Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

This Authentic Southern Tomato Pie Recipe Will Steal the Show at Dinner!

There’s something magical about the way the South approaches food — slow, soulful, and packed with comfort.

And when it comes to summer eats, few dishes capture that spirit quite like a classic southern tomato pie.

I still remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a warm Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something fresh, savory, and hearty — something that felt like a hug on a plate. After a bit of experimenting (and a few failed, soggy pies), I finally nailed it. The moment my family tasted it, they were hooked — and it's been a staple at our summer dinners ever since.

Today, I’m excited to share my favorite tomato pie recipe southern style with you. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to steal the show at your next dinner table.

Let’s dive in!

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What Makes Southern Tomato Pie So Special?

Unlike your typical fruit pies, a southern tomato pie is completely savory — bursting with juicy tomatoes, rich cheeses, fresh herbs, and often a touch of mayo for creaminess. It’s layered into a flaky crust and baked to golden perfection.

This dish is comfort food at its finest: simple, unfussy, and deeply satisfying.

In the South, food is more than just nourishment — it’s a way of living. A big, beautiful tomato pie isn’t just a meal; it’s a centerpiece. Whether you serve it as a hearty side dish at a BBQ or make it the star of your dinner, it never fails to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this homemade southern tomato pie. I’m giving you exact measurements so you can get it right the first time:

4 large ripe tomatoes (about 2 pounds), sliced

1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for seasoning)

1 deep-dish 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Tip: For a lighter version, you can also go crustless — I’ll show you how later in this post!

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easy Southern Tomato Pie

1. Prep the Tomatoes

Slice the tomatoes about 1/4-inch thick.

Lay them out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

After 30 minutes, gently pat them dry with more paper towels. This step is key to avoid a soggy pie!

2. Prebake the Pie Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prick the bottom of your pie crust with a fork.

Bake for 8–10 minutes just until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

3. Assemble the Pie

Layer half the tomatoes in the pie crust.

Sprinkle with half the chopped basil and chives.

Top with half the combined cheeses.

Repeat the layers: tomatoes, herbs, cheeses.

4. Mix and Spread

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Spread the mayo mixture evenly over the top of the pie.

5. Bake

Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Product Break: Must-Have Tools for Perfect Tomato Pie!

Cooking gets so much easier (and more fun) when you have the right tools on hand. Here are 3 game-changers I personally love — and they’ll take your tomato pie game to the next level!

1. Winco 8-Cut Stainless Steel Pie Cutters Medium

There’s nothing worse than a beautiful pie getting ruined by a messy slice!

This Winco Pie Cutter gives you clean, perfect slices every single time, thanks to its sharp stainless-steel blade and ergonomic handle.

Grab the Winco Precision Pie Cutter here!

Trust me — your pies (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

2. USA Pan Bakeware Aluminized Steel 9-Inch Pie Pan

A cheap pie pan can spell disaster. This USA Pan pie dish distributes heat evenly and ensures your crust bakes up golden and crisp, not soggy.

Get your USA Pan Bakeware Pie Pan today!

It’s professional-grade quality for home bakers — and it lasts forever!

3. Progressive International Collapsible Over-the-Sink Colander

Draining your tomatoes properly is essential. This collapsible colander fits right over your sink, saving space and making cleanup a breeze!

Snag the Progressive International Colander here!

A simple tool that will save your pies — and your sanity — all summer long!

Why This Tomato Pie Is the Star of Every Summer Table

There's a reason tomato pie is a Southern classic, especially when the weather warms up. It’s fresh, juicy, cheesy, and light enough to pair beautifully with grilled meats, salads, and other sunny summer eats.

Whether you’re hosting a casual picnic, a backyard BBQ, or a more formal dinner party, this pie feels special without being complicated.

It’s homemade goodness that’s casual yet elegant — and a guaranteed conversation starter!

Plus, it’s such a flexible side dish. Serve it with a big green salad for a lighter meal, or alongside BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or grilled veggies for the ultimate feast.

Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Want to switch things up a little? Here are a few fun ideas:

Make it crustless:

Skip the crust and pour the layered ingredients into a well-greased pie dish or cast-iron skillet. Bake as usual. It's lighter, lower-carb, and still ridiculously tasty.

Experiment with cheeses:

Try fontina, gouda, or pepper jack for a flavor twist!

Add protein:

a few shrimp on top can turn this from a side into a hearty main dish.

Fresh herbs:

Feel free to swap basil for fresh thyme, oregano, or tarragon depending on what you have on hand.

Storage tips:

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a 300°F oven to maintain that flaky crust.

Crustless Southern Tomato Pie (Bonus!)

Here’s how to make a lighter, crustless version that’s just as delicious:

Ingredients:

Follow the same ingredient list, but omit the pie crust.

Instructions:

Grease a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Layer and assemble as above.

Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until set and golden.

The result? A low-carb, gluten-free pie that's just as rich, cheesy, and savory — perfect for a lighter take on classic comfort food!

Final Thoughts: A Summer Tradition Worth Starting

Every time I bake this tomato pie, it takes me back to lazy Sunday afternoons and laughter-filled family dinners. It’s more than just a dish — it’s a piece of the South, a slice of slow, joyful living, and a plate full of pure love.

If you’re craving a fresh, homemade, and truly unforgettable side dish or dinner centerpiece, you have to give this authentic southern tomato pie recipe a try.

It’s easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to wow everyone who takes a bite!

Now it’s your turn — bake it, share it, and create your own summer memories.

And when you do, come back and tell me how it went — I’d love to hear about your version!