Rustic Crustless Southern Tomato Pie: A Summer Delight (Print Version)

Discover this easy, cheesy Crustless Southern Tomato Pie recipe. It's a warm, comforting slice of summer sunshine with ripe tomatoes and savory cheese.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Southern American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Garden Fresh Goodness

01 - 2 lbs ripe tomatoes (mixed varieties work great)
02 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
03 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ The Cheesy Heart

04 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
05 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
06 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

→ Flavor Builders

07 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

→ Seasoning Sprinkle

08 - Salt, to taste (for draining tomatoes and seasoning)
09 - Black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, slice your tomatoes about 1/4-inch thick. Then, here's the crucial part for a perfect Crustless Southern Tomato Pie: lay them out on paper towels, sprinkle generously with salt, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour. You'll see them 'weep' out all that excess water. Pat them dry really well! Honestly, this step is non-negotiable if you want a pie that holds its shape and isn't a watery mess. I've learned this the hard way, trust me!
02 - While your tomatoes are doing their thing, grab a big bowl. Toss in your mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, and those thinly sliced green onions. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. This is where the magic really starts to happen, that savory, creamy base for your Crustless Southern Tomato Pie. Don't be afraid to taste a tiny bit here to check the seasoning, I always do!
03 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. Sprinkle about half of your flour evenly over the bottom of the dish. Now, arrange a single layer of your drained and patted-dry tomato slices over the flour. This helps create a barrier and absorbs any any last bit of moisture. It's like building blocks for deliciousness!
04 - Spread about half of your cheesy mayo mixture over that first layer of tomatoes. Be gentle, you don't want to move the tomatoes around too much. Then, repeat! Another layer of tomato slices, followed by the remaining flour, and then the rest of that glorious cheesy mixture. It should look like a beautiful, savory lasagna, but for tomatoes. I always try to make the top layer look extra pretty, like a little edible art.
05 - Pop your Crustless Southern Tomato Pie into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You're looking for that gorgeous golden-brown top and a bubbly, fragrant filling. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen during this step is just heavenly! It's the kind of smell that makes you want to dance around the kitchen, honestly.
06 - Once it's out of the oven, I know it's tempting to dive right in, but please, resist! Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time is crucial; it allows the pie to set up properly, so you get nice, clean slices and not a gooey mess. I've definitely burned my tongue trying to eat it too soon, oops! Enjoy your perfectly set Crustless Southern Tomato Pie!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the draining! Honestly, I once skipped the salt-and-wait part, and my pie was a watery disaster. Give those tomatoes time to weep.
02 - This pie is actually fantastic made a day ahead. The flavors meld, and it slices beautifully. Just cover it loosely and pop it in the fridge.
03 - No fresh basil? Dried works in a pinch, about a third of the amount. I've even tossed in some fresh thyme when I was out of basil – it changes the vibe, but it's still good!
04 - Serve it warm, not piping hot. Letting it settle for 15-20 minutes after baking means everything sets up perfectly, no sloshy slices, promise.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9-inch pie dish
02 - large skillet
03 - mixing bowls
04 - sharp knife
05 - paper towels

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 12g

Back