The flavors in this BEST fresh savory Tomato Pie are completely irresistible! Fresh sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, delicious bold cheeses, and garlic in a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It has an amazing texture when baked too (never soggy or mushy). It will become your favorite recipe for summer.
18-9 inchPrepared Pie Cruststore bought or homemade, regular or gluten-free
4mediumripe Tomatoescored, cut in half and sliced
1cupYellow Cherry Tomatoeshalved
1cupRed Cherry Tomatoeshalved
¼teaspoonKosher Salt
¼teaspoonBlack Pepperfreshly ground
2clovesGarlicminced or pressed
2tablespoonsfinely shredded fresh Basil Leaves
½cupcoarsely grated fresh Mozzarella cheese
½cupcoarsely grated Pecorino or Asiago cheese
1cupfine Bread Crumbsregular or gluten-free
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line an 8 inch or 9 inch pie pan with a homemade pie crust OR use a purchased pie crust. Regular or gluten-free crusts both work.
Prick the crust all over with the tines of a fork and bake until lightly browned (8-12 minutes; check frequently after 8 minutes so it does not brown too much). If using a store bought crust follow the blind baking instructions on the package.Remove the crust and set aside. Leave the oven on.
While the pie crust is cooking, place all the tomatoes in a medium sized mixing bowl.
In a separate small mixing bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic and basil. Sprinkle over tomatoes, gently stir to incorporate with the tomatoes and let sit for 10 minutes.
In another medium mixing bowl, combine the cheeses and bread crumbs. Toss to fully combine.
Sprinkle a light layer of the bread crumb-cheese mixture in the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Using a slotted spoon, add a layer of the tomatoes on top of the bread crumbs and cheese. Continue layering in this way, ending with a sprinkling of the bread crumbs and cheese.
Bake until warmed through, about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ingredients Notes
The original recipes suggests using a range of ripe tomatoes to achieve the fullest possible flavor, mixing succulent heirlooms with new hybrids. I fully agree. A variety of cherry tomatoes also adds color and flavor.
Use any combination of colored Cherry Tomatoes you love. The color adds a great dimension to the recipe as well as varied flavors.
Use your favorite pie crust recipe, gluten-free or regular, or substitute a prepared pie crust. The results will be equally delicious!
Store bought or homemade breadcrumbs can be used
Grate the cheese yourself (instead of buying grated or shredded cheese) for best results.
How to make Homemade Breadcrumbs:
Toast some slices of bread either in a toaster or under a broiler.
Process them through a blender or food processor into crumbs.
If they are still moist, spread them out on a baking sheet under a broiler for 30 seconds (keep an eye on them so they don't burn).
Extras can be stored in the freezer in a sealed plastic bag or freezer-proof container.
How to storeAllow the tomato pie to fully cool. Tightly seal any leftovers with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a low temperature oven. Enjoy at room temperature or warm. Freezing not recommended.Recipe adapted from Fresh from the Garden Cookbook.