World Flavors Cookbook

Southern Tomato Pie

Peak-summer tomato pie baked in a flaky crust with mayo, cheddar, and fresh basil — the savory pie that defines the Southern summer table.

Cuisine: United States

Ingredients

• 1 blind-baked 9-inch pie crust
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced thick
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sharp cheddar, grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chiffonade
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp sugar (to draw out tomato water)

Instructions

1. Slice tomatoes. Salt and sugar them. Let drain on paper towels 30 minutes — critical step.
2. Preheat oven to 350F.
3. Mix mayo, cheddar, mozzarella, basil, and green onions.
4. Layer drained tomato slices in blind-baked crust.
5. Season with pepper.
6. Spread cheese-mayo mixture evenly over tomatoes.
7. Bake 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool 15 minutes before slicing.