Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe

Quick & Tasty Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe for Summer Joy

Paula Deen’s tomato pie represents a Southern culinary treasure that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Summer gardens burst with ripe, juicy produce perfect for this delightful dish.

Fresh vegetables become the star of a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that surprises and delights dinner guests.

Layers of flavor meld together in a rustic pie that captures the essence of homestyle cooking.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the rich combination of tangy and savory elements.

Each slice promises a mouthwatering experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients with professional-level technique.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that elevates everyday produce into a memorable meal:

Why Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie is a Savory Southern Delight

  • Savor Seasonal Freshness: Celebrate summer's bounty with ripe, juicy tomatoes that burst with garden-fresh flavor in every delightful bite.
  • Enjoy Creamy Cheesy Comfort: Experience a luxurious blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella that creates a rich, indulgent topping perfectly complementing the tangy tomatoes.
  • Master Quick Southern Cooking: Whip up this classic Paula Deen recipe in just 45 minutes, delivering a foolproof dish that impresses with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform basic tomatoes and cheese into a sophisticated pie that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience with minimal cooking skills required.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie

Main Ingredients:

Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes that provide the primary flavor and juicy texture of the pie. Heirloom or garden tomatoes work best for maximum taste.

Pie Shell: Prebaked pie crust that serves as the foundation for the tomato pie. Homemade or store-bought options are suitable.

Cheese Components:

Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp and melty cheeses that create a rich, creamy topping with excellent flavor and golden-brown appearance. Full-fat varieties recommended for best results.

Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that helps create a smooth, rich cheese mixture and adds subtle tanginess.

Herb and Seasoning Ingredients:

Basil: Fresh herb that introduces bright, aromatic flavor and complements the tomatoes beautifully. Fresh leaves are preferable.

Green Onion: Provides mild, sharp onion accent and adds subtle complexity to the pie’s overall taste.

Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the natural flavors of tomatoes and cheese. Freshly ground black pepper suggested.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie

How to Make Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the perfect baking temperature for this delicious pie.

Step 2: Ready the Tomatoes

Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water. Gently peel the skin, slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and let drain in a colander for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Create Cheese Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Layer Pie Filling

Spread the prepared tomato slices in a pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle with:
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Carefully spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the tomato layers, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the pie cool for 10 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm as a delightful side dish or light meal.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie

  • Capture Moisture Smartly: Pat tomatoes dry with paper towels after draining to eliminate extra liquid that might make your pie soggy.
  • Customize Cheese Blend Creatively: Mix sharp cheddar with mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Enhance Herbal Intensity: Chop herbs just before adding to maximize their aromatic oils and deliver a more vibrant taste experience.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust Cleverly: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or cornmeal on the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispness.
  • Rest and Settle Wisely: Allow the pie to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps the filling set and makes cutting neat, clean slices easier.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie

  • Preserve Freshness: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other refrigerator items. Seal carefully to maintain the crisp crust and vibrant tomato taste.
  • Extended Storage: Freeze individual slices or the entire pie for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice separately in freezer-safe wrap, then place in a sturdy freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture.
  • Reheating Strategy: Thaw frozen pie slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, placing a piece of foil loosely over the top to protect the delicate cheese topping from excessive browning.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie

  • Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a zesty, fiery flavor that complements the sweet tomatoes.
  • Mediterranean Garden Pie: Replace basil with oregano and mix feta cheese into the mayonnaise blend, creating a Greek-inspired version with tangy Mediterranean notes.
  • Herb-Infused Classic: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives into the cheese mixture, elevating the pie's aromatic profile with a garden-fresh essence.
  • Smoky Bacon Tomato Pie: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits between tomato layers and mix crumbled bacon into the cheese topping for a rich, savory dimension that adds depth and crunch.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Tomato Pie

Southern culinary magic shines through Paula Deen’s tomato pie, a delectable celebration of summer’s ripest harvest.

Regional ingredients dance together, creating a symphonic experience that elevates simple tomatoes into an extraordinary dish.

Creamy cheese blends seamlessly with garden-fresh tomatoes, delivering an unforgettable flavor profile.

Southern hospitality radiates from each carefully crafted slice, inviting passionate home cooks to explore comfort cuisine.

Layers of tangy tomatoes and rich cheese promise a memorable meal that connects generations through shared recipes.

You’ll want to share this mouthwatering masterpiece – snap a photo, tag friends, spread deliciousness across social media, and let everyone savor this incredible southern classic.

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Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe

Paula Deen Tomato Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s tomato pie serves up Southern charm with layers of ripe tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and a buttery herb-infused crust. Creamy, tangy, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, this classic Southern dish delivers comfort on a plate that you’ll savor slice by slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 tomatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 10 basil leaves, fresh, chopped
  • ½ cup green onion, chopped

Cheeses:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Bases and Binders:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 pie shell, deep dish, 9-inch, prebaked

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash fresh tomatoes and prepare a pot of boiling water for blanching, alongside a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process.
  2. Carefully immerse tomatoes in boiling water for 30-45 seconds until skin begins to split, then immediately transfer to ice water bath to cool.
  3. Gently remove tomato skins, slice into uniform thin rounds, and place in a colander to drain excess moisture, which prevents pie from becoming soggy.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C, ensuring rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, blending until smooth and well incorporated.
  6. Season cheese mixture with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  7. Place prebaked pie shell on a sturdy baking sheet for easier handling and transportation to and from oven.
  8. Arrange tomato slices in overlapping circular pattern across pie shell’s base, creating an attractive and even layer.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves and thinly sliced green onions over tomato layer, distributing herbs uniformly.
  10. Carefully spread seasoned cheese and mayonnaise mixture over tomatoes, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  11. Transfer pie to preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for golden-brown top and slightly bubbling edges.
  12. Remove from oven and allow pie to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps set filling and makes slicing easier.
  13. Slice into wedges and serve warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Cooling is crucial for clean, precise slices that hold their shape and showcase layered ingredients beautifully.
  • Creamy cheese mixture needs even distribution to ensure rich, balanced flavor throughout every single bite.
  • Strategic layering prevents ingredient clumping, guaranteeing tomatoes, basil, and onions are perfectly balanced.
  • Selecting vibrant, garden-fresh herbs elevates the pie’s taste profile beyond mundane dried alternatives.
  • Thorough tomato preparation prevents soggy crust, maintaining structural integrity and maximizing delicious potential.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 451 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 769.4 mg
  • Fat: 33.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22.9 g
  • Fiber: 2.2 g
  • Protein: 16.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 56 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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