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Fresh Southern Tomato Pie with Garden Herbs

fresh southern tomato pie - featured image

A simple, comforting Southern tomato pie featuring fresh ripe tomatoes, garden herbs, and a creamy cheese filling in a buttery crust. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy to make in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust
  • 4 large ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange on a paper towel-lined plate in a single layer. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and poke holes with a fork to prevent bubbling.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, thyme, basil, oregano, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
  5. Layer the tomato slices over the cheese mixture, overlapping slightly but not crowded.
  6. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the tomatoes.
  7. Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Check after 30 minutes to avoid over-browning.
  8. Let the pie cool and rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Salting and draining the tomatoes is crucial to prevent a soggy crust. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. You can pre-slice and salt tomatoes the night before to save time. Let the pie rest after baking to allow flavors to meld. For a dairy-free or gluten-free version, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

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