Southern Tomato Pie is a delightful, savory dish that embodies the best of Southern cuisine. This pie combines ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, a creamy cheese filling, and a flaky pie crust to create a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this Southern Tomato Pie is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this classic recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
– 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
– 1 teaspoon salt (for draining tomatoes)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Do not overwork the dough.
– Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
– While the dough is chilling, slice the tomatoes and place them on paper towels. Sprinkle the slices with 1 teaspoon of salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat the tomatoes dry with additional paper towels.
3. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Roll Out the Dough:
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
5. Blind Bake the Crust:
– Line the pie crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
6. Prepare the Filling:
– In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, green onions, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix until well combined.
7. Assemble the Pie:
– Arrange a layer of tomato slices on the bottom of the cooled pie crust. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the tomatoes. Repeat with another layer of tomatoes and the remaining cheese mixture.
8. Bake the Pie:
– Bake the assembled tomato pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
9. Cool and Serve:
– Allow the pie to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
10. Enjoy:
– Serve your Southern Tomato Pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or as a side dish to grilled meats.
Southern Tomato Pie is a delicious blend of fresh summer tomatoes, creamy cheese, and savory herbs all nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this classic Southern dish is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy a slice of Southern comfort with this delightful tomato pie recipe!
