Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

I absolutely love this Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe because it takes all the rich, cheesy goodness of a classic tomato pie but skips the crust, making it lighter and easier to prepare. It’s perfect for those warm evenings when tomatoes are beautifully ripe and you want something comforting but not too heavy. You’ll find it’s a fantastic way to showcase fresh summer tomatoes in a dish that feels both homey and special.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how the layers of cheeses, mayo, and herbs blend with the juicy tomatoes to create something irresistibly flavorful. It works great as a side at barbecues, a meatless main dish, or even a brunch treat, and I’m excited to share it with you because it’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients that balance moisture, tang, freshness, and richness perfectly. Grab ripe, firm tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor punch.

• Tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe varieties that slice well and aren’t too watery to avoid sogginess.
• Mozzarella cheese: Opt for a good-quality shredded mozzarella for melt and stretch.
• White Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to balance the mozzarella’s milder flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Preferably Duke’s mayo for creaminess and authentic Southern flavor.
• Eggs: Bind everything together for a lovely custard-like texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic amps up the savory notes.
• Scallions: Use the white and light green parts finely chopped for a mild onion flavor.
• Fresh basil: Torn pieces add a fresh herbal touch without overpowering the tomatoes.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out tomato moisture.
• Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil: Keeps your pie from sticking in the pan.

Variations

This Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe is a great starting point, and I love tweaking it depending on what’s in my fridge or the occasion. Feel free to get creative—you’ll have so much fun making it your own.

• Adding bacon: I sometimes toss in crisp cooked bacon bits for a smoky, crunchy contrast that my family adores.
• Cheese swaps: Provolone or Monterey Jack can replace mozzarella for a slightly different melt and flavor profile.
• Herb variations: Try fresh thyme or oregano instead of basil for a twist on the herby undertone.
• Vegan version: Use vegan mayo and cheese alternatives; baking time remains similar but keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.

How to Make Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes Like a Pro

Start by slicing your tomatoes into 1/4 to 1/3-inch thick rounds and discard the tops so your pie layers well. Now, here’s a trick I learned early on: generously salt the slices on both sides and lay them out on layered paper towels or a thick kitchen towel. Let them drain for about 30 minutes to pull out excess moisture — this step is absolutely crucial for preventing a watery pie. After draining, gently blot dry with another towel. Trust me, this creates a perfect texture for baking!

Step 2: Prepare Your Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1 cup of white cheddar, mayonnaise, eggs, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture is the flavorful glue holding your pie together, so make sure it’s well combined to spread easily. I always prefer using Duke’s mayo here—it lends a slight tanginess that lifts the whole dish.

Step 3: Layer, Layer, Layer

Spray or oil a deep pie pan to keep things from sticking. Start by spreading about 1/3 cup of that cheesy mayo mix on the bottom for a savory base. Then, arrange a third of your tomato slices over the cheese, overlapping slightly. Spread half of your remaining cheese mixture on top, followed by half the chopped scallions and torn basil leaves. Repeat with another tomato layer, remaining cheese mixture, scallions, and basil. Finish with the last layer of tomatoes and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. The layers build flavor and texture, so don’t skip on the layering—it’s what makes this recipe special.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pie into a 375°F oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, lightly browned, and the center reaches 165°F on a thermometer. I like to keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes so it doesn’t over-bake and dry out. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes—this settles the layers and makes cutting much cleaner.

How to Serve Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top after baking—a fresh burst that brightens each slice. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt for a little extra pop. It’s those small touches that turn it into a lovely presentation for guests or family dinners.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, crusty bread, or even grilled meats and fresh corn on the cob for a full Southern-inspired meal. I also like serving it alongside roasted vegetables to round out a healthy and vibrant plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or holiday gatherings, I cut the pie into smaller wedges and arrange them on a serving platter garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs—this always sparks compliments! You could also serve individual portions in small ramekins for a more intimate, plated experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge—either in the pie pan wrapped with foil or transferred to an airtight container. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen after resting.

Freezing

Though I don’t freeze this pie often, I’ve had good luck wrapping wedges tightly in foil and placing them into freezer bags. It’s best eaten within a month for optimal freshness. When you thaw, do so in the fridge overnight to maintain the texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I place a slice in a small baking dish or wrap it in foil and heat at 350°F for about 15-18 minutes. This method warms it through without drying out the pie or losing that luscious gooey cheese.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe remains one of my favorite ways to celebrate fresh tomatoes with comfort and ease. I love how it bridges simple ingredients and bold flavors without any intimidating steps. If you want a crowd-pleasing, fresh, and cozy dish, I truly encourage you to make this pie — it feels like a warm hug from the South served on a plate!

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