Tomato Pie

I wrote about tomato pie early on but since I have better pictures and tomato pie is so good I figured it should have a post all its own.

A nice slice of Tomato Pie

I made the first one of the season a week ago.  It dawned on me during my early morning ride into work that tomato pie was something we'd not had yet this year.  It's amazing what you think about early in the morning while riding a motorcycle.  Luckily, I had some pie dough in the freezer from a previous pastry dish.

Tomato pie is something that is good served hot or cold.  It can also be served by itself as a light lunch.  You can't beat a good tomato pie.  So, without further ado, into the recipe.

Tomato Pie

3 - 4 ripe tomatoes
6 - 8 slices bacon
1 medium onion, diced
9 inch pie crust
2 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Mayonnaise
salt
pepper
Basil

Slice tomatoes 1/4 inch thick.   Spread on a rack in a single layer and sprinkle with kosher salt.  Allow to drain the juices for at least 20 minutes, longer is acceptable.

Salted tomatoes draining on a rack.

Slice bacon into 1/4 inch pieces and fry until crispy.  Once done transfer to a paper towel to drain.

For the topping, put the 2 cups of Mozzarella and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese in a bowl.  Add pepper to taste.  Add mayonnaise until you have a slightly spreadable mix.

Blind bake the pie crust at 450F for 15 minutes.  Once the crust is lightly browned you are ready to assemble the pie.

To assemble the pie, spread 1/2 cup of shredded Mozzarella in the bottom of the crust.  Spread a layer of tomatoes, overlapping to cover the entire bottom of the pie.  Sprinkle half the bacon and half the onion on top of the tomatoes.  Add some Basil evenly over the layer.  Repeat with the next layers.  Add the topping in an even layer then bake at 450F for 15 - 20 minutes or until the topping is browned to your satisfaction.

Tomato Pie fresh from the oven

If you don't have fresh Basil, a good option is to sprinkle Italian seasoning on the pie in its place.  Heck, use whatever herbs you think would suit your fancy.

Tomato Pie with green tomato relish chicken and smashed roasted potatoes

 Tomato pie is well worth the time it takes to make it.  Make it and amaze your friends.  If you like tomatoes I'm certain you'll love tomato pie.  It goes with any meal or it can be a like meal in itself.

Let me know how you like it.

Uncle T