Rustic Crustless Southern Tomato Pie: A Summer Delight (Print Version)

Crustless Southern Tomato Pie is pure summer joy! This easy, cheesy, savory pie skips the crust for a lighter, flavor-packed bite. A true taste of the South.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Southern American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 3-4 large ripe tomatoes (or 5-6 medium), sliced 1/4-inch thick
02 - 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
03 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy & Cheese

05 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
06 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry Staples

09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - Salt, to taste (for tomatoes and seasoning)
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Flavor Boosters

12 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
13 - Dash of hot sauce

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, those beautiful tomatoes need a little spa treatment. Slice them about 1/4 inch thick, then lay them out on a few layers of paper towels. Sprinkle them generously with salt – this is where I always remember to be heavy-handed! Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour. You'll see pools of water forming, and honestly, that's what we want. Gently blot them dry with more paper towels. This step is crucial; it stops your Crustless Southern Tomato Pie from getting watery, a mistake I learned the hard way.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and flour. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined and looks like a thick, cheesy paste. This is the heart of our pie! Add your minced garlic and a good pinch of black pepper here too. I sometimes toss in a tiny dash of hot sauce for a little zing, just a secret little something I do. It adds a warmth you didn't expect.
03 - Grab a 9-inch pie dish – no need to grease it, just plop your ingredients right in! Start with a layer of those blotted tomato slices on the bottom. Overlap them slightly, like shingles on a roof. Then, sprinkle a small amount of your thinly sliced onion and some fresh basil over the tomatoes. Oh, the smell starts to get amazing at this point!
04 - Now, spoon about half of your cheesy mayonnaise mixture over that first layer of tomatoes, onion, and basil. Spread it out as evenly as you can. It's a bit sticky, but just go with it. This creates a creamy, rich layer that holds everything together beautifully. I usually use the back of a spoon to gently spread it, trying not to squish the tomatoes too much.
05 - Repeat the layering process: another layer of tomato slices, followed by the rest of the sliced onion and basil. Then, spread the remaining cheesy mixture over the top. Make sure it covers most of the tomatoes, creating that beautiful, golden crust. Sometimes I get a little messy here, with cheese bits everywhere, but it all bakes into deliciousness, so who cares?
06 - Pop your pie dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible! When it comes out, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time is key; it lets the pie set up, so it doesn't fall apart when you cut into it.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip the salting and draining step for the tomatoes; it's a game-changer for avoiding a watery pie.
02 - This pie keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but honestly, it's best warm from the oven. Reheat gently in the oven to keep that cheesy crust nice.
03 - Tried a mix of Gruyere and Monterey Jack once when I was out of cheddar. It worked! Just go with what you like, cheese-wise.
04 - A side of crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

# Equipment Needed:

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

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 25-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 15-20g

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