Love juicy tomatoes in a cheesy crust? This Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe is pure Southern comfort. Fresh and tangy and oh-so-creamy. Perfect summer dish.
Learn how to make Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie at home. Simple steps, big flavor. Inspired by Brenda’s warm cooking style. Your table needs this Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe now!
My Story With This Comforting Tomato Pie
Summer visits to my aunt’s farm. Ripe tomatoes everywhere. She made tomato pie like Brenda Gantt. Warm from oven, cheese melted just right. That first bite—magic!
Back in Rawalpindi, tomatoes remind me of home. I tweaked Brenda’s style for local markets. Family fights over seconds. Now it’s picnic star. What’s your tomato memory?
Equipment List
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Colander for draining
- Paper towels
- Oven mitts
- Cheese grater
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Course: Main Dish/Side
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the filling:
- 5-6 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tsp salt (for tomatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
These ingredients for Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie make it juicy and cheesy. Use garden-fresh tomatoes!
Instructions for Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie
1. Make the Crust
Mix flour and salt in bowl. Cut in cold butter with fork. Add ice water. Stir until dough forms. Don’t overwork. Press into disk. Chill 15 minutes.
2. Prep the Tomatoes
Slice tomatoes evenly. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt. Place in colander. Let drain 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Removes extra water. No soggy pie!
3. Roll and Blind Bake Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough on floured surface. Fit into pie dish. Trim edges. Line with foil and beans. Bake 15 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 more. Golden base ready.
4. Mix the Cheesy Filling
Grate cheddar. Mix with mayo, green onions, basil, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Creamy and flavorful. Set aside. Smells amazing already.
5. Assemble the Pie
Layer drained tomatoes in crust. Start at edges. Overlap slices. Spread cheese mixture over top evenly. Covers every tomato. Beautiful layers form.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Edges bubble, top golden brown. Cheese melts perfectly. Cool 10 minutes before cutting. Juices settle just right.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Drain tomatoes well. Soggy pie killer.
- Cold butter makes flaky crust. Don’t skip chill.
- Variation: Add bacon bits for smoky crunch.
- Use Duke’s mayo for authentic Southern taste.
- Fresh basil over dried. Punch of flavor.
- Make mini pies in muffin tins. Party perfect.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella. Milder twist.
- Freeze extra filling for next pie.
These tips make how to make Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie foolproof.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Tomato pie traces to Southern US kitchens. 1930s farm wives used garden bounty. Brenda Gantt shares these gems on YouTube. Her Alabama roots shine.
Post-WWII, it became picnic staple. Mayo-cheese topping sets it apart. Simple, affordable, delicious. Southern hospitality in every slice.
What to Serve With This Dish
Fresh green salad. Light crunch.
Grilled chicken breasts. Protein balance.
Sweet iced tea. Classic pair.
Cornbread muffins. Southern duo.
Deviled eggs. Picnic vibes.
Cucumber slices. Cool refresh.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Summer picnics. Portable joy.
Brunch gatherings. Showstopper slice.
Potlucks. Always disappears.
Garden parties. Tomato theme.
Family reunions. Nostalgic hit.
Ladies’ luncheons. Elegant simple.
Weeknight dinners. Easy wow.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Cool completely first.
- Fridge: Cover loosely. 3-4 days max.
- Reheat: Oven 325°F, 15 minutes. Crisp crust.
- Microwave slice: 30 seconds. Quick fix.
- Freezer: Wrap tight. 2 months. Thaw overnight.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Vitamin C | 15mg |
Values are approximate. Based on 6 servings.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie balances indulgence and nutrition. Tomatoes pack lycopene for heart health. Cheese adds calcium for bones. Use low-fat mayo to lighten up. Fresh herbs boost flavor without calories. Great veggie side dish. Enjoy in moderation!
Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5-6 large ripe tomatoes sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tsp salt for tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne optional
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Mix flour and salt in bowl. Cut in cold butter with fork. Add ice water. Stir until dough forms. Don’t overwork. Press into disk. Chill 15 minutes.
Prep the Tomatoes
- Slice tomatoes evenly. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt. Place in colander. Let drain 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Removes extra water. No soggy pie!
Roll and Blind Bake Crust
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough on floured surface. Fit into pie dish. Trim edges. Line with foil and beans. Bake 15 minutes. Remove foil. Bake 5 more. Golden base ready.
Mix the Cheesy Filling
- Grate cheddar. Mix with mayo, green onions, basil, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne. Creamy and flavorful. Set aside. Smells amazing already.
Assemble the Pie
- Layer drained tomatoes in crust. Start at edges. Overlap slices. Spread cheese mixture over top evenly. Covers every tomato. Beautiful layers form.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Edges bubble, top golden brown. Cheese melts perfectly. Cool 10 minutes before cutting. Juices settle just right.
Notes
- Drain tomatoes well. Soggy pie killer.
- Cold butter makes flaky crust. Don’t skip chill.
- Variation: Add bacon bits for smoky crunch.
- Use Duke’s mayo for authentic Southern taste.
- Fresh basil over dried. Punch of flavor.
- Make mini pies in muffin tins. Party perfect.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella. Milder twist.
- Freeze extra filling for next pie.
FAQs about Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe
Can I use store-bought crust for Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie?
Yes! Deep-dish pie crust works fine. Save time. Blind bake same way. Tastes homemade good.
How to make Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie less messy?
Drain tomatoes extra well. Extra paper towels. Let cool fully before cutting. Clean slices every time.
Are cherry tomatoes okay?
Sure! Halve them. Same draining process. Sweet flavor burst. Adjust layers carefully.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Already is! All veggie glory. Add spinach for green boost. Still cheesy delicious.
Why blind bake the crust?
Prevents soggy bottom. Tomatoes release water. Crisp crust stays perfect. Key step!
Final Thoughts
Your Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe awaits! Summer in every cheesy bite. Perfect for sharing love through food. Gather friends and slice generously. Tomatoes never tasted this good.
Brenda’s warmth lives in your kitchen. Share your pie pics below. What’s baking next? Keep those ovens warm, friends!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!