I’ve always loved the simplicity of Southern cooking, and Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie is a classic comfort dish that never disappoints. With its flaky crust, juicy tomatoes, and rich cheesy topping, this pie is the perfect way to celebrate fresh, homegrown flavors.
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie is a traditional Southern dish like Brenda Gantt’s Hush Puppy made with a buttery pie crust, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy cheddar-mayo topping. The combination of sweet, tangy tomatoes and savory cheese creates a mouthwatering bite every time. It’s a must-try recipe for any tomato lover!
This tomato pie is both simple and indulgent. It’s great for brunch, lunch, or even as a light dinner. The basil adds a fresh touch, while the cheddar-mayo topping creates a gooey, golden crust. Keep reading to learn how to make this Southern favorite at home!
What Does Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie Taste Like?
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie has a rich, comforting flavor with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The tomatoes turn soft and juicy as they bake, releasing their natural sweetness.
The fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly peppery touch, while the sharp cheddar and mayonnaise create a creamy, golden topping that’s both tangy and cheesy. The buttery, flaky pie crust ties everything together, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
It’s like a Southern-style pizza meets a cheesy tart-warm, hearty, and full of fresh garden flavors. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this tomato pie is pure comfort food with a delicious homemade touch!
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)
- 4-5 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of salt (for draining tomatoes)
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Extra slices of tomato for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish
- Fork (for docking the crust)
- Parchment paper
- Baking weights (or dry beans)
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Recipe for Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie at home
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
If using a pre-made crust, roll it out and place it in your pie dish. Dock the dough by poking small holes with a fork to prevent bubbling. Cover the crust with parchment paper, add baking weights, and pre-bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes to ensure a firm crust. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes
Slice your tomatoes and remove the core. Lay them on a tray and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step keeps your pie from turning soggy!
3. Layer the Tomatoes
Start layering the tomato slices in the pre-baked crust, slightly overlapping them in a shingle pattern. The tomatoes will shrink as they bake, so don’t be afraid to pile them in!
4. Add Fresh Basil
Sprinkle the chopped basil over the tomatoes for a fresh, fragrant flavor.
5. Make the Cheese Topping
In a bowl, mix the grated cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the tomatoes.
6. Bake the Pie
Add a few extra tomato slices on top for garnish (optional) and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 20 minutes-it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie
Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, here are my top 10 favorite ways to enjoy this Southern classic.
1. A Simple Side Salad
I love pairing this rich and cheesy tomato pie with a crisp green salad. A mix of arugula, spinach, or romaine with a light vinaigrette balances out the creaminess of the pie. Bonus points if you throw in some toasted nuts for crunch!
2. Southern-Style Green Beans
If you want to keep things truly Southern, serve this pie with slow-cooked green beans. I usually simmer mine with a bit of butter, garlic, and a touch of bacon for that deep, smoky flavor.
3. Fried Okra
There’s something about crispy, golden Brenda Gantt’s Fried Okra that just works with this pie. That crunchy texture next to the soft, cheesy tomato filling? Perfection.
4. A Bowl of Creamy Grits
This might sound like a breakfast combo, but trust me-grits and tomato pie together are next-level comfort food. A warm, buttery bowl of grits makes the meal feel extra hearty.
5. Roasted Vegetables
Sometimes, I like to keep things light with a side of roasted veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots drizzled with olive oil and roasted until caramelized pair beautifully with the pie’s rich flavors.
6. Crispy Bacon or Country Ham
If you’re serving this for brunch, a side of crispy bacon or a few slices of country ham takes it over the top. The saltiness cuts through the creamy topping, making every bite even more satisfying.
7. Chilled Cucumber Salad
On hot summer days, I love making a quick cucumber salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a splash of vinegar. It’s refreshing, crunchy, and balances out the pie’s warmth perfectly.
8. A Cup of Tomato Soup
This might sound like tomato overload, but trust me-it’s so good. A bowl of creamy tomato soup with a slice of tomato pie is the ultimate cozy meal, especially on a rainy day.
9. Cornbread or Biscuits
Sometimes, I just want a little something extra on the side. A warm piece of cornbread or a flaky biscuit is always a great choice. Plus, you can use it to soak up any extra juices from the pie!
10. Fresh Fruit and Sweet Tea
If I’m serving this at a brunch gathering, I love adding a side of fresh fruit-like sliced peaches, berries, or melon-and, of course, a big glass of sweet tea. It keeps the meal light and refreshing!
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie Recipe
If you’re trying this recipe at home, these tips will help you get the best results.
1. Let the Tomatoes Sit Longer If They’re Super Juicy
If your tomatoes are extra watery, let them sit for 20-30 minutes after salting. The less moisture, the better-no one likes a soggy pie!
2. Pat the Tomatoes Dry
After they release their juices, give them a quick pat with a paper towel. This helps keep the crust crisp and not mushy.
3. Use a Homemade Crust for Extra Flavor
I love a good pre-made crust when I’m short on time, but a homemade buttery crust takes this pie to the next level! If you have the time, make your own.
4. Don’t Skip the Pre-Baking Step
Trust me-if you don’t pre-bake the crust, you’ll end up with a soft, doughy bottom. Nobody wants that!
5. Layer the Tomatoes in an Overlapping Pattern
Tomatoes shrink as they bake, so don’t be afraid to stack them a little. A good shingled pattern keeps the pie full and flavorful.
6. Add a Pinch of Black Pepper for Extra Flavor
A little black pepper sprinkled on the tomatoes makes a big difference. It brings out their natural sweetness!
7. Mix in Some Parmesan for a Cheesier Topping
Sharp cheddar is amazing, but adding a little Parmesan gives the topping an extra kick. Try it-you won’t regret it!
8. Let the Pie Cool Before Slicing
I know it’s hard to wait, but if you cut into it too soon, the juices will run everywhere. Give it at least 10 minutes to set.
9. Store Leftovers in the Fridge
If you have any leftovers (which isn’t often in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days.
10. Reheat in the Oven for the Best Texture
Microwaving works, but reheating in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes keeps the crust crisp and the cheese bubbly. Totally worth the extra time!
How to Store and Reheat Tomato Pie
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Freeze: While possible, freezing may alter the texture of the tomatoes. If freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade if you prefer
- 4-5 large tomatoes sliced
- 1 teaspoon of salt for draining tomatoes
- ½ cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Extra slices of tomato for garnish optional
Instructions
- If using a pre-made crust, roll it out and place it in your pie dish. Dock the dough by poking small holes with a fork to prevent bubbling. Cover the crust with parchment paper, add baking weights, and pre-bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes to ensure a firm crust. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Slice your tomatoes and remove the core. Lay them on a tray and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step keeps your pie from turning soggy!
- Start layering the tomato slices in the pre-baked crust, slightly overlapping them in a shingle pattern. The tomatoes will shrink as they bake, so don’t be afraid to pile them in!
- Sprinkle the chopped basil over the tomatoes for a fresh, fragrant flavor.
- In a bowl, mix the grated cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the tomatoes.
- Add a few extra tomato slices on top for garnish (optional) and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 20 minutes-it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Freeze: While possible, freezing may alter the texture of the tomatoes. If freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is the difference between a tomato pie and a pizza pie?
Great question! While both have tomatoes and a crust, they’re totally different. A tomato pie is a Southern-style dish with a buttery, flaky pie crust, fresh tomato slices, basil, and a creamy cheddar-mayo topping. A pizza pie, on the other hand, has a yeast-based dough, tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Tomato pie is more of a savory tart, while pizza is, well… pizza!
2. What recipes are in the Brenda Gantt cookbook?
Brenda Gantt has shared so many classic Southern recipes in her cookbooks! If you love homestyle cooking, you’ll find dishes like biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken, dumplings, and, of course, this famous tomato pie. Her books are packed with comforting, down-home meals that remind me of Sunday dinners with family.
3. What is the original tomato pie?
The original tomato pie has Italian roots! In places like Philadelphia, you’ll find a Sicilian-style version with a thick, bready crust, tomato sauce, and sometimes a sprinkle of Parmesan. But the Southern version-like Brenda Gantt’s-is made with fresh tomato slices, basil, and a creamy cheddar topping, all baked in a buttery pie crust. Both are delicious, just very different!
4. How do you keep tomato pie from being runny?
Oh, I’ve been there! The key is draining the tomatoes. Sprinkle sliced tomatoes with salt and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to release extra moisture. Then, pat them dry with paper towels before layering them in the pie. This makes all the difference in keeping the crust crisp and the filling from getting soggy.
5. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! I love a homemade crust, but a pre-made one saves time and still tastes amazing. Just make sure to pre-bake it so it holds up to the juicy tomatoes.
6. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the pie a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before serving. It tastes just as good the next day!
7. Can I use different cheeses?
For sure! While sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, you can mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a little Gruyère for extra richness. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.
8. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Of course! Some people add caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, or even a little garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Just don’t overload it, or the pie might get too wet.
9. What should I serve with tomato pie?
I usually serve it with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. It also pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup if you’re making it for dinner.
10. Can I freeze tomato pie?
Technically, yes, but I don’t recommend it. The tomatoes release water when thawed, which can make the crust soggy. If you must freeze it, wrap it tightly and reheat it in the oven to crisp it back up.
Brenda Gantt’s Tomato Pie is a true Southern classic-simple, delicious, and packed with fresh flavors. Whether you serve it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
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Love this
Thanks
so delicious
yeap