There is nothing quite like a warm summer afternoon in the South. The sun is shining, and the garden is full of ripe, red tomatoes. This Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe captures those sunny days perfectly.
It is a true Southern classic. The dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavor. If you want comfort food, this is the best choice. Learn how to make Paula Deen Tomato Pie today. It will surely become a family favorite at your house.
What Makes This Tomato Pie Special
This dish is special because it turns simple ingredients into something magical. Most people think of fruit when they hear the word “pie.
” However, this savory version is a game-changer. It uses fresh, juicy tomatoes layered with herbs and onions. The secret is the topping. A mix of mayonnaise and cheddar cheese creates a golden crust. It is rich, salty, and a little bit tangy.
I remember the first time I tasted this dish. It was at a potluck dinner with friends. I could not believe how well the tomatoes and cheese went together.
It feels like a warm hug on a plate. The texture is soft on the inside and bubbly on top. It is the perfect way to use up a big harvest from your garden.
Equipment List
- 9-inch pie plate or deep-dish pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Sharp knife for slicing
- Cutting board
- Paper towels (very important!)
- Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)
- Cheese grater
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe
- Servings: 6 to 8 people
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Side Dish / Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 345 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Tomato Pie
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie shell
- 4 large tomatoes (sliced thick)
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 10 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (for the onions)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash your fresh tomatoes and slice them into thick rounds. Place the slices on several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle a little salt over them.
Let them sit for 10 minutes. This pulls out the extra water. Pat the tops dry with more paper towels. This step keeps your pie from getting soggy.
2. Sauté the Onions
Place a small pan over medium heat and add the butter. Throw in your chopped yellow onions. Cook them until they are soft and clear.
This usually takes about 5 minutes. Do not let them turn brown or burnt. Setting the onions aside to cool for a minute helps the flavors meld later.
3. Layer the Pie
Take your pre-baked pie shell and place it on a flat surface. Start by adding a layer of the sautéed onions at the bottom. Next, place your dried tomato slices on top of the onions. You can overlap them to fill the space. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the tomato layer.
4. Mix the Cheesy Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and both types of cheese. Use a spoon to mix them well. Add the black pepper to the mixture.
The mayonnaise helps the cheese melt into a smooth, creamy blanket. This is the “soul” of the Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe.
5. Spread the Mixture
Use a spatula to spread the cheese and mayo mix over the tomatoes. Make sure you cover the tomatoes all the way to the edges.
This seals the moisture inside the pie. The top should look even and thick. Do not worry if it looks like a lot of topping. It will melt down perfectly.
6. Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pie plate on the middle rack. Bake for about 30 minutes.
You want the top to be bubbly and light brown. The smell of melting cheese and basil will fill your kitchen. It is a wonderful scent.
7. Let it Rest
Take the pie out of the oven carefully. Do not cut into it right away. Let it sit on the counter for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
This resting time allows the layers to set. If you cut it too soon, the juices will run out. Waiting makes it much easier to serve.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Dry the tomatoes well: This is the most important tip. If the tomatoes stay wet, the crust will be mushy.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top before baking. It adds a smoky flavor.
- Use different herbs: If you don’t have basil, try fresh chives or thyme.
- Lighten it up: You can use Greek yogurt instead of half the mayonnaise. It will be slightly tangier.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Cheese choices: Pepper jack cheese tastes great if you like a little heat.
Interesting Facts About Tomato Pie
Tomato pie has a long history in the Southern United States. It is often served during the peak of summer. Many people call it a “Southern Pizza,” but the taste is very different. It is more like a quiche without the eggs.
Paula Deen made this recipe famous on her cooking shows. She loves using simple, high-quality ingredients. Most Southerners have their own version, but hers is known for being extra creamy. It is a staple at church socials and garden parties.
Perfect Dishes to Serve With Tomato Pie
- Grilled Chicken: The light flavor of chicken balances the rich cheese.
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess.
- Corn on the Cob: This doubles down on the summer theme.
- Iced Sweet Tea: This is the classic Southern drink to match the meal.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple veggie side works very well here.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- In the Fridge: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Use the oven at 300 degrees for 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy.
- Avoid the Microwave: The microwave can make the crust very soft and chewy.
- Freezing: It is best not to freeze this pie. Tomatoes hold a lot of water and change texture when frozen.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 345 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g |
| Protein | 9g |
Health Benefits
Even though this is a comfort food, it has health benefits. Tomatoes are full of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps your heart. It also protects your skin from the sun.
Tomatoes provide a good dose of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Using fresh basil adds even more antioxidants to your diet.
Onions are great for your immune system too. If you use fresh ingredients for Paula Deen Tomato Pie, you get the best nutrients.
FAQs about Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, a store-bought crust works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to pre-bake it for a few minutes. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy when you add the juicy tomatoes.
What are the best tomatoes to use?
Firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma or Beefsteak are best. They have a good balance of juice and meat. Avoid very watery tomatoes if possible, as they can ruin the texture of the pie.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheese shreds. The flavor will change slightly, but the texture should remain similar. Just ensure the vegan cheese melts well under heat.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
The secret is salting the tomatoes and letting them drain. Use plenty of paper towels to soak up the liquid. Pre-baking the crust also creates a barrier that keeps it crispy and firm.
Final Thoughts
Making this Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe is a joy for any home cook. It brings the flavors of the garden right to your table. The combination of warm tomatoes and melted cheese is truly unbeatable.
I hope you enjoy sharing this dish with your friends and family. It is a classic for a reason. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Do you have a favorite summer recipe? Give this one a try and let me know how it goes. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your guests will definitely ask for seconds. Cooking is all about love, and this pie is full of it.
Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie shell
- 4 large tomatoes sliced thick
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 10 fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter for the onions
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash your fresh tomatoes and slice them into thick rounds. Place the slices on several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle a little salt over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This pulls out the extra water. Pat the tops dry with more paper towels. This step keeps your pie from getting soggy.
Sauté the Onions
- Place a small pan over medium heat and add the butter. Throw in your chopped yellow onions. Cook them until they are soft and clear. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Do not let them turn brown or burnt. Setting the onions aside to cool for a minute helps the flavors meld later.
Layer the Pie
- Take your pre-baked pie shell and place it on a flat surface. Start by adding a layer of the sautéed onions at the bottom. Next, place your dried tomato slices on top of the onions. You can overlap them to fill the space. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the tomato layer.
Mix the Cheesy Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and both types of cheese. Use a spoon to mix them well. Add the black pepper to the mixture. The mayonnaise helps the cheese melt into a smooth, creamy blanket. This is the “soul” of the Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe.
Spread the Mixture
- Use a spatula to spread the cheese and mayo mix over the tomatoes. Make sure you cover the tomatoes all the way to the edges. This seals the moisture inside the pie. The top should look even and thick. Do not worry if it looks like a lot of topping. It will melt down perfectly.
Bake the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pie plate on the middle rack. Bake for about 30 minutes. You want the top to be bubbly and light brown. The smell of melting cheese and basil will fill your kitchen. It is a wonderful scent.
Let it Rest
- Take the pie out of the oven carefully. Do not cut into it right away. Let it sit on the counter for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to set. If you cut it too soon, the juices will run out. Waiting makes it much easier to serve.
Notes
- Dry the tomatoes well: This is the most important tip. If the tomatoes stay wet, the crust will be mushy.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top before baking. It adds a smoky flavor.
- Use different herbs: If you don’t have basil, try fresh chives or thyme.
- Lighten it up: You can use Greek yogurt instead of half the mayonnaise. It will be slightly tangier.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Cheese choices: Pepper jack cheese tastes great if you like a little heat.
Emily Carter is a passionate home cook and recipe creator. She shares easy, family-friendly meals with a modern twist. Her focus is on simple ingredients, clear steps and soulful, delicious food that everyone can enjoy.