![To make a great Southern tomato pie, you need quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced - 1 pre-baked pie crust (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor. The tomatoes provide juiciness. The cheeses add creaminess and depth. Choosing the right tomatoes can make or break your pie. Look for large, ripe tomatoes. Varieties like beefsteak or heirloom work well. They are juicy and flavorful. Avoid watery tomatoes like Roma for this dish. Their texture won't hold up. Tomatoes should be fresh and fragrant. A good tomato has a firm feel and a rich color. Slice them thick to keep the pie from being too soggy. You can opt for a store-bought or homemade pie crust. A flaky crust complements the creamy filling. If you make your own, use cold butter and chill your dough. This keeps it crisp. Pre-baking the crust is key. It helps the crust stay firm against the juicy tomatoes. If you skip this step, your pie could become soggy. A little prep goes a long way in achieving that perfect texture. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Start with three large, ripe tomatoes. Slice them evenly. Place the slices on a clean kitchen towel. This helps absorb excess moisture. Sprinkle salt over the slices. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This step is key. It draws out water and enhances flavor. Grab a mixing bowl. Add one cup of ricotta cheese, half a cup of mayonnaise, and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Next, sprinkle in one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Add a pinch of black pepper for taste. Mix everything together until it’s smooth. This rich blend adds creaminess to your pie. Now, take your pre-baked pie crust. Start layering with the sliced tomatoes. Place a layer of tomatoes at the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Add another layer of tomatoes, then top with the rest of the ricotta mixture. Finish with one more layer of tomatoes on top. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese all over. This forms a beautiful crust when baked. Follow the [Full Recipe] for baking instructions, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors! To start with slicing tomatoes, choose firm, ripe ones. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Cut each tomato into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. This keeps layers uniform. After slicing, lay the tomatoes on a towel. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture. It prevents a soggy pie. For the best cheese melt, mix different cheeses. I like to use sharp cheddar and ricotta. Sharp cheddar adds a rich flavor. Ricotta keeps the filling creamy. Spread the cheeses evenly over the tomatoes. Make sure to cover all the tomato layers. This helps the cheese melt nicely while baking, giving you that gooey, satisfying texture. To get a golden crust, pre-bake the pie crust first. This step ensures it won’t get soggy. Bake it until it’s lightly golden before adding filling. Keep an eye on the pie while it bakes. Look for bubbly cheese and a golden top. If the crust browns too quickly, cover it with foil. This trick helps you achieve the perfect Southern Tomato Pie. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can add bacon or ham to your Southern Tomato Pie for a smoky twist. Cook the bacon until it is crispy. Crumble it and mix it with the cheese and ricotta. If you prefer ham, choose a nice smoked variety. This adds a savory depth to each bite. The saltiness of the meat pairs well with the sweet tomatoes. Changing the cheese can make your pie unique. You might try adding mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Goat cheese offers a tangy flavor that contrasts well with the tomatoes. Cream cheese can add richness and creaminess, making every slice delightful. Mixing your cheeses can create layers of flavor that surprise your taste buds. Feel free to get creative with seasonal vegetables. Zucchini or bell peppers can add color and crunch. Spinach or kale can boost the nutrition without losing flavor. Just make sure to chop them small and sauté first. This helps to reduce moisture and keeps your pie from becoming soggy. Adding vegetables not only enhances taste but also makes your dish more vibrant and healthy. For the complete Southern Tomato Pie experience, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your Southern Tomato Pie, you might have some leftovers. To store them well, let the pie cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you notice any moisture build-up, use paper towels to absorb it. This helps keep the crust from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave but know that the crust may not stay crispy. If you want the crust to be crunchy, the oven is the best option. You can freeze Southern Tomato Pie if you want to save some for later. First, let the pie cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It’s best to freeze it before you bake it. This way, it keeps its texture and flavor. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then bake it straight from the fridge. Follow the Full Recipe for baking time and temperature. Enjoy your pie fresh and flavorful! The best tomatoes for Southern Tomato Pie are ripe garden tomatoes. Varieties like heirloom or beefsteak work well. These tomatoes burst with flavor and juice. They give your pie that classic taste. Avoid using store-bought tomatoes that lack flavor. They often taste bland. Look for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch. This softness shows they are ripe and ready. Yes, you can make Southern Tomato Pie ahead of time. Prepare the pie up to the baking step. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to one day. Just remember to bake it before serving. If you want to make it even earlier, freeze the unbaked pie. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. To prevent a soggy crust, start with dry tomatoes. Lay them on a towel and sprinkle with salt. This helps draw out moisture. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. Before adding the tomatoes, spread a thin layer of ricotta mixture on the crust. This acts as a barrier. Finally, bake the pie until golden brown. This ensures a crispy, delicious crust. For more details on making Southern Tomato Pie, check out the Full Recipe. Southern Tomato Pie is a tasty dish made with fresh tomatoes, rich cheese, and a flaky crust. We discussed key ingredients, including the best tomatoes and how to choose a pie crust. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare and assemble your pie. Tips on slicing and baking will help you get a golden crust. I also shared fun variations, like adding bacon or seasonal veggies. Finally, we covered storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. Try this pie and make it your own!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5430a488-ebd7-4337-a67a-1a84858300b9-250x250.webp)
Southern Tomato Pie
Discover the deliciousness of Southern Tomato Pie with this easy recipe! Made with fresh tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and sharp cheddar, this savory pie is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners. Follow our simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring the taste of the South to your kitchen!