This savory Southern Tomato Pie is made with summer-ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and topped with a tasty cheese & mayo topping!
Southern Tomato Pie
I wish I could hand you a slice of this savory southern tomato pie to enjoy while you read this post. The flaky crust encases thick slices of tomatoes, layers of chopped basil leaves and green onions, and a cheesy topping made with freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses mixed with tangy mayo.
It might sound like a strange dish if you haven’t tried it before, but Tomato pie is such a beloved dish in the South that it shows up on many lists of foods that are iconic or well known from the Southern states, which is why Southern tomato pie is the first recipe representing Alabama in a new series I am calling American Eats where I plan to explore the USA through some of it’s most popular regional foods, one state and one plate at a time.
American Eats: Favorite Foods from the 50 States
I have a bucket list goal that probably many of you have as well, or have at least thought about, to one day visit every state in the USA. I’m actually well on my way, since I was born in the Midwest (Nebraska), and have lived on both coasts (California and New Jersey), and in the South (Missouri), with moves to Idaho and Utah along the way and lots of roadtrips and other travel in between.
The unique perspective that comes with having lived in these different areas of the country has really influenced my cooking in a lot of ways and I had this idea that I could share some of the most well-known, iconic foods from each of the 50 states as a way of exploring America from the comfort of my kitchen, even if I haven’t been able to travel there in person yet!
The goal is to share 3-5 of the most popular foods that are beloved by each state, starting with Alabama and ending with Wyoming. America is a delicious country, and I will be making and baking my way through some of America’s favorite foods trying to knock off a couple of states each month.
This is what America eats, and it’s going to take me a while to get through every state, but I’m super excited about this project and hope you will be excited to follow along and try some of these dishes too, even if they are new to you. First up: ALABAMA!
What is a Tomato Pie?
One of the best parts about summer eating are the loads of fresh homegrown tomatoes that ripen on the vine and have almost a natural sweetness to them. They are so juicy and flavorful all on their own, and I’m always looking for ways to enjoy them at their best, like in a grilled caprese panini, but I think this tomato pie might be my new go-to recipe for those first amazing tomatoes of the summer!
When I was researching the foods Alabama is known for, I kept coming across Tomato Pie. It’s actually made throughout much of the South (like many dishes, you will find that they cross state-borders and are attributed to more than one state), but it seems like Alabamans have a particular love of this dish. It’s a lot like a savory tart, except deep-dish style since a classic tomato pie is made in a pie pan.
You could make an heirloom tomato pie using summer heirloom tomatoes, or just use Roma or Beefsteak tomatoes if that is what is growing in your garden. As long as they are fresh and flavorful, any variety of tomato will work.
We served this delicious cheese and tomato pie as a side with grilled chicken for dinner, but it would be great as a light lunch served with a salad on the side.
How to Make a Southern Tomato Pie
- Use an unbaked pie crust to line a deep dish pie plate. You can make a pie crust from scratch or just use a store-bought one if that’s easier for you, then par-bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees F. to help prevent against a soggy crust bottom once the tomatoes are added to it.
- Slice the sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with a little salt to draw out excess juices. After 10-15 minutes of draining on paper towel, blot the tomato slices with more paper towel to remove additional moisture, then they are ready to go into the pie without creating a puddle of water at the bottom that would result in a soggy crust.
- Alternate layers of sliced tomatoes with a mixture of chopped green onions, fresh basil leaves, and a little garlic. Some recipes call for bacon or other herbs besides basil, but I think this simple, classic approach is perfectly delicious.
- Top with a mixture of shredded cheese and mayo. Really, you could use just about any cheese – fontina, gruyere, or colby jack would all be good – but I stuck with half mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
- Bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree F oven. The cheese will get all melted and start to brown on top and the crust edges should turn golden brown so you know it is done.
Looking for more tomato recipes? Here are some other great ways to use fresh, summer-ripe tomatoes:
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta
- Fresh Tomato and Burrata Salad
- Summer Tomato Pasta
- Four Cheese Pizza with Tomato Basil Arugula Salad
I hope you will join me on this culinary tour of the USA. Leave a comment below with a shout-out to your home state and let me know if you have suggestions for regional dishes you think I should cover! And be sure to follow along on Instagram at @houseofnasheats or subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss a post!
This savory Southern Tomato Pie is made with summer-ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and topped with a tasty cheese & mayo topping!
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 4-5 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels. Slice the tomatoes and lay on the paper towels in a single layer, then sprinkle with the salt to draw out the tomato juices. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then use fresh paper towels to pat-dry the tomatoes and remove move of the excess juice so the pie doesn't turn out soggy.
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Roll out pie crust and use it to line a pie plate. Crimp the edges and poke holes in the bottom of the crust using the tines of a fork. Par-bake the crust for 10 minutes. Since this won't bake all the way before being filled, it shouldn't shrink too badly, so there is no need for pie weights in my experience.
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While the crust bakes, combine the basil, green onion, and garlic in a bowl and stir. In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and season with freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
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When the pie crust has baked for 10 minutes, layer half of the tomatoes on the bottom of the crust, then sprinkle with half of the basil-onion mixture. Layer the remaining tomatoes on top and sprinkle with the remaining basil-onion mixture. Spread the cheese mixture over the top of the pie.
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Decrease the oven temperature to 350 degrees F, then return the pie to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese begins to get lightly brown on top. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Any tomatoes will work, but depending on the size you may need more or fewer tomatoes.
I'm Amy: former lawyer, now SAHM in the CA Bay Area. I love food, photography, books, travel, exercise, adoption and pie. Definitely pie. 
This is a great alternative to a quiche. What a great “take along dish”…..and works for brunch or dinner. With a side salad, this would be great any night of the week. Perfect for fresh tomato season.
Thanks, Gloria! It really is a great meatless meal option for a lighter dinner or lunch if you pair it with a side salad!
This is one of my favorite summer recipes, but for some reason I have not learned how to get all the moisture out of the tomatoes. I have drained, etc. for an hour, blotted but I still find my pie to be very juicy. Do you ever add any thickener to the tomatoes? This is so delicious that I will still eat it all, but I just wonder if you have ever had that problem.
I have never tried adding a thickening agent to this pie. There is some level of runniness and I’m not entirely sure what a good workaround would be without making the pie gummy. Although you might try adding a tablespoon of tapioca, which would absorb some of the juices. I’m not sure whether or how it would work, but it’s my gut instinct. Let me know if you try it!
Try Roma tomatoes
I have made tomato pie many times, using different recipes. What I do to avoid the runniness is cut out the seeded areas of the slices. I put the seeds and juice from this into a bowl and strain out the juice to drink (there’s not much), and I blot the remaining part of the slices on a paper towel. It takes a little extra time but I find this makes a firmer pie with less runniness.
Is is so much like a recipe I make, but it does call for a dusting of flour on each layer. Hope that helps
This is such an interesting series that I will be following for sure! That tomato pie looks amazing! The crust is perfectly flaky and that cheesy topping is calling my name. It’s simple yet decadent in every way. Yummy!
I’ve never tried a tomato pie! You can’t go wrong with tomatoes, basil and cheese. What a great recipe for brunch or a light dinner!
This is a fabulous recipe. I am making it for the brunch party next week fro sure and impress the guests 🙂
I’m dying for the cheese on this! And the tomatoes look absolutely amazing. I’ve never tried a southern pie before – and I’m looking for more meatless options! Wonderful!
omg this looks SO good!! Pinning and will be making as soon as summer tomatoes are ready!!
I’ve never heard of a tomato pie! (I’m from the wrong part of the south- the part that seceded bahaha). It sounds like a pizza pie in a pie crust- and it’s kind of brilliant. Also I’m so ready for my tomatoes to be ready to eat! (Wait until you get to WV and pepperoni rolls! lol)
Okay, wait, pepperoni rolls?! I’m going to have to add that to my list of recipes to research, lol!
Cheese and mayo mixture is very common in Russian cooking. It’s so interesting how food just transcends different cultures and continents! I’ve read about Tomato Pie before in some books and have always been curious to try. I love that tomatoes are alternated with fresh herbs. It just sounds like such a delicious summer dish!!
That’s so interesting to know about cheese and mayo being a common combination in Russian cooking! Thank you for sharing!
Does this pie need to be served hot. Making it tonight for guest.
No, it does not need to be served hot. I prefer it warm but even room temperature is fine, although I would not serve it chilled.
Both of my paternal grandparents were from Russia, and often in there cooking cheese and mayo were used. All my mother’s people came from KY, WV, and NC, where do many dishes were made with mayo ( homemade of course) and cheese.
What a fun idea for a recipe series! I’m a pie girl, through and through–southern or otherwise. Tomato pie has been on my list to make forever. I’m happy to find an favorite recipe like this one.
Thank you, Kirsten!
Oh my gosh I LOVE your America Eats idea! What an amazing idea! And this pie looks amazing! I’m intrigued by the cheese and mayo – intrigued meaning I NEED it in my life!
Thank you, Tracy! I’m excited about the American Eats series too and have so many amazing and fun recipe ideas in store!
I certainly wish you could hand me a slice. I’ve heard of tomato pie — we spend quite a bit of time in the South and LOVE it. But, I haven’t had the opportunity to taste it. The pie looks beautiful and I can’t think of a meal whereby I wouldn’t enjoy it. I’m definitely going to have to make this recipe so I can enjoy a slice — or the whole pie.
I LOVE tomato pie! My grandma used to make it all the time when tomatoes were just fresh off the vines… I haven’t had it in way too long. Your recipe is a little different than our family recipe, Im thinking it will be fun to try them both at the same time for a Memorial Day side dish!
I’ve never heard of a tomato pie like this before and it sounds lovely. I bet an heirloom tomato pie would be just stunning. I really want to try this
Your pie crust looks amazing! I’ve never had tomato pie before and now I can’t wait to make this! It looks delicious and I’m going to need a couple slices for myself
We have loved traveling to all the different states in the US and enjoying their unique food experiences. Haven’t made it to the south yet, but if this pie is something to go by then I am sure we will love the food!!!
Fantastic! I think there’s a rather unfair trend to malign American food and American food culture, especially outside of the US. As a Canadian, I understand why people are sometimes frustrated by the current state of food in the USA, but I also think it’s a ridiculous shame that people don’t pay more attention to the unique, wonderful, and delicious foods that have developed and flourished in the US (including this fantastic looking pie!). I’m looking forward to seeing all 50 recipes! Cheers, and good luck!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Sean! I agree that America has a great, unique food culture all it’s own that is worth our attention!
Hi Amy! My mouth is watering for your Alabama Tomato Pie. I can’t wait to harvest our tomatoes! Your tour of America sounds wonderful! Be sure to try a Shoo Fly Pie in Lancaster County, PA. They make tasty ones at the Dutch Windmill on Rt. 30. Of course, Pennsylvania has the original Philly Cheesesteak from the City of Brotherly Love. You’ll have to order it wit (sic) or witout! (Cheez Wiz, of course). Best wishes on your journey!
Thank you, Deb! I just added Shoo Fly Pie to my list of foods to try! And Philly Cheesesteaks are definitely already on there, although I didn’t know about the Cheez Wiz, lol!
I’ve never had a tomato pie! I need to try it!
Killer delicious Bama Tomato Pie! I added garlic…why not? Home grown Heirloom tomatoes work best. Lots of fresh basil. I attended the University in Tuscaloosa & learned to love southern cooking….and this dish is truly spectacular. I live in Minnesota but cook southern style all the time. Enjoy!
Glad you enjoyed this! I’m in CA and cook southern all the time too, lol! It’s so good!
Has anyone tried this with gluten free crust?
I haven’t but have used Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Flour with great success in other baked goods before! Let me know if you try it!
I make this as an appetizer with mini phyllo shells ( I chop the tomatoes and basil and use white onion) and top the cheese/mayo mix with crumbled bacon. They are technically called Tomato Canapés, but my family calls them Cups of Love.
I love this idea! Will have to try this the next time we are having a party!
Isn’t this basically Paula Deen’s recipe that you just reprinted?
No, it’s not. Paula Deen did not invent Tomato Pie. But this is a classic dish, so it wouldn’t be surprising if there were many similarities. I took a glance at hers just now and noticed a few differences – mine has less mayo, I don’t bother with peeling the tomatoes, my version includes garlic, bake times and temperatures are different since she uses a completely prebaked crust, etc. I appreciate you watching out for others, but I do try to give attribution when drawing upon the recipes of others.
Gosh (to Carol saying this is a steal from another cook)…how on earth does one draw the conclusion that one recipe is exclusive?
This recipe looks incredible and I can’t wait to try it and that will happen this coming weekend!!!!
Now onto more important things….I have found that sometimes removing the seeds from a tomato really helps remove the water that can often make recipes watery. You then end up having to add more tomatoes but I find it is worth it.
Thanks for a lovely recipe and I will report back 🙂
Fondly,
-Lisa
Do you use mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. If mayo, which do you recommend?
I always use Hellmann’s Best mayonnaise.
I have been making a similar recipe for years, however I sometimes brown and drain Italian sausage and place in the bottom of the crust for a great dinner entree. Look forward to the fresh tomatoes from the garden every year so I can make this!!
The sausage variation sounds wonderful for a dinner option! Going to have to try that!
Since when is Missouri in the South? To make this recipe truly Southern, I would recommend Duke’s mayo rather than Hellman’s, if it’s abailable in your area. Thanks for this recipe — can’t wait to try it!! There is a lot of enthusiasm based on the comments!
This was absolutely amazing! My husband was unsure but he loved it too! So much flavor! Halved the green onion amount and doubled the garlic! Cant wait to make this again, served with salad for dinner! Love it!
I love this recipe! I make it as soon as the tomatoes turn up at the farmers market, it is one of my favorite summmer traditions. And while I’m sure that it would be a hit at a party as a take along dish, sadly, I’m selfish and eat the whole pie all on my own. Next time I’ll have to make two!
I can’t wait to try this Amy! We have a huge abundance of tomatoes from the garden that I have been running out of ideas. Tomato soup, sauce, salsa… This looks gorgeous AND I can use our fresh basil too. Thanks!