My Southern Grandma’s 2-Step Tomato Pie: A Recipe That’s Easier Than Pie!
There are some recipes that just whisper of home, of Sunday suppers and the comforting aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. For me, my Southern Grandma’s 2-Step Tomato Pie is one of those recipes. It’s a dish that evokes memories of her sunny kitchen, her gentle hands, and the way she could make even the simplest meal feel like a celebration. Forget complicated techniques and fussy ingredients – this pie is all about simple Southern goodness, made with love (and minimal effort!).
What makes this tomato pie so special? It’s the ease. Grandma always said, “Why make it hard when you can make it easy?” And she lived by that motto, especially in the kitchen. This pie is ridiculously simple to throw together, requiring just a few key ingredients and, as the name suggests, only two main steps! The result is a savory, tangy, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a casual dinner. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those summer tomatoes that are bursting with flavor.
This isn’t your typical sweet pie. This is a savory, tomato-packed delight that’s a staple in many Southern kitchens. It features ripe tomatoes, a creamy cheese mixture, and a flaky crust, all baked to golden perfection. The tang of the tomatoes is balanced by the richness of the cheese, creating a flavor combination that’s both comforting and addictive.
Let’s dive into the recipe! Prepare to be amazed at how easy it is to recreate this Southern classic.
## Grandma’s 2-Step Tomato Pie Recipe
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **Crust:**
* 1 (9-inch) pre-made pie crust (Grandma always used store-bought – no shame in that! You can, of course, make your own if you’re feeling ambitious)
* **Filling:**
* 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and sliced (about 4 cups)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is the Southern favorite, but use your preferred brand)
* 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional, but highly recommended)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, adds a nice savory depth)
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, adds a nice fresh bite)
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes**
This is arguably the most important step, as it prevents the pie from becoming soggy. Tomatoes are full of water, so removing excess moisture is key to a delicious, firm pie.
1. **Peel the Tomatoes:** There are a few ways to peel tomatoes. The easiest is to score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. Then, drop the tomatoes into a pot of boiling water for about 30-60 seconds, or until the skin starts to peel away from the “X”. Immediately transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. The skins should now slip off easily.
2. **Seed the Tomatoes:** Cut the tomatoes in half and gently scoop out the seeds with your fingers or a spoon. Removing the seeds helps to reduce the water content even further.
3. **Slice the Tomatoes:** Slice the tomatoes about ¼-inch thick. Thicker slices will retain more water.
4. **Drain the Tomatoes:** This is crucial! Place the sliced tomatoes in a colander lined with a few layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt. The salt will draw out the excess moisture. Let the tomatoes drain for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. Gently pat them dry with more paper towels before using them in the filling.
**Step 2: Assemble and Bake the Pie**
This is where the magic happens! It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this pie your whole life.
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven. This will help to catch any drips and ensure the bottom crust cooks evenly.
2. **Prepare the Cheese Mixture:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic (if using), and green onions (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This creamy, cheesy mixture is what makes the pie so decadent.
3. **Layer the Pie:** Place the pre-made pie crust in your 9-inch pie plate. Arrange a layer of drained tomato slices on the bottom of the crust, overlapping them slightly. Season with black pepper. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Repeat with another layer of tomatoes, pepper, and the remaining cheese mixture.
4. **Bake the Pie:** Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the crust from burning. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set up slightly, making it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. Grandma always said it was even good cold the next day!
## Tips for Tomato Pie Perfection
* **Use Ripe Tomatoes:** The flavor of the pie depends heavily on the quality of the tomatoes. Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes are especially delicious in this pie.
* **Don’t Skip the Draining Step:** I can’t stress this enough! Draining the tomatoes is absolutely essential to prevent a soggy pie. Take the time to properly drain them – it’s worth it.
* **Customize the Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little goat cheese would be delicious additions or substitutions.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the pie a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Use a blind baked pie crust for extra crunch:** You can pre-bake the pie crust before adding any toppings. This keeps the bottom of the crust extra flaky, and makes your pie even better!
* **Add protein:** For a more filling meal you can add a ground meat such as sausage or ground beef to the tomato mixture. Cook the meat before adding to the mixture to fully cook it.
* **Add vegetables:** You can mix some sauteed vegetables into the cheese mixture or tomato mixtures. Some good choices would be onions, bell peppers, squash, or zucchini.
* **Spice it up!** A dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika or cayenne pepper will add some zest to your tomato pie!
## Variations on Grandma’s Tomato Pie
While Grandma’s original recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Spicy Tomato Pie:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture, or use a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack.
* **Mediterranean Tomato Pie:** Add some chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the filling.
* **Pesto Tomato Pie:** Spread a layer of pesto on the bottom of the crust before adding the tomatoes and cheese mixture.
* **Vegetarian Tomato Pie:** Add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the tomato mixture.
* **Vegan Tomato Pie:** Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, and use a plant-based cheese substitute. Ensure your pie crust is also vegan-friendly.
## Serving Suggestions
Tomato pie is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.
* **Lunch or Brunch:** Serve a slice of tomato pie with a side salad for a light and satisfying lunch or brunch.
* **Side Dish:** It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or pork.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the pie into small squares and serve as an appetizer at your next gathering.
* **Potluck Dish:** Tomato pie is always a hit at potlucks and picnics. It travels well and can be served at room temperature.
* **With Soup:** A warm bowl of tomato soup or vegetable soup pairs perfectly with a slice of tomato pie.
## Why This Recipe Works
The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so appealing. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and proper technique (especially draining the tomatoes!), you can create a delicious and satisfying pie with minimal effort.
* **High-Quality Ingredients:** Using ripe, flavorful tomatoes and good-quality cheese is essential for the best flavor.
* **Draining the Tomatoes:** This is the key to preventing a soggy pie. Removing the excess moisture ensures a firm and flavorful filling.
* **Simple Techniques:** The recipe relies on simple techniques that are easy to master, even for beginner cooks.
* **Versatile Flavor:** The combination of tomatoes, cheese, and herbs creates a versatile flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
## The Memories Baked In
More than just a recipe, my Southern Grandma’s 2-Step Tomato Pie is a reminder of simpler times, of family gatherings, and of the love that can be found in a home-cooked meal. Every time I make this pie, I think of her sunny kitchen and her warm smile. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me and my family.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Grandma’s 2-Step Tomato Pie. It’s a taste of the South that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy!
## Let’s Connect!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Share your photos on social media using #GrandmasTomatoPie – I can’t wait to see your creations!
## More Southern Comfort Food Recipes
Looking for more delicious Southern recipes? Check out these other family favorites:
* [Link to another blog post about Southern Biscuits] * [Link to another blog post about Southern Fried Chicken] * [Link to another blog post about Sweet Potato Pie] * [Link to another blog post about Collard Greens]
Stay tuned for more recipes and stories from my Southern kitchen! Happy baking!