Do you love fresh summer flavors? The Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe is a true Southern classic.
This Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe brings the garden to your table. You will learn how to make Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe easily today.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings. It tastes like a warm hug from Alabama. Everyone will ask for this Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe.
Let us start cooking this amazing meal together.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This pie is special because of its simple soul. It features ripe tomatoes and a creamy cheese topping. The flavor is salty, tangy, and very rich.
It feels like a summer party in your mouth. The texture is a mix of soft and crunchy. The crust stays crisp while the middle is gooey.
It is very easy to make for beginners. You only need about one hour of total time. It is a classic comfort food for any home.
Brenda Gantt keeps things very honest and fast. You do not need fancy skills to succeed.
This pie celebrates the harvest in the best way. It is a timeless dish for any home cook.
Equipment List
- 9-inch Pie Plate: This holds your crust and all the yummy filling. It keeps the shape of the pie perfectly.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You use this to mix the cheese and mayo. It gives you plenty of space to stir.
- Sharp Knife: You need this to slice the tomatoes thin. A sharp blade makes the job very safe.
- Paper Towels: These are vital for drying the sliced tomatoes. They help prevent a soggy bottom crust.
- Cooling Rack: This helps the pie set after it bakes. It allows air to flow under the plate.
- Box Grater: Use this to shred your blocks of cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts much better than bagged.
Ingredients You Need for Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe
- Pie Crust: This provides a buttery and flaky base. You can use homemade or store-bought dough.
- Fresh Tomatoes: These are the stars of the whole show. Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: This adds a sharp and savory taste. It melts into a golden layer on top.
- Mayonnaise: This creates a creamy and rich binder. It holds the cheese and herbs together well.
- Green Onions: These add a mild and fresh bite. They look beautiful sprinkled inside the pie.
- Dried Basil: This herb pairs perfectly with fresh tomatoes. It adds a lovely sweet and earthy aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings wake up every flavor. Always season your tomato layers well.
How to Assemble Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit first. Place your pie crust in the pie plate. Prick the bottom with a fork several times. Bake the crust for about ten minutes alone.
- Slice your fresh tomatoes into thick rounds now. Place the slices on several paper towels. Sprinkle them with a little bit of salt. Let them sit for ten minutes to drain.
- Pat the tops of the tomatoes with towels. You must remove as much water as possible. This prevents the pie from becoming too watery. Wet tomatoes will ruin a good crispy crust.
- Mix your cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add the chopped green onions and dried basil. Stir the mixture until it is very smooth. This will be your delicious top layer.
- Layer the tomato slices into the pre-baked crust. Season each layer with a little black pepper. Fill the crust nearly to the top edge. Make sure the tomatoes are spread out evenly.
- Spread the cheese and mayo mixture over tomatoes. Cover the entire top surface to the edges. This seals in the juices while it bakes. Use a spoon to smooth the top nicely.
- Place the pie back into the hot oven. Bake it for thirty to forty minutes now. The top should be bubbly and golden brown. The smell will fill your whole kitchen soon.
- Remove the pie from the oven carefully. Let it sit for twenty minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the pie stay together. If you cut it hot, it falls apart.
Recipe Success Tips
- Always drain the tomatoes on paper towels first.
- This stops the pie from being too soggy.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor profile.
- Do not skip the pre-baking of the crust.
- Let the pie rest before you slice it.
- Fresh garden tomatoes always taste the best here.
How To Store Leftover
- You can store leftovers in the fridge easily. Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap. It stays fresh for up to three days.
- Do not freeze the tomato pie. The tomatoes will become mushy after thawing. Reheat a slice in the oven for crispness. A microwave works but makes it a bit soft.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
- This pie goes great with a green salad. A light vinaigrette balances the rich cheese. You can serve it with grilled chicken too.
- Corn on the cob is another great side. Many people enjoy it with a cold tea. It is a perfect light lunch or dinner. Add a side of fresh fruit for sweetness.
Nutritions
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Sodium | 410mg |
FAQs about Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe
Q: Can I use light mayonnaise for this?
A: Yes, you can use light mayo. However, the texture will be less creamy. Full-fat mayo gives the most traditional Southern flavor.
Q: What kind of tomatoes are best?
A: Roma or Beefsteak tomatoes work the best. They have more meat and less juice inside. This helps the pie stay firm and tasty.
Q: Do I have to peel the tomatoes?
A: No, you do not have to peel them. The skins soften significantly during the baking process. It saves time and adds a nice texture.
Q: Can I add bacon to this pie?
A: Yes, crispy bacon bits are a great addition. Stir them into the cheese mixture before baking. It adds a wonderful smoky saltiness.
Final Thoughts
Making this pie is a joy for everyone. It brings the taste of the South home. You will love the simple, fresh ingredients used.
Follow these steps for a perfect meal today. We hope you enjoy this Southern staple with your family.
Share this recipe with your best friends now. It is too good to keep a secret. Happy baking to all the home cooks out there!
May your kitchen always smell like fresh tomatoes.
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Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 9-Inch Pie Plate
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
- Box Grater
Ingredients
- Pie Crust 1 9- inch
- Large Tomatoes 4
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1 Cup
- Mayonnaise 1/2 Cup
- Green Onions 1/4 Cup
- Dried Basil 1 Tsp
- Salt 1/2 Tsp
- Black Pepper 1/4 Tsp
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit first. Place your pie crust in the pie plate. Prick the bottom with a fork several times. Bake the crust for about ten minutes alone.
- Slice your fresh tomatoes into thick rounds now. Place the slices on several paper towels. Sprinkle them with a little bit of salt. Let them sit for ten minutes to drain.
- Pat the tops of the tomatoes with towels. You must remove as much water as possible. This prevents the pie from becoming too watery. Wet tomatoes will ruin a good crispy crust.
- Mix your cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add the chopped green onions and dried basil. Stir the mixture until it is very smooth. This will be your delicious top layer.
- Layer the tomato slices into the pre-baked crust. Season each layer with a little black pepper. Fill the crust nearly to the top edge. Make sure the tomatoes are spread out evenly.
- Spread the cheese and mayo mixture over tomatoes. Cover the entire top surface to the edges. This seals in the juices while it bakes. Use a spoon to smooth the top nicely.
- Place the pie back into the hot oven. Bake it for thirty to forty minutes now. The top should be bubbly and golden brown. The smell will fill your whole kitchen soon.
- Remove the pie from the oven carefully. Let it sit for twenty minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the pie stay together. If you cut it hot, it falls apart.
Notes
- Always drain the tomatoes on paper towels first.
- This stops the pie from being too soggy.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor profile.
- Do not skip the pre-baking of the crust.
- Let the pie rest before you slice it.
- Fresh garden tomatoes always taste the best here.
