Cheesy Summer Tomato Pie

This cheesy summer tomato pie is basically the answer to “what do I do with all these tomatoes” that actually makes people fight over the last slice.

Picture layers of roasted summer tomatoes nestled between creamy, bacon-studded cheese filling that’s somehow both indulgent and surprisingly sophisticated.

The secret weapon here is roasting the tomatoes first, which concentrates their flavor and prevents that dreaded soggy bottom crust situation.

You’ll get that perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, smoky bacon, and melty cheese all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust that holds everything together like the MVP it is.

This is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a fancy restaurant and your neighbors suddenly very interested in being friends.

Fair warning: once you master this pie, you’ll become the person everyone expects to bring it to every summer gathering, and honestly, there are worse fates.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 1 pie crust (homemade or purchased – you’ll also need pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice with parchment paper for blind baking)

For the Cheesy Tomato Pie

• 3 lbs fresh tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick (heirloom, Roma, or Beefsteak varieties work beautifully)
• Kosher salt for drawing out moisture
• 4 slices bacon, roughly chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 /2 cup good quality mayonnaise
• 1 /2 cup cottage cheese (not low or non-fat), whipped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 /4 tsp dried chili flakes
• 1 egg
• 3 /4 cup medium Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 /4 cup Mozzarella or Fontina cheese, shredded
• 1 /2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 /2 cup fresh baby spinach, finely chopped
• 1 /4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Par-Bake the Pie Crust

1. 1 Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and set a rack in the lower third of the oven. This positioning ensures even bottom crust browning and prevents soggy bottoms.
2. 2 Roll out the pastry on a well-floured surface using a rolling pin, working from the center outward to maintain even thickness. Place the pie pastry in your pie dish and crimp the edges as desired – this isn’t just decorative, it helps seal the crust.
3. 3 Dock the bottom thoroughly with a fork, creating holes every 1/2 inch to prevent puffing. Line the pie with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice to weigh down the crust.
4. 4 Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the bottom appears mostly dried out. The crust should look set but not deeply browned at this stage.

Prepare the Tomatoes

1. 5 While the crust bakes, layer one or two baking sheets with paper towels. Place the sliced tomatoes on the paper towels and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. This draws out excess moisture that would otherwise make your pie watery.
2. 6 Remove the pie shell from the oven and carefully remove the parchment paper and weights. Let cool completely on a wire rack – this prevents the filling from melting into a hot crust later.
3. 7 Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to stabilize for 5 minutes before proceeding.
4. 8 Set wire racks on top of one or two baking sheets. Lay out all but 3 tomato slices (reserve these on a plate for the final topping) on the wire racks. Roast in the center of the oven for 40-45 minutes. The tomatoes should be visibly drying out and developing an intensely aromatic, concentrated smell.
5. 9 Remove the baking sheets with racks and tomatoes to the stovetop and let cool for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the filling. This roasting step is crucial for preventing excess liquid from making your pie soggy.

Prepare the Filling

1. 10 Heat a medium-sized cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until just starting to crisp and fat is being rendered, about 6-8 minutes. You want crispy but not dried out bacon.
2. 11 Once the bacon is properly browned and crispy, add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and onion mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3. 12 In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, whipped cottage cheese, slightly cooled bacon and onion mixture, Dijon mustard, chili flakes, egg, and both shredded cheeses. Stir with a wooden spoon until completely combined and smooth.

Assemble and Bake

1. 13 Add a thin layer of the cheesy filling to the cooled par-baked pie crust. Use a small offset spatula to spread the filling evenly to the edges, creating a level base for your first tomato layer.
2. 14 Using a small offset spatula, gently lift the roasted tomatoes off the cooling racks and carefully arrange one layer over the cheesy filling. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes for added flavor depth.
3. 15 Scatter half of the fresh basil and fresh spinach evenly over the tomato layer, distributing the herbs for maximum flavor impact in every bite.
4. 16 Repeat the layering process: add another layer of cheesy filling, followed by roasted tomatoes, black pepper, and the remaining basil and spinach. Add one final layer of the cheesy filling on top, spreading carefully to cover. Scatter additional shredded cheese to cover any gaps or exposed tomatoes.
5. 17 Top with the 3 reserved fresh tomato slices and sprinkle with a little more freshly ground black pepper for the finishing touch.
6. 18 Bake at 350°F (175°C) in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes. Then move the pie to the center rack and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
7. 19 Let the pie rest for 1 full hour before serving. If served sooner, the filling will still be somewhat fluid. Serve warm or at room temperature with a final scattering of fresh basil.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

• Kitchen scale – For accurate ingredient measurements, especially when portioning the 3 lbs of tomatoes evenly
• Cast iron skillet – Provides even heat distribution for perfectly crispy bacon and translucent onions
• Wire cooling racks – Essential for the tomato roasting process that prevents soggy pie filling
• Offset spatula – Makes transferring delicate roasted tomatoes and spreading filling layers much easier

Helpful Upgrades

• Pie weights or ceramic beans – More effective than dried beans for even crust blind-baking
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking during blind baking and makes weight removal effortless
• Digital instant-read thermometer – Helps ensure your oven temperature is accurate for proper roasting
• Silicone spatula set – Perfect for folding the cheese mixture without overworking

Nice-to-Have Options

Mandoline slicer – Creates perfectly uniform 1/4-inch tomato slices for professional presentation

Food processor – Quickly and evenly chops the onion and fresh herbs

Multiple baking sheets – Allows you to roast all tomatoes at once rather than in batches

Bench scraper – Helpful for transferring chopped ingredients and keeping your workspace organized

These tools aren’t requirements, but they’ll make your pie-making process smoother and more enjoyable, especially when working with the delicate roasted tomatoes.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

• Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or gluten-free flour blend
• Add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it for better binding
• Expect slightly different texture – gluten-free crusts tend to be more crumbly but equally delicious
• Blind bake for an additional 5 minutes as gluten-free crusts take longer to set

Dairy-Free Modifications

• Substitute vegan mayonnaise and cashew cream cheese for the dairy components
• Replace Cheddar and Mozzarella with nutritional yeast (3/4 cup total) for cheesy flavor
• Use coconut milk (thick part) instead of cottage cheese for creaminess
• The texture will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying

Vegetarian Version

• Omit the bacon and add 2 tbsp olive oil to sauté the onions
• Include 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) for smoky depth
• Add 1 tsp smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for bacon-like flavor
• Consider roasted red peppers for additional umami

Low-Carb/Keto Adaptation

• Replace pie crust with cauliflower crust or almond flour crust
• The filling is naturally keto-friendly with its high fat content from cheese and mayonnaise
• Reduce tomatoes to 2 lbs to lower carb content further
• Each serving drops to approximately 8-10g net carbs

Flavor Variations

• Mediterranean style: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano
• Italian herb version: Include rosemary, thyme, and Parmesan cheese
• Spicy kick: Increase chili flakes and add jalapeños or hot sauce
• Autumn twist: Add caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This tomato pie provides approximately 320 calories per serving when cut into 8 pieces. The combination of eggs, cheese, and cottage cheese delivers about 18g protein per serving, making it surprisingly satisfying. The 3 lbs of fresh tomatoes contribute significant vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene while keeping the overall carb content moderate at around 22g per serving. The bacon adds flavor while contributing 8g of fat, balanced by the healthy fats from the cheese and mayonnaise.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The fresh tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when cooked, making the roasting process nutritionally beneficial. Fresh basil provides anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamin K, while the cottage cheese adds probiotics and high-quality protein. The eggs contribute choline for brain health and complete amino acids. Even the bacon, when consumed in moderation, provides B vitamins and selenium.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten (from the crust), dairy (multiple cheeses), and eggs, making it unsuitable for those with these allergies. However, it’s naturally rich in protein and provides a good balance of macronutrients. The 1-hour resting time allows the flavors to meld while making the pie easier to digest. One serving provides about 25% of daily vitamin C needs and 15% of daily protein requirements for most adults.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Cottage cheese → Ricotta cheese (1:1 ratio) for creamier texture
• Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt (3/4 the amount) for tangier, lighter flavor
• Bacon → Pancetta or prosciutto (same amount) for different flavor profiles
• Cheddar cheese → Gouda or aged white cheddar for more complex taste

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Heirloom tomatoes → Roma tomatoes (equally delicious, more affordable)
• Fresh basil → Dried basil (use 1/3 the amount) when fresh isn’t available
• Fontina cheese → Monterey Jack for similar melting properties at lower cost
• Good quality mayonnaise → Homemade mayonnaise using basic ingredients

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• Dijon mustard → Yellow mustard + pinch of garlic powder
• Fresh spinach → Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry, use half the amount)
• Chili flakes → Paprika + cayenne pepper (1/8 tsp cayenne to 1/4 tsp paprika)
• Yellow onion → Shallots (2 large shallots) or green onions (white parts only)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• When using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water thoroughly to prevent soggy filling
• Homemade pie crust can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated
• Pre-shredded cheese works but freshly grated melts more smoothly
• Store leftover herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil for future use

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

• Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour crust to reduce carbs by approximately 15g per serving
• Reduce tomatoes to 2 lbs instead of 3 lbs to cut 8g carbs from the total recipe
• Use sugar-free mayonnaise if available to eliminate hidden sugars
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase volume without significantly increasing carbs

Portion & Blood Sugar Management:

• Recommended serving size: 1/10 of the pie instead of 1/8 to reduce carb load to approximately 16g per serving
• Pair with protein-rich side like grilled chicken or mixed green salad to slow glucose absorption
• Serve with healthy fats such as avocado slices or nuts to further moderate blood sugar response
• Best timing: Serve as lunch rather than dinner when insulin sensitivity is typically higher

Ingredient Modifications:

• Increase protein content by adding extra eggs (use 2 instead of 1) to improve satiety
• Add fiber with chia seeds (1 tbsp) mixed into the cheese filling
• Use full-fat dairy products as specified – they help slow carb absorption better than low-fat versions
• Include extra herbs and spices like oregano and garlic for flavor without carbs

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce the carb content from 22g to approximately 14g per serving while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the tomato acidity beautifully, while the herbal notes in the wine echo the fresh basil. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or light lager won’t compete with the delicate cheese flavors. Sparkling water with lemon provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites, while iced tea with fresh mint makes this perfect for summer entertaining.

Side Dish Recommendations

A mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness while adding fresh crunch. Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini provide complementary vegetables that won’t overshadow the tomato flavors. Garlic bread or focaccia makes this more substantial for hungry crowds, while fresh fruit salad with watermelon and feta creates a cohesive summer menu.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with caprese skewers or bruschetta to build on the tomato theme, then serve the pie as the main course with grilled chicken or Italian sausages for heartier appetites. Lemon sorbet or fresh berry tart provides a light, refreshing finish that won’t compete with the savory richness of the pie.

Occasion Suggestions

This pie shines at summer potlucks, garden parties, and casual dinner parties where it can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings paired with mimosas, and makes an elegant picnic centerpiece since it travels well and doesn’t require reheating.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Salt your tomato slices 2 hours ahead if possible – the longer salting time draws out even more moisture for a firmer pie. When blind-baking the crust, prick any bubbles that form with a fork immediately. Use a kitchen scale to ensure your tomato slices are uniform thickness for even cooking. Whip the cottage cheese in a food processor for 30 seconds to eliminate lumps and create a smoother filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Never skip the tomato roasting step – raw tomatoes will make your pie watery and disappointing. Don’t assemble the pie until the crust is completely cool, or the cheese mixture will melt and create a soggy bottom. Avoid overloading with filling; it should be generous but not overflowing, or it will bubble over during baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This pie keeps covered in the refrigerator for 3 days and actually improves in flavor as it sits. Reheat individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to crisp the crust. The roasted tomatoes can be prepared 1 day ahead and stored covered. Freeze baked pie for up to 2 months – thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Scaling and Presentation

This recipe doubles easily for crowd feeding – use two 9-inch pies rather than one large pan. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomato halves for restaurant-style presentation. Serve on warmed plates to enhance the cheese flavors and create a more luxurious experience.