Southern Tomato Pie
One delicious way to enjoy the season's bounty is with a classic Southern Tomato Pie. This savory dish combines ripe tomatoes, cheese, herbs, and a flaky crust to create a meal that's simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a family gathering. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also budget-friendly, feeding up to eight people for around $10–$12 total.

Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust
- 3–4 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Step 2 Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 3 Arrange tomato slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then gently pat dry.
- Step 4 Layer tomatoes and onions in the prepared pie crust.
- Step 5 In a separate bowl, combine cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), basil, and black pepper.
- Step 6 Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes.
- Step 7 Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 8 Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Health Benefits
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant associated with numerous health benefits. Pairing tomatoes with dairy products helps create a satisfying meal while providing protein and calcium. This recipe is also easy to customize based on what’s available in your kitchen. Add corn, spinach, zucchini, or fresh herbs to make it your own.