When summertime rolls around and the garden starts overflowing with vibrant, juicy tomatoes, there’s one dish that always comes to mind: Southern Tomato Pie. This savory, cheesy pie is the perfect way to showcase fresh, ripe tomatoes while bringing a little Southern comfort straight to your table. Whether you’re looking for a light main course or a hearty side dish, this recipe delivers every time.
I first discovered Southern Tomato Pie during a family trip to Charleston. Walking through the charming streets, we stumbled upon a little café where the smell of fresh-baked pie practically pulled us inside. One bite of that warm, creamy, tomato-packed slice, and I was hooked. Since then, it’s become a staple in my summer recipe rotation — and today, I’m sharing exactly how you can make it at home, step-by-step.
WHY SOUTHERN TOMATO PIE IS SO SPECIAL
What makes Southern Tomato Pie truly stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. You’ve got the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes paired with the smoky crunch of turkey bacon, the fresh brightness of green onions and basil, all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery pie crust. Topped with a creamy blend of mayonnaise and melty cheese, every bite is a comforting, savory delight. Plus, it’s simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients!
Now, let’s dive into making this irresistible dish.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Before we start assembling, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need:
2-3 tomatoes, sliced
1 9-inch deep dish frozen pie crust, baked to package directions
½ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup basil, chopped
½ cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR PIE CRUST
If you’re using a frozen pie crust, let it thaw on the counter for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and prevent cracking. Once thawed, take a fork and gently prick the bottom of the crust. This step helps prevent the crust from puffing up as it bakes.
Follow the baking instructions on the package, which usually call for baking at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. You want the crust to be lightly golden but not fully browned since it will go back into the oven later with the filling. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly while you prep the filling.
Pro Tip: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F after pre-baking the crust so it’s ready for the next stage.
STEP 2: PREP THE TOMATOES
Tomatoes are the star of this dish, so using the ripest, firm tomatoes you can find makes a big difference. Slice the tomatoes into even rounds. To avoid a soggy pie, lightly salt the slices and lay them on paper towels for about 15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, ensuring the crust stays perfectly crisp.
Once the tomatoes have drained, gently pat them dry with another paper towel to remove any remaining liquid.
STEP 3: LAYER THE FLAVORS
Now comes the fun part — assembling the pie.
Start by arranging a layer of your sliced tomatoes at the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Don’t worry if the slices overlap a bit; that just means more juicy goodness in every bite. Season the tomatoes lightly with freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
Next, sprinkle the chopped green onions and basil evenly over the tomatoes. These herbs add a lovely freshness and a pop of color to every slice. Then, scatter the crumbled turkey bacon on top — because, let’s be honest, everything’s better with turkey bacon.
FINISHING YOUR SOUTHERN TOMATO PIE: CREAMY TOPPING & BAKING TIPS
Now that the base of your pie is perfectly layered with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and crispy turkey bacon, it’s time to bring it all together with the creamy, cheesy topping that makes Southern Tomato Pie so irresistible. This simple topping adds richness and a perfectly golden finish to every slice.
STEP 4: MAKE THE CHEESY MAYO TOPPING
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise and 1 cup of shredded cheese. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of both, depending on your preference. Mozzarella will give you a milder, creamy melt, while cheddar adds a sharper, more robust flavor. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and smooth.
This topping is what sets Southern Tomato Pie apart from many other savory pies. The mayonnaise binds the cheese together and creates a luscious, creamy layer that melts beautifully in the oven.
Pro Tip: If you want to experiment, try adding a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack into the mix for a more complex flavor profile.
STEP 5: SPREAD THE TOPPING AND PREPARE TO BAKE
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of your pie. Make sure you cover the entire surface, sealing in the tomato and turkey bacon layers underneath. This helps everything meld together during baking, creating that signature creamy texture.
STEP 6: BAKE TO PERFECTION
Place your pie in the preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden-brown top, with the cheese fully melted and slightly bubbly.
Tip for even baking: Keep an eye on the edges of your crust. If they start to brown too quickly before the top is fully set, cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil. This simple trick prevents the crust from overbaking while allowing the topping to reach that perfect golden finish.
Once baked, let the pie rest for a few minutes before slicing. This short cooling time helps the filling set and makes slicing much easier, ensuring you get nice, clean pieces.
EXTRA TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SOUTHERN TOMATO PIE
Making Southern Tomato Pie might seem simple — and it is — but a few extra tips can elevate your pie from good to truly unforgettable:
Choose the right tomatoes: Heirloom varieties are fantastic for their rich, sweet flavor. Roma tomatoes work well too since they have less moisture.
Drain thoroughly: Don’t skip the step of draining your tomatoes on paper towels. This prevents a soggy crust and ensures the layers stay firm.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor that dried herbs just can’t match. If you don’t have fresh on hand, flat-leaf parsley is a good substitute.
Bacon crispness: Make sure your turkey bacon is fully cooked and crisp before adding it to the pie. This adds texture and prevents any greasy spots in the filling.
VARIATIONS TO TRY
One of the great things about Southern Tomato Pie is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to fit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand:
Add caramelized onions for a slightly sweet, savory twist.
Swap in prosciutto or pancetta if you want a different take on the smoky turkey bacon flavor.
Use a homemade pie crust if you have the time — nothing beats the taste of a flaky, buttery homemade crust.
Incorporate different cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or even a bit of blue cheese for a more gourmet version.
Southern Tomato Pie is one of those recipes that feels both nostalgic and new every time you make it. With its simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to a summer potluck with friends.
SOUTHERN TOMATO PIE: FAQ AND FINAL THOUGHTS
Before you head off to your kitchen and start slicing those fresh summer tomatoes, let’s tackle some of the most common questions people have when making Southern Tomato Pie. These quick answers should help you feel confident and ready to bake the perfect pie every time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I use fresh homemade pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust will give your Southern Tomato Pie an even richer, flakier base. Just make sure to blind-bake it first to avoid a soggy bottom.
2. How do I keep my pie from becoming too watery?
The key is draining your tomato slices well. Lightly salt them and let them sit on paper towels for at least 15 minutes, then gently pat them dry. This removes excess moisture that could otherwise make the pie soggy.
3. What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella and cheddar are great standards, but you can experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of several cheeses to add more depth of flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
5. Is it necessary to use turkey bacon?
While turkey bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor and crunch, you can leave it out for a vegetarian version. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
6. How long will leftovers last?
Leftover Southern Tomato Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust from getting soggy.
7. Can I freeze Southern Tomato Pie?
Freezing is not recommended as the tomatoes can release too much moisture when thawed, which can make the crust soggy and alter the texture of the filling.
CONCLUSION: BRINGING A SLICE OF THE SOUTH TO YOUR TABLE
Southern Tomato Pie is one of those simple yet incredibly satisfying recipes that really highlights the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients. With its flaky crust, juicy tomatoes, savory turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and creamy, cheesy topping, every bite delivers comfort and flavor.
Whether you’re making it for a summer brunch, a family gathering, or just a casual weeknight dinner, this pie always manages to steal the show. And the best part? It’s easy to customize and forgiving enough for both beginner and seasoned home cooks.
I hope you’ll give this Southern Tomato Pie a try and make it part of your summer recipe rotation. If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to share your variations, tips, or questions in the comments. Happy baking!
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Southern Tomato Pie
Description
Southern Tomato Pie is a savory classic that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes layered with herbs, turkey bacon, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Baked in a flaky pie crust, it makes for a perfect summer dish, great as a side or light main course. The combination of juicy tomatoes, smoky turkey bacon, and melty cheese creates a comforting and flavorful Southern staple.
Ingredients
2–3 tomatoes, sliced
1 9-inch deep dish frozen pie crust, baked to package directions
½ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup basil, chopped
½ cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
Instructions
If using a frozen pie crust, allow it to thaw on the counter for about 10 minutes. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
Bake the pie crust according to the package directions, typically at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Allow the crust to cool slightly once baked. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
Arrange a layer of tomato slices on the bottom of the cooled crust. Season the tomatoes lightly with freshly ground black pepper.
Sprinkle the chopped green onions, chopped basil, and crumbled turkey bacon evenly over the tomatoes.
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the shredded cheese, mixing until well blended.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the pie, covering the tomato and turkey bacon layers.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil during baking.
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use the ripest, firm tomatoes you can find for the best flavor and texture. To prevent a soggy crust, lightly salt the tomato slices and let them drain on paper towels for about 15 minutes before assembling the pie. You can also experiment with different cheese blends such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for added depth of flavor. This pie is best served warm but also tastes great at room temperature.
