Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

I absolutely love this Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe because it delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of a traditional tomato pie without the fuss of making a crust. It’s perfect for those summer days when fresh, juicy tomatoes are at their peak — you’ll find this pie bursting with garden-fresh flavor and a creamy cheesy texture that’s downright irresistible. Plus, being crustless means it’s lighter in texture but still deeply satisfying.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how beautifully the layers of tomatoes, cheese, and herbs melded together in every bite. It makes a fabulous side dish paired with grilled meats, or a standalone vegetarian main for any meal. This Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe is truly a gem worth trying if you want something flavorful, easy to prepare, and crowd-pleasing.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The balance here is key — juicy garden tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and just the right touch of fresh herbs and garlic come together to create a flavor-packed pie without any crust. When shopping, pick ripe but firm tomatoes and good-quality cheese for the best result.

• Tomatoes: Choose medium round tomatoes that are ripe but still firm for slicing ease and best flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded; adds creamy, melty texture.
• White Cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and balances the mozzarella’s milder flavor.
• Mayonnaise: I prefer Duke’s for its tang and creaminess—it helps bind everything together.
• Eggs: Acts as a set agent to keep the pie firm and sliceable.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of aroma and flavor.
• Scallions: Use the white and light green parts for mild onion flavor and texture.
• Fresh basil: Torn leaves give a fragrant herbal note.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out tomato moisture.
• Nonstick cooking spray or oil: Makes sure the pie doesn’t stick and is easy to slice.

Variations

I like mixing things up sometimes to suit what I have on hand or to accommodate different tastes at the table. This Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe is really flexible, so don’t be shy about making it your own!

• Smoky Bacon: Adding crisp cooked bacon gives a smoky crunch that my family loves—it adds a great savory depth.
• Cheese Swap: Provolone or Monterey Jack make delicious alternatives if you don’t have mozzarella or cheddar.
• Herb Tweaks: Sometimes I add a little thyme or oregano with basil for a twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Try vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese substitutes to keep this pie accessible.

How to Make Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Tomatoes to Avoid a Soggy Pie

Start by slicing your tomatoes about 1/4 to 1/3-inch thick, then generously salt both sides of each slice. Lay them out on layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to drain off excess moisture for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial—I learned the hard way that skipping it leads to a watery pie. After draining, blot the slices dry gently to soak up any remaining liquid. Trust me, this drying process gives you a much better texture in your pie.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Base

In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, white cheddar, mayonnaise, eggs, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper. This blend not only adds creaminess but also acts as a binder, giving the pie structure while keeping it luscious. Make sure to mix it well so the cheese and mayonnaise are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Spray your pie pan with nonstick spray or brush with olive oil. Spread about a third of the cheese mixture on the bottom, then layer a third of the tomatoes, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the remaining cheese mixture over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with half the scallions and half the torn basil leaves. Repeat layering one more time with tomatoes and cheese mixture, scallions, and basil. Finally, top with the remaining tomatoes and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. The beautiful layered effect is part of what makes this recipe so special.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top, and the center reaches 165°F. Let the pie rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing — this resting time helps everything set up, so your slices hold nicely when serving. I’ve found that rushing this step can turn your pie into a gooey mess, so patience really pays off here!

How to Serve Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh basil or parsley on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt really elevates the flavor, especially if your tomatoes aren’t as sweet as you’d hoped.

Side Dishes

This Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe pairs beautifully with simple green salads, crusty bread, or grilled chicken. On warmer nights, I serve it alongside some roasted asparagus or light coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual mini pies in ramekins for a charming presentation or cut the pie into neat squares and layer them on a wooden board with fresh herbs and olives. It makes a fantastic appetizer or brunch centerpiece that always sparks compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great next-day lunch option.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen leftovers occasionally, I find freezing changes the texture of the tomatoes a bit. If you need to freeze it, wrap portions tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I place a wedge on foil in the oven at 350°F for about 15-18 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that fresh-baked texture; the oven method does a much better job at preserving the pie’s lovely layers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crustless Southern Tomato Pie Recipe has truly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want the taste of Southern comfort without the fuss. It’s simple but impressive, fresh but rich, and every time I serve it, family and friends ask for seconds. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful way to highlight summer tomatoes and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal. Trust me, once you make it a few times, you’ll have your own little twist to keep coming back to!

Print