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Healthy Southern Tomato Pie

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Imagine a slice of summer: a flaky crust cradling juicy, ripe tomatoes, bound in a creamy, cheesy filling with a bright kick of fresh basil. This Healthy Southern Tomato Pie is a lighter, modern take on the classic, delivering all the comforting flavor without the heaviness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 9-inch deep dish pie crust, frozen
  • 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped into pieces (around 3 to 4 cups)
  • 3/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise (e.g., duke's)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • Generous handful of fresh basil, sliced thinly or chopped (approximately 1/4 cup)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Tomatoes: Chop the ripe tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in a colander over a bowl or in the sink and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. This crucial step, known as "sweating," draws out excess moisture for about 15-20 minutes. In my tests, this prevents a soggy crust, which is the most common pitfall for tomato pie.
  2. Preheat and Prep Crust: While the tomatoes drain, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the frozen deep-dish pie crust from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet. (Pro tip: Using a baking sheet makes it easier to handle and contains any potential drips.) There's no need to thaw it first.
  3. Make the Cheesy Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the high-quality mayonnaise, shredded sharp cheddar, and shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and creamy. This creates the rich, cohesive binder for your pie.
  4. Assemble the Pie: Pat the drained tomato pieces dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining surface moisture. Layer half of the tomatoes into the bottom of the frozen pie crust. Sprinkle with half of the chopped fresh basil and a crack of black pepper. Spread the entire cheesy mayonnaise mixture evenly over this layer. Top with the remaining tomatoes and the rest of the basil.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the assembled pie to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You're looking for the crust to be deeply golden brown and the cheesy filling to be bubbly and lightly browned on top. Unlike boiling, baking at this high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes, intensifying their flavor.
  6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period is non-negotiable—it allows the filling to set, making it much easier to slice cleanly. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor in every slice of this Healthy Southern Tomato Pie.

Find it online: https://www.receipster.com/healthy-southern-tomato-pie/

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