Georgia Cheesy Tomato Pie

There’s nothing quite like a slice of Grandma’s Georgia Cheesy Tomato Pie to signal the height of summer. This savory, comforting dish is the perfect way to use up those beautiful, ripe summer tomatoes. It’s a true Southern classic, combining juicy tomatoes, a creamy cheese filling, and fresh herbs, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.

This recipe is a page right out of my mother Eva’s kitchen. I can still picture her arranging ruby-red garden tomatoes, following the faded, handwritten recipe card she treasured. For her, this Summer Tomato Pie was a celebration of sunshine and family gathered at the table.

Why This Recipe Feels Like Home

• The Secret to a Crisp Crust: Salting and draining the tomatoes is a crucial step to prevent a soggy bottom.
• A Simple, Creamy Filling: The combination of mayonnaise, cheese, and herbs creates a rich and tangy filling that perfectly complements the fresh tomatoes.
• Versatile and Delicious: This Southern Tomato Pie is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or the star of a brunch.
• Celebrates Summer: It’s the ideal recipe for using fresh, in-season tomatoes when they are at their most flavorful.

What to Gather from Your Kitchen

• 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought), pre-baked
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

My Trusted Kitchen Helpers

Deep-Dish Pie Pan

A good, deep pie pan is your best friend here, giving you plenty of room for all those delicious layers.

Quality Paper Towels

Don’t underestimate the importance of sturdy paper towels for drawing the excess moisture out of the tomatoes.

Bringing It All Together, Step by Step

First, Let’s Warm Up the Kitchen

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting your oven nice and hot ensures the pie bakes evenly.

My Mother’s Secret for Perfect Tomatoes

Slice your tomatoes and lay them out on paper towels. Sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This is my mom’s secret for avoiding a watery pie—the salt helps draw out extra juice. Be sure to gently pat them dry afterward.

Now, for That Dreamy, Creamy Filling

In a small bowl, it’s time to create that wonderfully creamy filling. Stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, cheddar, mozzarella, basil, and chives until everything is well combined and creamy.

Building Your Pie, Layer by Layer

Now for the fun part! Arrange half of your prepped tomato slices in the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. Give them a little sprinkle of black pepper and garlic powder for extra flavor.

The Finishing Touches Before the Oven

Spread half of that luscious cheese mixture over the first layer of tomatoes. Repeat the process with the rest of your tomatoes and top it all off with the remaining cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbly, melted cheese. The aroma that fills the kitchen is simply heavenly.

A Little Patience Makes for a Perfect Slice

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before you slice into it. This little bit of patience allows the filling to set, making for perfect slices. Garnish with a bit more fresh basil and a crack of black pepper before serving.

A Gentle Note on Nutrition

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. This information is for guidance purposes only.

For a Lighter Take on a Classic

• Whole-Wheat Crust: For a boost of fiber, consider using a whole-wheat pie crust instead of a traditional white flour crust.
• Lighter Filling: You can substitute light mayonnaise or even plain Greek yogurt for the regular mayonnaise to reduce the fat and calorie content.
• Go Lighter on Cheese: While the cheese is a star, you can reduce the amount by about a third or use a reduced-fat cheese blend to lighten the dish.

How We Love to Share This Pie

• With a Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect companion to the rich and savory pie.
• Alongside Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, serve a warm slice of tomato pie with simple grilled chicken or fish.
• As a Brunch Mainstay: This Tomato Pie Recipe Easy is a wonderful centerpiece for a weekend brunch, served alongside some fresh fruit and maybe some buttermilk biscuits.

A Few Family Secrets I’ve Learned

• Forgetting to Drain the Tomatoes: Skipping the step of salting and patting the tomatoes dry is the quickest way to a soggy pie. Take the extra 10 minutes; it’s worth it!
• Slicing Too Soon: It’s tempting to cut into that beautiful pie right out of the oven, but letting it rest is essential. This allows the cheesy filling to set up properly for clean slices.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the pie as it bakes. If the top starts to get too brown before the center is bubbly, you can tent it loosely with foil.

How to Keep It for Tomorrow

Any leftover tomato pie should be covered or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days. You can enjoy the leftovers chilled or gently reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Freezing is generally not recommended as it can cause the filling to separate and the crust to become soggy.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This Southern Tomato Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of summer, a taste of home, and a keeper of memories. I hope that when you make it, you’ll not only enjoy the wonderful flavors but also feel the warmth and love that went into creating it. I invite you to make this dish your own and start a new tradition with your loved ones.

Just in Case You’re Wondering…

Can I use different tomatoes from my garden?

Absolutely! While Roma tomatoes are a great choice because they are less juicy, you can use any ripe garden tomato you have on hand. Heirloom tomatoes of different colors would make for a beautiful presentation.

What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?

Fresh basil truly makes a difference in this recipe, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute it with about 1 tablespoon of dried basil. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll need less.

Could I add a little something extra, like onions?

Yes, many variations of this classic Southern pie include onions. For a touch of sweetness, you could add a layer of thinly sliced and sautéed Vidalia onions on the bottom of the crust before adding the tomatoes.

Georgia Cheesy Tomato Pie

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• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A true Southern classic—this Cheesy Tomato Pie features layers of ripe tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs baked in a flaky crust for the perfect taste of summer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought), pre-baked
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tomatoes and lay them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, cheddar, mozzarella, basil, and chives until creamy.
4. Arrange half the tomato slices in the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder.
5. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the tomatoes.
6. Repeat with remaining tomatoes and cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and a crack of black pepper.

Notes

Salting and draining tomatoes is key to a crisp crust. Letting the pie rest before slicing helps the filling set. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 2–3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Savory Pie
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: cheesy tomato pie, southern tomato pie, summer recipe, fresh tomatoes, comfort food