01 -
First things first, those beautiful tomatoes need a little love. Slice them about a quarter-inch thick – not too thin, not too chunky. Then, and this is crucial, spread them out on a few layers of paper towels, sprinkle them with a little salt, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This draws out all that excess water, which I learned the hard way can make your pie soupy. You'll actually see the moisture pooling; gently blot it away. It feels a bit like a mini science experiment, honestly, watching all that liquid come out!
02 -
While your tomatoes are doing their thing, grab a medium bowl. Combine the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Stir it all together until it's really well combined and looks like a thick, glorious spread. This is where the magic happens, giving our Easy Crustless Tomato Pie its incredible richness. I always give it a taste here, just to make sure the seasoning is on point – sometimes I add a tiny bit more pepper, just because I love that little kick.
03 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9-inch pie plate. Start by arranging about half of your drained tomato slices in a single layer at the bottom of the pie plate. It doesn't have to be perfect; this isn't a beauty contest! Next, spread about half of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Then, sprinkle half of your chopped onion and fresh basil over that. I love seeing those vibrant green basil leaves pop against the white filling; it smells so fresh!
04 -
Repeat the layering! Add the remaining tomato slices, followed by the rest of the creamy cheese mixture. Make sure to spread it right to the edges, creating a nice, even topping. Finally, scatter the remaining chopped onion and fresh basil over the very top. This is where your Easy Crustless Tomato Pie starts to look like something truly special. Sometimes I get a little messy here, with bits of basil escaping, but that's just part of the charm, right?
05 -
Carefully place your assembled Easy Crustless Tomato Pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. You'll want to keep an eye on it; ovens can be quirky! The smell that fills your kitchen during this step? Pure heaven, honestly. It's that warm, savory, cheesy aroma that just makes you want to pull up a chair and wait impatiently.
06 -
Once it's golden and gorgeous, pull your pie out of the oven. Now, this is the hardest part: let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. I know, I know, it's tempting to dig in immediately, but trust me, cooling allows the pie to set properly, preventing a runny mess. I've definitely cut into it too soon and regretted it! Letting it rest ensures each slice of this Easy Crustless Tomato Pie holds its shape beautifully. Enjoy!