This Easy Heirloom Tomato Pie is a simple delight, filled with juicy tomatoes and creamy goodness. The flaky crust holds all the tasty treats together, making it a perfect summer dish!
Seriously, who can resist a slice of this pie? It’s like a warm hug from the garden. I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top—so yummy and colorful! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Heirloom Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a unique flavor and color to your pie. If you can’t find heirloom tomatoes, regular tomatoes will work too. Use a mix of different varieties for a beautiful presentation.
Mayonnaise: It gives the pie a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its strong flavor. You could switch the cheddar for Gruyère or even use a dairy-free cheese if needed!
Fresh Basil: This brightens the dish beautifully. If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried herbs like oregano or thyme, though fresh is always best for flavor.
How Do I Keep My Pie From Getting Soggy?
Soggy bottoms can ruin a pie. To avoid this, follow these tips:
- Pre-bake the Crust: If using a homemade crust, give it a quick bake (blind baking) at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps firm it up!
- Layering: Spread your cheese mixture evenly and slice tomatoes thickly. This lets excess moisture escape, keeping the pie from soaking too much.
- Cooling: Let the pie cool for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice without the crust getting mushy.
With these tips, you’ll serve a pie that’s not only delicious but also has a perfectly crisp crust!
Easy Heirloom Tomato Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 large heirloom tomatoes (varied colors ideal; thickly sliced)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and roughly 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, you should let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before serving. That means you can enjoy this delicious dish in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pie cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take your pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it firmly against the bottom and sides. You can trim or fold the edges as you prefer, making it look nice and tidy.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. This cheesy mixture will be the star of your pie!
4. Assemble the Pie:
Spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the bottom of your pie crust. It’s time to layer those beautiful tomatoes! Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes on top of the cheese mixture in a single layer. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the tomato slices to enhance their flavor.
5. Bake the Pie:
Carefully place the pie in your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. During this cooling time, the filling will set a bit, making it easier to slice. Just before serving, garnish with fresh sliced basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This heirloom tomato pie is delicious served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any summer gathering. Enjoy your colorful, flavorful dish!
FAQ for Easy Heirloom Tomato Pie
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While heirloom tomatoes provide fantastic flavor and color, you can use any garden-fresh tomatoes you have on hand. Just slice them thickly and season well!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise. For a vegan alternative, try using a plant-based mayo to achieve a similar creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pie?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through!
Can I Make This Pie a Day Ahead?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance! Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This way, you save time on the day of your gathering!
