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To make a great Southern Tomato Pie, you need fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup mayonnaise - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend well to create a rich flavor. The creamy cheese and ripe tomatoes give the pie a tasty twist. The choice of tomatoes can change your pie's taste. I recommend using ripe, juicy tomatoes. Varieties like beefsteak or heirlooms work great. They offer a sweet and fresh flavor. Avoid using unripe or mealy tomatoes. Their flavor is dull and can ruin the pie. You can add a few extra ingredients for a twist. Consider adding cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. You could also mix in sautéed onions or bell peppers for added texture. Want some heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Each option brings a different taste to your Southern Tomato Pie. Explore these variations to find your favorite style. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. Start with four ripe tomatoes. Slice them and place them in a colander. Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt over the slices. Let them drain for about 15 minutes. This step helps remove extra moisture. After 15 minutes, pat the slices dry with a paper towel. This keeps the pie from getting soggy. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of mayonnaise with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried basil, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well until it is smooth and creamy. This cheesy mix is a key part of the pie's flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a pre-made 9-inch pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Arrange half of the tomato slices evenly on the bottom of the crust. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the tomatoes. Layer the remaining tomato slices on top. Finish by spreading the rest of the cheese mixture. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top. Once baked, let the pie cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above. A flaky crust is key to a great Southern Tomato Pie. Start with a good pre-made crust. If you want to make your own, keep it cold and handle it gently. After pressing it into the pie dish, poke holes in the bottom. This helps steam escape. Bake it for 5 to 10 minutes before adding the filling. This step helps the crust stay crisp. Tomatoes hold a lot of water. Too much moisture can make your pie soggy. To reduce this, slice the tomatoes and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel. This way, your pie will have a nice texture. To make your pie even tastier, try adding fresh herbs. Chopped chives or thyme can add depth. You can also mix in some cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Don't forget to taste your cheese mixture. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. These simple tricks can really elevate your dish. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on Southern Tomato Pie. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your Southern tomato pie. If you love a sharp taste, try using a mix of sharp cheddar and gouda. For a creamier texture, add some cream cheese to your cheese mix. You could also go for pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese gives a new flavor, making it fun to explore. The crust is key to your pie. You can use a store-bought pie crust for ease and speed. It’s quick and saves time. If you want to impress, try making your own crust. A homemade crust can be flaky and buttery. You can use flour, butter, and water for the base. Both options work well, so choose what suits you best. Want to add more flavor? Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky touch. Fresh veggies like spinach or bell peppers can add crunch and color. You can even toss in some onions for extra sweetness. These additions make your pie more hearty. Feel free to get creative with what you have at home! Store leftover Southern tomato pie in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This keeps the pie fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you have a lot of leftovers, cut them into slices. This way, you can grab a piece easily. To reheat the pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to melt again and the pie warm throughout. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Heat it in 30-second intervals until warm. You can freeze Southern tomato pie for later use. First, let the pie cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for the best texture. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. You can use Greek yogurt as a great substitute for mayonnaise. It adds a creamy texture. You can also try sour cream. Both options give a nice tangy flavor. If you want a dairy-free choice, use avocado or cashew cream. These options keep your pie rich without losing taste. Yes, you can prepare Southern Tomato Pie in advance. You can assemble the pie and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, the flavors blend well. Just remember to bake it just before serving. If you want to freeze it, bake it first, let it cool, then wrap it tightly. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Southern Tomato Pie pairs well with a fresh green salad. A side of coleslaw adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, try it with grilled corn on the cob. These sides complement the rich flavors of the pie beautifully. You learned how to make a delicious Southern Tomato Pie. We explored key ingredients, types of tomatoes, and optional add-ins. I provided detailed steps from prepping the tomatoes to baking the pie. You also received tips to perfect your crust and enhance flavor. Don’t forget about the fun variations and storage tips. This dish will impress anyone. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create this tasty treat. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Southern Tomato Pie

Experience the deliciousness of Southern Tomato Pie! This easy and flavorful recipe combines ripe tomatoes with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, all baked in a crispy pie crust. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner, it's sure to impress everyone at your table. Don't miss out on creating this delightful twist on a classic dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of the South today!
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Ingredients
  

4 ripe tomatoes, sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Slice the tomatoes and sprinkle them with salt. Let them drain in a colander for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.

        After 15 minutes, pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.

          Place the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Arrange half of the tomato slices evenly over the bottom of the crust.

            Spread half of the cheese mixture over the tomatoes. Layer the remaining tomato slices on top and finish with the remaining cheese mixture.

              Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

                  Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8