There’s something magical about the combination of ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and cheesy goodness. Tomato Basil Pie is a dish that perfectly captures the flavors of summer in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a unique addition to brunch, this pie is sure to impress your family, friends, or guests. It's easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and delivers hearty comfort with a burst of flavor.
If you've never tried a Tomato Basil Pie, prepare to fall in love. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough to show off at a gathering. Let's get started!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
For the Pie Crust (optional if using store-bought):
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 4–5 tablespoons of ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 4 large fresh tomatoes, sliced
- Salt, to remove excess moisture
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust (Skip if using store-bought)
- Mix the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and flute them if desired.
- Pre-bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Remove and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes
- Slice the tomatoes and lay them out on a paper towel-lined tray or plate. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and allow them to sit for 15–20 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, so your pie doesn’t become soggy.
- Afterward, gently pat the tomatoes dry with more paper towels.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix until well-blended.
- Layer half of the tomato slices on the pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle half of the fresh basil over the tomatoes.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the top. Repeat with another layer of tomatoes, basil, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used up.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Serving & Variations
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this Tomato Basil Pie with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup for a light, delightful meal.
- Customizing the Layers: Feel free to add caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are the stars here, you can swap them with Gruyère, feta, or goat cheese for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Fresh Herbs: If you love basil, don’t stop there—add a little fresh thyme or rosemary to the filling for extra herbal depth.
Why You’ll Love It
Tomato Basil Pie is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and sophistication to any table. Its vibrant flavors make it ideal for summer lunches, cozy dinners, or even as a next-day leftover treat. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—it can be dressed up or kept simple, but it always satisfies.
Go ahead, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. One slice of this savory, cheesy delight, and you’ll understand why Tomato Basil Pie is a seasonal classic!
إرسال تعليق