Description
This Savory Cherry Tomato Pie is a delightful summer treat combining the fresh sweetness of cherry tomatoes with a creamy cheese filling baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust. Perfect as a brunch centerpiece or a light dinner, its vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it a seasonal favorite to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie
- 1 package Refrigerated Pie Crust
Filling
- 1 cup Cheese (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella; any meltable cheese can be used)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup Chives (or green onions as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Topping
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (sweet grape or heirloom tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (chiffonade for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Lay the refrigerated pie crust into a pie pan, pressing it to fit snugly and crimp the edges if you want a decorative touch.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy base for the pie.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cheese mixture across the pie crust, making sure to cover the base thoroughly for consistent flavor.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and arrange them on top of the cheese layer. Sprinkle with salt and a little extra pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbling and set.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, which helps the filling firm up for clean slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the chiffonade of fresh basil across the top to add aromatic freshness and a pop of color.
Notes
- For a lighter filling, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Use any meltable cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for personalized flavor.
- Sweet grape or heirloom cherry tomatoes work best for a balanced sweet-tart taste.
- Allowing the pie to cool fully before slicing ensures cleaner, neater pieces.
- Chives can be replaced with green onions if preferred.
