This Crustless Tomato Pie is a savory dish that highlights the freshness of ripe tomatoes with the richness of melted cheese. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a golden, bubbly top, while the tomatoes provide a juicy contrast beneath.
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant addition to your next dinner party, this dish requires no crust, making it lighter while still satisfying your cravings for comfort food. You can easily tweak it by adding herbs or spices that you love, and it’s versatile enough to work as a main or a side dish. Its simplicity in preparation makes it a great option for those new to cooking or anyone looking for an easy but flavorful dish.
Full Recipe:
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4 large tomatoes, sliced
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 small onion, diced
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and sauté the diced onions until translucent, about 3 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and sautéed onions. Season with salt and pepper.
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In a greased baking dish, layer the tomato slices in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly.
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Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes, smoothing it out evenly.
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Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Beauty of Crustless Tomato Pie
One of the key benefits of this crustless version is its simplicity. Traditional tomato pies are often made with a flaky, buttery crust, but sometimes you just want to enjoy the pure flavors of the tomatoes and cheese without the heaviness of pastry. By removing the crust, the dish becomes lighter while still offering the comforting taste of a savory pie. The tomatoes remain the star of the show, their sweetness and acidity balanced perfectly by the richness of the cheese. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak the flavors with your favorite herbs, spices, and even the type of cheese used.
Another reason to love this dish is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen, this pie will not overwhelm you with complex techniques or ingredients. It’s a simple mix, layer, and bake process that results in a flavorful, satisfying dish that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Why You Should Try Crustless Tomato Pie
There are several reasons why this crustless tomato pie will become a staple in your recipe collection. Let’s take a closer look at why this dish is so beloved and worth trying.
Perfect for Tomato Season
Tomatoes are in season during the warmer months, and this recipe is a great way to showcase their full flavor. When tomatoes are at their peak, they’re sweet, juicy, and packed with nutrients. This pie uses fresh, ripe tomatoes, so each bite bursts with the essence of summer. If you grow your own tomatoes, this is the ideal recipe to put your harvest to good use. Even if you buy tomatoes at the store, choosing fresh, vine-ripened varieties will elevate the dish.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual get-together with friends, this crustless tomato pie is guaranteed to be a hit. The rich, cheesy layers combined with the savory tomatoes create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. It’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can pop it in the oven when guests arrive and have a meal that feels like a special treat without the fuss of last-minute cooking.
Versatile and Customizable
This crustless tomato pie is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. While the base recipe calls for cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Goat cheese, feta, or Gruyère would all make excellent substitutions, adding unique flavors and textures. Additionally, the herbs and spices used in this recipe are flexible—add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavors, or spice it up with red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
For a healthier version, you can use low-fat or dairy-free cheeses, and for a heartier dish, add some cooked bacon or sausage to the filling. You could even experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to give the pie a fresh twist.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best things about this crustless tomato pie is how well it stores. You can prepare it the day before and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner the next day. It’s also easy to reheat, making it perfect for meal prepping. The flavors tend to develop even more after a day or two, and the pie stays just as delicious, whether served warm or cold.
A Gluten-Free Delight
For those following a gluten-free diet, this crustless tomato pie is a fantastic option. Since there’s no crust involved, you won’t need to worry about any gluten-containing ingredients, and the dish is naturally gluten-free. It’s also a great choice for those on a low-carb diet, as the absence of a crust keeps the carb count low. It’s important to check the labels of the cheeses and mayonnaise to ensure they are free from any hidden gluten, but overall, this dish can easily fit into a gluten-free lifestyle.
Pairing Suggestions for Crustless Tomato Pie
While this crustless tomato pie is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. Here are a few great options to complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the pie:
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Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pie. Consider adding ingredients like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, and top with fresh herbs, avocado, and nuts for texture.
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Garlic Bread or Crusty Loaf: For those who aren’t concerned about gluten, a side of garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf is perfect for sopping up any sauce or cheese that may spill over during baking. It adds a comforting, rustic element to the meal.
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Roasted Vegetables: If you want to keep the meal light and healthy, try pairing the pie with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. Their natural sweetness will balance out the savory tomato pie.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the tomato pie. For a red option, try a light Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the dish.
Making It Your Own
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and this crustless tomato pie offers many opportunities to personalize it. You can change up the cheese blend, add your favorite herbs, or even incorporate different vegetables for a more robust version. If you want to add a protein element, consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to the pie mixture. You could also experiment with different crustless options like zucchini slices or eggplant to change the texture and flavor profile.
Conclusion: A Simple Dish with Big Flavor
Crustless tomato pie is a simple yet satisfying dish that offers a fresh take on the classic tomato pie. It’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for summer when tomatoes are in season. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish for a special occasion, or something to add to your meal prep routine, this recipe fits the bill. With its combination of fresh tomatoes, savory cheese, and herbs, this crustless tomato pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So next time you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dish that’s both light and full of flavor, look no further than this delicious crustless tomato pie.