Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe
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.
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.