5 Easy Tomato Pie Recipes for Summer Delights

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, ripe tomatoes, and what better way to use them than in a delicious tomato pie? Tomato pie is a delightful blend of flavors, featuring juicy tomatoes, a flaky crust, and a mix of herbs and cheese that can make any summer meal memorable. In this article, we'll explore five easy tomato pie recipes that will bring a taste of summer to your table.

1. Classic Southern Tomato Pie

This traditional recipe from the Southern U.S. is a staple at many summer gatherings. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 unbaked pie crust
  • 4-5 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Layer tomato slices in the pie crust, overlapping slightly to cover the base. Sprinkle each layer with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cheddar, Parmesan, and basil. Spread this mixture over the tomatoes.
  4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

🍅 Note: To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake the pie shell for about 10 minutes and allow it to cool slightly before adding the tomatoes.

2. Greek Inspired Tomato and Feta Pie

For those who love Mediterranean flavors:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 store-bought pie dough or homemade pastry
  • 6 Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¹⁄₂ cup olives, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh oregano for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Line your pie dish with the dough, prick the bottom with a fork, and pre-bake for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  2. Layer tomatoes, olives, and feta in the crust. Drizzle with olive oil mixed with garlic.
  3. Bake for another 30 minutes or until the crust is golden.
  4. Garnish with fresh oregano before serving.

3. Heirloom Tomato Pie with Buttermilk Crust

This recipe highlights the beauty of heirloom tomatoes:

• Ingredients for Crust:
  • 1 cup flour
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cold butter, cubed
  • ¹⁄₄ cup buttermilk
• Ingredients for Filling:
  • 4-5 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chopped fresh chives
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated mozzarella
  • ¹⁄₃ cup ricotta cheese
• Instructions:
  1. To make the crust, mix flour and salt, cut in butter until crumbly, then add buttermilk until dough forms. Roll out, fit into pie dish, and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Layer tomatoes, sprinkle with chives, dot with ricotta, and top with mozzarella.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes or until the crust is browned and tomatoes are tender.

4. Tomato Pie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust

For a unique twist on the traditional crust:

• Ingredients for Crust:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups flour
  • ¹⁄₂ cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cold butter, cubed
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cold buttermilk
• Ingredients for Filling:
  • 5-6 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • Fresh thyme leaves
• Instructions:
  1. Mix flour and cheese, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add buttermilk to form dough. Press into pie dish.
  2. Layer tomatoes, spread mayo-cheese mixture over, sprinkle with thyme.
  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes or until crust is flaky and filling is bubbly.

5. Vegan Tomato Pie with Cashew Cream

Perfect for those following a plant-based diet:

• Ingredients for Crust:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups flour
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut oil, cold
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cold water
• Ingredients for Filling:
  • 4-5 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup soaked cashews
  • ¹⁄₄ cup nutritional yeast
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Make the crust by mixing flour and salt, then cutting in coconut oil until it’s crumbly. Add water slowly until dough forms. Roll out and place in pie dish.
  2. Blend cashews with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth to create a vegan cheese substitute.
  3. Layer tomatoes, spread cashew cream over the top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes.

In summing up these delicious tomato pie recipes, we've explored the versatility of tomatoes in culinary delights suited for summer. Each recipe brings out the fresh, vibrant flavors of tomatoes, paired with various crusts and fillings that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you lean towards the classic, crave Mediterranean zest, or are looking for vegan-friendly options, there's a tomato pie here to enhance your summer meals. By experimenting with these recipes, you can enjoy the rich taste of the season's bounty, making every meal an occasion to remember.

Can I make tomato pie ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare tomato pie a day in advance. However, to keep the crust crisp, assemble the pie but do not bake it until you are ready to serve. Bake directly from the refrigerator.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

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To avoid a soggy crust, pre-bake or “blind bake” the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the tomato filling. Also, layer tomatoes in a single layer and salt them to draw out excess moisture before assembling the pie.

Can I freeze leftover tomato pie?

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Tomato pie can be frozen, but be aware that the texture might change slightly upon reheating. Freeze slices individually wrapped or in a well-sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in an oven to preserve texture.