Easy Crustless Tomato Pie: Summer's Savory Slice (Print Version)

Easy Crustless Tomato Pie brings garden freshness to your table without the fuss. Juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and herbs make a savory summer delight.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce Stars

01 - 4-5 large ripe tomatoes (about 2 lbs), any kind
02 - 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

→ Creamy Filling Essentials

04 - 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
05 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend)
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for draining tomatoes
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those beautiful tomatoes ready. Slice them about a quarter-inch thick, not too thin or they'll get mushy, and not too thick or they won't cook through evenly. Lay them out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle them with a little salt. This step is super important, honestly! It helps draw out excess moisture, preventing a watery pie. I've skipped this before, thinking "oh, it'll be fine," and ended up with a slightly less firm pie. Don't be like me; embrace the towel-drying!
02 - While your tomatoes are doing their thing, grab a medium bowl for the filling. Whisk together the mayonnaise, shredded cheese, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where your pie starts to take shape! It should be a thick, spreadable mixture. If it feels too stiff, a tiny splash of milk can help, but usually, the mayo does the trick. I once tried to use a fork for this, and it was a lumpy mess. A whisk is your best friend here, trust me on that one!
03 - Now for the fun part: layering! Grab a 9-inch pie plate. I usually give it a quick spray with non-stick spray, just in case. Arrange about a third of your sliced tomatoes in a single layer on the bottom. Then, spread about half of the sliced onions over the tomatoes, followed by a third of the mayo-cheese mixture. Sprinkle with some fresh basil. Repeat these layers once more, ending with the remaining tomatoes on top. It’s like building a delicious little edible tower!
04 - For the grand finale, generously spread the remaining mayo-cheese mixture over the top layer of tomatoes. Make sure to get it right to the edges, creating a nice, even blanket. This top layer bakes into a beautiful golden crust, honestly! I always make sure there are no tomato peeking holes, because that cheesy topping is just so good. This is where you can really see your pie transforming into something truly special.
05 - Pop your pie plate into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 45-55 minutes. You're looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and a bubbly, set filling. The whole kitchen will start smelling incredible – warm, savory, a little cheesy! I usually peek around the 40-minute mark. If it's browning too fast, a loose foil tent can save the day. Just don't let it burn, that's a sad sight, truly!
06 - This step is crucial, and honestly, the hardest for me because I just want to dig in! Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the pie to set properly, making it much easier to slice and serve. If you cut into it too soon, it might be a bit loose, which is fine for taste, but not so pretty. Trust me, the wait is worth it for those perfect, neat slices!

# Notes:

01 - Always, always salt your sliced tomatoes and let them drain. This is the secret to a non-soggy pie, I learned that the hard way!
02 - Don't be afraid to mix up the cheeses; a sharp cheddar and a creamy Monterey Jack is my personal favorite combo.
03 - Fresh basil is truly essential here; dried just won't give you that bright, summery flavor this pie deserves.
04 - Serve warm or at room temperature with a simple green salad for a perfect light meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9-inch pie plate
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - sharp knife
05 - cutting board
06 - paper towels

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