Easy southern tomato pie recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Southern Tomato Pie:

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-made or homemade)
• 4-5 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the sliced tomatoes in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to drain excess moisture.
3. While the tomatoes are draining, par-bake the pie crust according to the package instructions or your homemade crust recipe. This helps prevent a soggy crust.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, chives (if using), black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Pat the sliced tomatoes dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
6. Arrange a layer of tomato slices in the par-baked pie crust.
7. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the tomatoes.
8. Add another layer of tomatoes and top with the remaining cheese mixture.
9. If you have extra tomato slices, you can arrange them decoratively on top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Allow the tomato pie to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Southern Tomato Pie! It’s a great dish to savor during the summer months when tomatoes are in season.

FAQs

• Difference between Philly and Trenton Tomato Pies:

  • The primary difference between Philadelphia (Philly) and Trenton tomato pies lies in their regional variations. In Philly, a tomato pie often refers to a rectangular, thick-crust pizza with a layer of tomato sauce on top, sometimes sprinkled with Romano cheese. Trenton tomato pie, on the other hand, typically features a thin, crispy crust with mozzarella cheese placed on the crust first and topped with tomato sauce. The layering order distinguishes the two styles, creating distinct textures and flavors.

• State Known for Tomato Pie:

  • New Jersey is particularly renowned for its tomato pie. The Trenton tomato pie, in particular, has gained fame for its unique preparation with a thin crust, mozzarella-first layering, and tomato sauce on top. This style of tomato pie has become a local specialty and is often associated with the culinary traditions of the state.

• Reasons for a Runny Tomato Pie:

  • A runny tomato pie can occur due to excess moisture in the tomatoes. To avoid this, it’s crucial to drain the sliced tomatoes before assembling the pie. Additionally, using overly ripe tomatoes can contribute to excess liquid. Par-baking the pie crust and allowing the assembled pie to cool before slicing can also help set the ingredients and reduce the risk of a runny texture.

• Features of a Trenton Tomato Pie:

  • A Trenton tomato pie is characterized by its specific preparation style. It typically features a thin and crispy crust, with mozzarella cheese placed directly on the crust before the application of tomato sauce. This unique layering technique contributes to the distinct texture and flavor profile of the Trenton tomato pie. The pie is often baked to perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce.