Nothing says Southern summer quite like the aroma of fresh tomatoes baking in the oven, mingling with sharp cheddar and herbs. For as long as I can remember, tomato pie has been a staple at every family cookout, picnic, and Sunday dinner. And not just any tomato pie — I’m talking about my Southern grandma’s famous 2-step version, which is as comforting as it is effortless.

With just a handful of ingredients and a prep time that’ll have you out of the kitchen and onto the porch in no time, this is the kind of dish that becomes family tradition. While you could complicate tomato pie with extra steps, my grandma believed in keeping it simple and delicious. And her approach has stood the test of time — no one ever left her table without asking for seconds.

Tomatoes are not only delicious and versatile, they’re also incredibly healthy. If you’re wondering how to select, prep, and get the most out of them, here’s a helpful guide on tomatoes’ nutritional benefits from Healthline that breaks it all down.

When it comes to prepping fresh tomatoes — especially when you’re dealing with garden-ripe varieties — it’s essential to handle them right. For safe canning, skin removal, and other tips, the National Center for Home Food Preservation provides expert recommendations for working with tomatoes the right way.

What Is Tomato Pie?

Tomato pie is a savory, Southern dish built around fresh, juicy tomatoes layered in a pie crust and topped with a creamy cheese mixture. It’s the very definition of summer comfort food. Unlike Italian-style tomato pies (which are more like pizza), the Southern version is all about showcasing the natural sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes without overshadowing them.

Made for warm-weather dining
Served hot or room temperature
Ideal for potlucks, cookouts, or brunch

Why Grandma’s Recipe Is Special

What sets my grandma’s recipe apart is how uncomplicated it is. Many tomato pies call for draining tomatoes, salting them, or baking the crust blind — but not this one. She kept it authentic, juicy, and always flavorful.

No draining or pressing of tomatoes
Uses store-bought pie crust (because “why not?”)
Only six ingredients
Emphasizes cheddar-mayo topping — rich and gooey
Features Beefsteak tomatoes for their firmness and flavor

She also swore by freshly grated sharp cheddar — no pre-shredded shortcuts allowed. And yes, even though she didn’t make her own crust, she insisted on doing that part right.

Southern Tomato Pie vs. Other Tomato Dishes

The South loves its tomato dishes. From fresh tomato sandwiches slathered with mayo to tangy marinated salads and crunchy fried green tomatoes, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy them. But tomato pie is:

More filling than a sandwich
Less acidic than salads
Warmer and creamier than fried tomatoes
An easy side or even main course

Grandma’s Tomato Pie Ingredients

You only need six key ingredients to make this pie sing:

1 baked pie shell (store-bought is fine)
4–6 Beefsteak tomatoes, peeled and sliced thin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil (or 1 tsp dried)
2 tablespoons chopped chives
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Optional Tweaks

Add ½ cup extra cheese on the bottom crust to prevent sogginess
Mix in caramelized onions or bacon for extra depth
Substitute chives with green onions for a milder bite

How to Peel Tomatoes Like Grandma Did

The old-school trick still works:

Score a shallow “X” at the base of each tomato
Drop into boiling water for 45 seconds
Transfer to an ice bath
Skin will slip off effortlessly

This technique preserves the texture and flavor while making your prep painless.

The 2-Step Tomato Pie Method

Step 1: Layer

Preheat your oven to 400°F
Place tomato slices evenly into your baked crust
Season with salt, pepper, basil, and chives

Step 2: Spread and Bake

In a bowl, mix mayo and shredded cheddar
Spread over the tomatoes
Bake 30–35 minutes, until the top is bubbly and slightly golden

And that’s it! Two steps to Southern pie perfection.

What to Serve with Tomato Pie

Tomato pie works as both a side and a main dish. Try pairing it with:

Grilled meats like sausages or chicken
Fresh green salads
Cornbread or biscuits
Iced tea or lemonade

It’s perfect for brunch spreads or outdoor dinners under the stars.

Variations and Creative Twists

Even though grandma kept it classic, there’s room to get creative:

Add crispy bacon or pancetta
Swap cheddar for gruyère or mozzarella
Use heirloom or yellow tomatoes for color
Sprinkle in herbs like thyme or oregano

Keep the essence but make it your own.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to prep in advance? Here’s how:

You can assemble the pie 1 day ahead and refrigerate
Bake right before serving
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days
Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
Freezing is possible, but fresh is best

Why This Recipe Still Shines

There’s a reason this Southern gem is still on my table every summer. It’s more than food — it’s tradition, nostalgia, and the unmistakable taste of home. It reminds me of sun-warmed porches, kids playing outside, and the joy of simple, honest meals.

My grandma’s recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of steps or fancy tools to create something truly memorable. Just the right ingredients, a little Southern charm, and a love for summer tomatoes.

FAQs About Tomato Pie

What is Southern tomato pie made of?
Fresh tomatoes, a pie crust, mayo, cheese, and herbs. Simple and delicious.

Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely. But store-bought works just fine and saves time.

How do you keep tomato pie from getting soggy?
Sprinkling extra cheese on the crust helps. Also, avoid over-layering juicy slices.

What tomatoes are best for tomato pie?
Beefsteak tomatoes are ideal — firm and flavorful.

Can you make tomato pie ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and chill. Bake when ready.

What cheese is best for tomato pie?
Sharp cheddar — freshly grated for best flavor and melt.

Is tomato pie eaten hot or cold?
Best served warm or at room temperature.

If you’re craving more Southern flavor and stories, explore Southern Foodways Alliance — a beautiful hub for preserving the South’s rich culinary heritage.

Now that you know the secret behind Grandma’s 2-step tomato pie, make it part of your summer too. One bite, and you’ll understand why this pie never misses a season on our table.