Our Best Savory and Sweet Tomato Pie Recipes To Make All Summer Long
tomato pie recipes : There’s something undeniably nostalgic and soul-warming about a tomato pie. Whether it’s the flaky crust, juicy garden-fresh tomatoes, or that luscious layer of cheese, this iconic Southern dish captures everything we love about summer cooking. From weekend brunches to backyard barbecues, savory tomato pies and even their sweet green tomato counterparts are making a bold seasonal comeback.
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What makes these pies even more lovable is their ability to adapt — think rustic galettes, cheesy tarts, or even dessert pies laced with cinnamon. Not only are tomatoes packed with nutrients, but they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Learn more about their health benefits here if you’re looking for more reasons to celebrate this vibrant summer fruit.
Plus, many of these pies call for store-bought puff pastry or simple pantry staples, making them perfect for cooks of all skill levels. If you’re new to working with pastry dough, these puff pastry tips will help ensure your crust comes out beautifully every time.
Why We Love Tomato Pies
The beauty of a tomato pie lies in its simplicity. When tomatoes are at their peak—ripe, juicy, and sun-kissed—you don’t need much to make them shine. Add a golden crust, some fresh herbs, and a touch of creamy cheese, and you’ve got a meal worthy of any occasion.
- Tomato pies are easy to customize
- They showcase seasonal produce
- Both savory and sweet versions exist
- Ideal for brunch, dinner, or even dessert
What Makes a Great Tomato Pie?
The secret to the perfect tomato pie lies in balance—balancing acidity with richness, crispness with creaminess.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, or green varieties)
- A well-baked, flaky pie crust—whether homemade or store-bought
- Flavorful fillings with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme
- Cheese options like cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese
Savory Tomato Pie Recipes to Try This Summer
Classic Southern Tomato Pie
This iconic version features layers of juicy tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and mayonnaise, all nestled in a flaky crust. Fresh basil and a sprinkle of salt bring the whole dish together.
Tomato Galette
- Rustic and free-form
- Uses store-bought pie crust
- Ideal for casual dining or potlucks
- Only 20 minutes of hands-on prep
Heirloom Tomato Pie with Parmesan-Buttermilk Crust
- Uses colorful heirloom tomatoes
- Tomatoes are roasted beforehand to avoid sogginess
- A homemade crust flavored with Parmesan and buttermilk
Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie
- Layers of sliced tomatoes, smoky bacon, and cheddar
- A rich sour cream crust adds flavor and texture
- Perfect for breakfast-for-dinner nights
Herbed Tomato Tart (Pizza-Style)
- Made with puff pastry
- Topped with mozzarella, feta, and a variety of herbs
- Bakes quickly and looks stunning on a serving tray
Mini Tomato Pie Ideas: Muffin Pan Tarts
Why not serve up your tomato pies as bite-sized appetizers? Using a muffin pan, you can create mini tomato tarts perfect for parties or picnics.
- Portable and portioned
- Bake faster than full pies
- Great for kids and guests
Ingredient Tips and Tomato Prep Advice
Avoid soggy bottoms and watery fillings with these tips:
- Salt tomato slices and let them sit for 20–30 minutes to release moisture
- Pat dry with paper towels before layering
- Consider roasting or seeding tomatoes if using especially juicy varieties

Sweet Tomato Pie Variations
Yes, tomato pie can be sweet too! Green tomatoes have a tartness that pairs beautifully with sugar, cinnamon, and other warm spices.
Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie
- Combines green tomatoes with apples, cranberries, orange zest, and bourbon
- A bold and fruity pie that tastes like fall
- Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream
Green Tomato Pie with Cinnamon and Cloves
- Tastes remarkably similar to apple pie
- The tomatoes soften and sweeten during baking
- Add bacon to the crust for a surprising savory twist
Customize Your Tomato Pie
Get creative with your combinations:
- Crust options:
- Homemade pie crust
- Store-bought puff pastry
- Phyllo dough
- Gluten-free alternatives
- Cheese options:
- Cheddar
- Feta
- Goat cheese
- Gruyère
- Herb pairings:
- Fresh basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Dill
Tomato Pie Serving Ideas
Round out your meal with sides that complement the richness of your tomato pie:
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Sweet iced tea or lemonade
- Fresh fruit salad for dessert
Storing and Reheating Tomato Pie
Keep leftovers tasty by following these tips:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture
- Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp
FAQs: People Also Ask
What is tomato pie made of?
A traditional tomato pie includes ripe tomatoes, mayonnaise or cheese, herbs, and a savory crust. Variations can include bacon, onions, or even sweet fillings with spices.
How do you keep a tomato pie from being soggy?
Salt the tomato slices and let them drain before adding to the crust. Roasting or patting them dry also helps.
Is tomato pie a Southern thing?
Yes! While variations exist across regions, tomato pie is a beloved Southern staple, especially in summer.
What does tomato pie taste like?
Savory versions taste creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous with juicy tomato bursts. Sweet versions resemble spiced fruit pies like apple or mincemeat.
Can tomato pie be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and reheat gently. For best results, keep the filling and crust separate until ready to bake.
Make the Most of Summer with Tomato Pies
Whether you love a savory tart with bubbling cheese or a sweet green tomato pie dusted with cinnamon, this summer is the perfect time to explore the magic of tomatoes in pie form. With fresh ingredients, a little creativity, and a good crust, you’ll be amazed at just how versatile and satisfying a tomato pie can be.
PrintOur Best Savory and Sweet Tomato Pie Recipes To Make All Summer Long
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A true Southern comfort dish, this tomato pie layers juicy heirloom tomatoes with fresh basil, cheddar, and mozzarella in a flaky crust. The creamy mayo-cheese topping bakes to golden perfection for a savory pie that’s ideal for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought or homemade 9-inch pie crust (baked and cooled)
- 3–4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced and drained
- 1 tsp salt (to draw moisture from tomatoes)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prep tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes and place them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to release moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with another layer of paper towels.
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the pie: In the pre-baked crust, arrange a layer of tomato slices. Add red onion (if using) and sprinkle with chopped basil and black pepper.
- Mix topping: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheddar, and mozzarella until creamy.
- Spread topping: Gently spread the cheese-mayo mixture over the top layer of tomatoes.
- Bake: Bake the pie for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use the salting and draining technique on tomatoes to avoid a soggy crust. Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+30 minutes for tomato draining)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg