What kind of cheese do people put on pie?

Common choices include cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese. These add flavor, moisture, and structure.

Why do people put cheese on their pie?

Cheese enhances flavor, binds ingredients, and creates a creamy texture that balances acidic tomatoes.

Some recipes do. Eggs help the pie hold together, but you can skip them with the right binding ingredients like cheese or yogurt.

No, it’s not illegal. It’s a fun culinary tradition in parts of Wisconsin, but there’s no law mandating it.

A rich and savory Southern classic, this tomato pie is layered with juicy tomatoes, herbs, onions, and melty cheese in a flaky crust.

Scale

1 (9-inch) pie shell (homemade or store-bought)
3 to 4 large tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped yellow or red onion (about 1/3 onion)
1/4 cup thinly sliced basil
2 cups (8 ounces/225 g) grated cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, or Gruyere or Mozzarella)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Frank’s Hot Sauce or Tabasco, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the tomatoes and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let drain for 10-15 minutes.
Pat the tomatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Layer the pie shell with chopped onion, drained tomatoes, and basil.
In a bowl, mix grated cheese, mayonnaise, and hot sauce until combined. Season with black pepper.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tomatoes.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

For best results, use ripe, firm tomatoes and let them drain properly to avoid a soggy crust.

Keywords: tomato pie, Southern recipe, cheese pie, savory tart