mischievous squirrels, rabbits, and various other critters…
I think the rabbits and squirrels tipped each other off this time though, and we were spared a scene from “Predators of the Fat and Happy” . Clearly, the hawk came, placed his order, and got tired of waiting. He left after an hour or so but he is still hanging around. Eventually one of our poor Henry’s will bite the dust (if you’ve been with us a while you know that all of our squirrels are named Henry).
Oh…pie. Tomato pie. Got ya, I’m on it!
You’ll need: 3 or 4 tomatoes, cheddar cheese, mayo, fresh basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper.
You’re also gonna need a regular pie crust, already baked.
And just so you know, this is my official protest against basalmic vinegar being spelled balsamic. I’m just certain my way of spelling it and saying it is right somewhere in this world…
Wash and slice your tomatoes.
There is an important decision to make at this point. Do you want your tomato pie juicy or not? I like mine juicy, so I’m going right on ahead from here.
If you want yours to be less juicy, take these tomatoes and sprinkle a little bit of salt on them, then put them in a colander over the sink and allow to drain for about ten minutes. They’ll still be somewhat juicy but not nearly as much. This will make your tomato pie slices come out prettier. I suggest doing this if you are serving it to company. If you are serving it to family, just skip this step because they know you can cook and they’d rather have a big old slice of juicy tomato pie!
Arrange 1/2 of those gorgeous tomato slices in your baked pie crust.
Sprinkle 1/2 of your salt and pepper over them, then tear up some basil leaves and sprinkle those over them, too.
Now take one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and drizzle that over them.
Like so. 
Top with half of your cheese.
Repeat with the rest of your tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil leaves and…
Cheese.
Now spread the mayonnaise over the top of it all.
If you don’t like mayonnaise, don’t worry. You’re in good company. Not once in my entire life have I ever said “OOOH yum, mayonnaise!”. So if you don’t like mayonnaise, whenever you see me using it you should know that you aren’t going to end up with a mayonnaise taste when you’re done. So it’s safe mayo not-likers (because calling us mayo haters is just too harsh). Go ahead and spread that mayo because this stuff is gonna be good! 
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until it is lightly browned like this. Serve warm or cold.
This some good eaten’!
- For another one of my favorite tomato recipes, click here to learn how to make tomato mozzarella melts.
- Also, check out my post on how to put up tomatoes the easy way if you want some fine eating this winter! Nothing beats home grown tomatoes in winter stews.
Ingredients
- 3 medium sized tomatoes
- 6 large fresh basil leaves (if you don't have fresh, use 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 +1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayo
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pie crust, baked but not browned
Instructions
- Cut tomatoes into slices.
- Place in colander and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon table salt. Allow to drain for ten minutes (can skip this step if you like).
- Arrange 1/2 of tomato slices in baked pie crust. Top with 1/2 of kosher salt, 1/2 of pepper, 1/2 of basil, 1/2 of vinegar, and 1/2 of cheese.
- Repeat.
- Spread mayo over top of pie. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Print This Recipe
“Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”
~Benjamin Franklin
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Posted by Christy Jordan
on Jun 19 2012. Filed under Pie, Side Dishes.
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It’s been years since I had tomato pie. Yours looks so good, especially with the basil & balsamic! I’m sure to make it real soon.
That hawk is beautiful…too bad for one of the Henrys
Heehee, yeah, the Henry’s are a little scarce now. Pretty sure in hiding! Basil makes anything better doesn’t it? Hope your day is going great, Shawn!
Gratefully,
Christy
I’ve been looking on here for your tomato pie recipe and am so glad that you have posted it!
The bad thing about posting it is that now I want one too and I took these photos a few weeks back! ack! Maybe we’ll both make it soon!
Gratefully,
Christy
Yum!!! Wonder how this would be with mozzarella cheese? Kind of a capreze salad pie!! I may try it – I don’t have any cheddar in the house right now! Love these garden fresh recipes, Christy! Keep ‘em coming!!
I think it would be awesome with mozzarella!!! Thank you for being so sweet Carolyn!
Gratefully,
Christy
I make this and love it!! But i use parmesan cheese
Sounds WONDERFUL!…. Now, if only I could find some decent tomatoes….
Christy, I cannot believe you don’t like mayo! What’s not to LOVE? Up ’til now I have been confident that we have similar taste buds. Now I’m just shaking my head
I know. I’m just hoping the courts don’t get wind of it because they are sure to build a special prison or maybe just dig a hole to put me in. I’m a horrible person. This is why I try so hard to live a good life and make the world a better place, hoping it will redeem me from this truly unforgivable sin.
Now if word gets out about how I feel about water chestnuts I’m truly sunk ~sighs in her despair~
Just curious – do you like Miracle Whip? I definitely prefer Miracle Whip but find that I am in the minority.
I do like miracle whip better than mayo but still not a big fan, but it does taste better to me! We need a club:)
ohhhh myyy (mouth watering profusely)
Where have I been my whole life that i have never heard of this? I am so excited to try this!!!
Geeze, I gotta find a substitute for the mayo, which is O K in moderation, but HOT! Oh my! By the way Chiristie, it looks great! Gotta get past the mayo!
In this recipe, it really just bakes up and melts with the cheese so it tastes like cheese, I’m really hoping you read my notes about how I feel about mayo
Your version on tomato pie sure sounds good and I just happen to have fresh basil and a couple of tomatoes on hand! As far as pie crust, its got to be your “Mix in the Pan” crust, pie crust and I don’t get along!
I love, love, love tomato pie! And it’s even better when you mix dry Ranch dressing in with the mayonnaise you spread on top. I learned that trick from my best friend’s Nana.
yum yum!! I love tomato pie!! But this thing you have with mayonnaise is bothering me
… There is nothing better than just a plain ole mayonnaise sandwich!! (I had one last night)
Thanks for all you do!
I’m with you on the mayo, Christy. It is revolting to me. I just about
freak out when I have to make my hubby a sandwich and use it.
But mixed into food where I don’t actually SEE it or SMELL it, I’m okay.
I had tomato pie at a neat little restaurant in an old gas station building not
too far from where I live. It was really good.
Thanks for the recipe. Can’t wait for your book!
That looks sooooo good, Christy~~ Thanks for sharing this great one too~
Blessings,
Diane
I have never tasted a tomato pie. Something to keep in mind when SE Ohio tomatoes get ripe. I do not like the supermarket tomatoes.
Oh, Christy, you may be a good cook but you’re a terrible speller. It is balsamic according to dictionary.
Bunnie, if you will look under the fourth picture of this recipe, Christy explains why she spells “Balsamic” the way she does. She spells it like she says it. Hope this clears it up for you:)
How sweet of you to say that Bunnie! I’m sure I’m terrible at a great many things so just hang around and you’ll get lots of jollies!
Gratefully,
Christy
Yum that looks so good. I made a tomato and corn pie a couple of months ago. It was very good.
I am stuck container gardening and have not had much luck for the past couple of years with my tomato plants. If it isn’t the critters then it is insects or disease that gets them.
This does look so inviting, but I am with you on the mayo, I am not a lover of it! As soon as I have ripe tomatoes I will be making this. I make a green tomato pie at least once every summer, make it like an apple pie or there abouts as to seasonings,etc! Yummy!!!!!
I bet a sprinkling of bacon would take this over the top!
I make a pizza like this except I use mozzarella and it also has crushed garlic mixed in. This looks delicious!
This sounds good .It would be great with a parmesan crust.Real Italian .
Girl……. I luv me some Tomato Pie…… I hate that you forgot to crumble 4-6 pieces of bacon on top of the tomato……That is what takes the Tomato Pie over the top. It tastes like BLT
Christy this looks yummy! I may make this tonight
I love the tea towel/table cloth with Alabama on it too 
I just love everything about you and your cooking. When I copied the recipe, I became worried when I noticed that the baking temp had been omitted. I’m not very apt at cooking and must nearly always follow a recipe to a “T,” Yay! Finally I discovered it…”350″ degrees was up in the step-by-step directions and photos. I had already thought that it would be baked at about the temp of a custard filling. Still it was great to find it without having to ask.
Thank you so much for letting me know! I just put it in the instructions. You rock! Gratefully,
Christy
wow what a gorgeous pie! i could go for a slice right now! and a hawk! how cool!
I can’t wait to make this pie. Like you, I can’t stand mayo (nor do I like Miracle Whip) but I am able to eat items cooked/prepared with it. I consider it a necessary evil in the summertime because I love potato salad and coleslaw! I am going to follow Michelle’s suggestion about the dry ranch dressing and also those who have suggested crumbled bacon too. This sounds absolutely delicious. Thanks, Christy!
We had a hawk “couple” that made a nest in a tree at the end of our drive way. Thought that all of our squirrels would vanish..no such luck. The squirrels even play in the tree with the hawk’s nest!
I add bacon to my tomato pie… love it! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Wow..looks delicious!!
we have a little rat terrier that keeps our critters away…..he is a terror for squirrels..
Thanks for the tomato pie recipe…..as soon as ours get ripe…it will be on the to do list……..
Well, this is just an idea…but maybe substitute some ricotta cheese with a little milk to thin it, well-stirred and spread on top of the top tomato layer. Personally, I LOVE mayonnaise, (maybe too much!) LOL. But, I make my own blender mayo with EVOO. That way, I can control better what goes in it, and can add flavors if I want, or herbs and such. My family loves it!
Christy and all mayo haters, try substituting an equal amount of cottage cheese, drained and a couple of squirts of fresh lemon juice for that old fattening mayo. And, please, please use fresh basil. I t tastes so much better!!
Cynthia
How would it be if you roasted the tomato’s first!!
Yum – What if you subbed fresh sliced mozzerella for the cheddar and made a caprese pie! You’ve already got the basil and balsamic. I may have to try it both ways just as soon as I get back from this dang business trip tomorrow!!
Just waiting for my maters to get ripe. I am with you on the Mayo but hope I can’t taste it. I love all your recipes so I am sure it will be a keeper. Can’t believe I’ve never heard of tomato pie.
This is the first time ever that I have even heard of a Tomato Pie. Seriously. Did you just create this or something?
I wish!!! But thank you for thinking I could
Gratefully,
Christy
Well, I created this one but Tomato Pie has been around for ages!
Nothing says summer like a Tomato Pie. Yummy!!!!
I have to agree Betty!!!
you did it again Christy wonderful as usual and ohhh so southernly delish
i dont care how she spells its her recipes that r top notch to me
I wubs you Mkkiki!!! ~hugs you til your back pops~
Gee golly I wish I had seen this while I was at the grocery store! It looks delicious & is going on my list for next time.
I hope you get to make it soon Brandy!!
O Happy Day! I went to lunch expecting to dine on Tate Farms Tomato Pie but alas, that was Monday’s Special not Tuesday’s. Now I can make this recipe and satisfy my hankering. I’m glad you can grow tomatoes! We seem to be squirrel and rabbit free around here but my husband had to relocate our tomato plants from the backyard to the side landscape to keep our Cocker Spaniels from devouring them right off the vine!
I hope you like it Karen, can’t wait to hear your thoughts!!! Your dogs like tomatoes? Wow, mine won’t touch them.
The Tomato Pie was absolutely wonderful–it cured my hankering & relieved my fears that I wasn’t going to develop a taste for “balsamic” vinegar! It was so good we ate the leftovers for breakfast. Thanks for the recipe, she’s a keeper!
And yes, my tomato-picking dogs love tomatoes. One discovered the new tomato patch Friday evening. I knew something was up when she reluctantly came inside–with crape myrtle blooms dangling from her ears. The next morning we found an almost ripe tomato half-eaten on the vine!
I love tomato pie. I dice my tomatoes. Makes the pie easier to cut/serve. I also make the crust with dried basil in it. So good!
Ohhh, great idea Debbie!!!
Yum, yum, yum!!
Will make it this weekend! Sounds wonderful and easy. Just what I love. I love maters.
as always, thanks!!!
I can’t wait until your new book comes out. I know that it will be wonderful!!!
Pam
I hope you like it Pam!!!
You know it’s very good luck to have a hawk actually sit and watch….that means your dieting is going very well!
You just aren’t juicy enough for him!
This looks really good! I will have to make it while I stay with family in the near future, they will think I’m genius! So I’m thanking you ahead of time!
~giggles~ I just love your thinking Dorie!!
LOVE Tomatoe Pie…I like my tomatoes slightly underripe tho- the taste kinda reminds me of Fried Green ‘Maters….
Ohhh, I that sounds so good Sunny!!
gotta make this but will wait till we Ohio gets some home grown tomatoes in…
the tomatoes in the store here ..yuk…AS FAR AS MAYO .I only like Hellmans .no miracle whip here…Christy this one would give you a good question to ask your followers .mayo or miracle whip…just a thought dear ..
I might have to try this tonight. I have lots of tomatoes at the moment (although they are dwindling now that the blueberries are getting scarcer and the birds are looking elsewhere for fruit) and need something quick and easy to cook so that I can work out in the yard before it gets dark.
We get those hawks, too. They are Cooper’s Hawks, I think. They are attracted by all the mice, bunnies, and fat doves in my neighborhood. I sometimes worry about my chickens when I let them out, but I think they may be too big for the hawk and the hens are pretty good about staying under bushes!
Christy do you have a simple recipe for sweet pickles using pickling spice?
my Mother made such wonderful sweet pickles when I was a child and she has since passed and no one wrote down the recipe. All I remember is fresh cucumbers, pickling spice and the wonderful smell
Thank you for sharing your stories and recipes.
Love tomato pie..I do mine with green tomatoes though ..makes kinda a tart pie….love love it and your recipes …
Sooooooo Yummy Tomato Pie! I had a first yesterday at Cullman Hospital Cafeteria….Scalloped Tomatoes. I thought it was a rice dish, but ordered it anyway….it was TASTY!
Thanks for the recipe! ;D)
I hope you enjoy it Peggy!!
Definitely making Tomato Pie!! Got some good friends visiting from New York during July 4 week. They want one of those Alabama Dish towels like the one the finished Tomato Pie is sitting on. Do you know where you got it?