Tomato Pie
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (plus resting time)
Servings: 8
Category: Main Dish
⸻
Notes After Making
Add
⸻
Ingredients
Crust
Choose one option:
Traditional Pie Crust
- 1 deep-dish pie crust, unbaked
Cracker Crust
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1¼ cups (150 g) cracker crumbs, 1 1/2 sleeves
Biscuit Topping
Recipe here
Roasted Tomatoes
- 2½ pounds heirloom, vine-ripened, or Roma tomatoes, sliced about ⅓-inch thick
- 3–4 garlic cloves, peeled
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Custard Filling
- 1 large egg
- ¼–⅓ cup (60–75 g) Duke’s mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup (75 g) half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Roasted garlic cloves, minced
- 10 fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 cup freshly grated Fontina or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
⸻
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Slice the tomatoes into approximately ⅓-inch slices and arrange them on two parchment-lined baking sheets along with the garlic cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 60–75 minutes. Remove the garlic after about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Allow the tomatoes to cool, then gently pat away any excess moisture with paper towels.
Prepare the Crust
For a traditional pie crust:
- Place the crust into a deep-dish pie plate. (If using a standard pie plate, place it on a baking sheet to catch any overflow.)
- Freeze for 1-hour or overnight or follow blind baking instructions below.
- Dock the bottom with a fork.
- Line with parchment paper and pie weights.
- Blind bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove the parchment and weights, then continue baking for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
For a cracker crust:
- Combine the melted butter and cracker crumbs until evenly moistened.
- Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly before filling.
Prepare the Custard
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, roasted garlic, basil, and thyme until smooth.
Assemble the Pie
- Sprinkle a small amount of the cheddar cheese over the bottom of the crust.
- Arrange half of the roasted tomatoes in an even layer.
- Spoon half of the custard mixture over the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheeses and bacon, if using.
- Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, custard, cheeses, and bacon.
Bake
- Bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pie to rest for 30–45 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes for cleaner slices.
⸻
Jessica’s Notes
Best served with:
- Mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette
Wine Pairing:
- Sauvignon Blanc - Bright acidity and citrus notes complement the sweet roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy custard while keeping the pie feeling light.
- Pinot Grigio - Crisp and refreshing with delicate fruit flavors that balance the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Chardonnay – Offers notes of apple, pear, and subtle vanilla that pair beautifully with the Fontina and cheddar while complementing the roasted garlic.
- Dry Rosé – Fresh berry flavors and lively acidity provide a refreshing contrast to the savory pie, making it an excellent choice for brunch, lunch, or a warm summer dinner.
Prep Ahead:
- Roast the tomatoes and garlic up to 2 days in advance.
- Blind bake the crust a day ahead.
- Grate the cheeses and prepare the custard several hours before assembling.
Storage:
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 150–165°F.
Variations:
- Add caramelized onions between the tomato layers.
- Substitute Gruyère or mozzarella for the Fontina.
- Use fresh oregano instead of thyme.
- Omit the bacon for a delicious vegetarian pie.
