The Best Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Table of Contents: Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

Introduction to Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

What is Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie?

Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie is a savory baked dish made by layering sliced fresh tomatoes, seasoned pimento cheese, herbs, and sometimes onions or bacon, inside a pie crust. The final result is a golden, bubbling pie with a flavorful filling that balances tang, saltiness, and a slight sweetness from the tomatoes. It’s essentially a fusion of two beloved Southern dishes—pimento cheese spread and classic tomato pie.

This flavorful fusion has carved its place on potluck tables, holiday dinners, and weekend brunches across the South. It’s more than just a trend; it’s a celebration of bold ingredients and timeless comfort.

Why It’s Becoming a Southern Classic

The rise of pimento cheese tomato pie isn’t surprising. The South has long adored its pimento cheese—often dubbed the “caviar of the South.” Pairing it with vine-ripened tomatoes and buttery crust elevates this humble spread into something you could serve at both casual gatherings and elegant feasts.

Plus, the dish is incredibly versatile. It can be served warm or at room temperature, as a main course or a side, and is just as welcome at a picnic as it is at Thanksgiving dinner.

With that intro under your belt, let’s dig into how this pie became such a culinary icon.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Peach Ice Cream – The Best 9-Step Guide to Creamy Homemade Flavor as a cool dessert pairing with your pie.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

What is Pimento Cheese Made Of?

To understand the magic of Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie, you’ve got to start with the star of the show—pimento cheese. Traditionally, it’s a creamy blend of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. Some variations add cream cheese, garlic powder, or a touch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Ingredient	Role in Flavor & Texture
Sharp Cheddar Cheese	Brings a rich, salty depth
Mayonnaise	Creates a creamy, spreadable base
Diced Pimentos	Adds sweetness and signature tang
Optional: Cream Cheese	Thickens and smooths out the mix
Optional Spices	Enhances complexity (paprika, garlic)

The beauty of pimento cheese lies in its versatility. You can adjust the texture from thick and spreadable to smooth and melty, depending on your preferences and use case.

The Best Tomatoes to Use for Tomato Pie

Not all tomatoes are created equal when it comes to baking. For Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie, the ideal tomato is firm, flavorful, and low in moisture. Soggy tomatoes will ruin your crust and make the filling watery.

Best choices:

• Roma tomatoes
• Heirloom tomatoes (drained well)
• Beefsteak tomatoes (firm slices, seeds removed)

Pro Tip: Always salt your sliced tomatoes and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. Then pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This small step goes a long way in avoiding a soggy pie.

Don’t miss our Cheesy Mashed Potatoes as a comforting side that complements this pie perfectly.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

Prepping the Crust: Homemade vs Store-Bought

You can’t build a beautiful pie without a sturdy, flavorful crust. A flaky pie crust balances out the juicy tomatoes and gooey cheese.

• Homemade crust: Offers a buttery flavor and firmer base (all-purpose flour, butter, ice water, salt)
• Store-bought: A convenient and reliable option—just blind bake before filling

Blind Baking Tip: Poke holes in the crust and bake it for 10 minutes at 375°F with pie weights. This keeps it from puffing and gets rid of soggy bottoms.

Mixing the Perfect Pimento Cheese Spread

Mix the following in a bowl:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ cup mayo
• ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1 small jar of diced pimentos (drained)
• Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder, dash of cayenne

This rich mixture should be spreadable but not runny. It will melt and coat the tomatoes during baking.

Assembly & Baking Process Explained

1. Layer the tomato slices in the crust (drain first)
2. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and fresh basil
3. Spread the pimento cheese over the tomatoes evenly
4. Top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese for a crispy layer
5. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes or until golden and bubbly

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so everything sets beautifully.

For a delicious summer side, don’t miss our Grilled Peaches – The Ultimate Summer Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed.

Expert Tips to Perfect the Pie

How to Keep Tomato Pie from Being Soggy

This is the #1 concern home cooks have, and here’s how to fix it:

• Salt and drain tomatoes before using
• Use a pre-baked crust
• Add a layer of breadcrumbs between tomatoes and crust
• Let pie cool before slicing (very important)

These simple steps can keep your pie sliceable, not soupy.

Texture, Layering, and Bake Time Adjustments

Layering matters. Stack tomatoes, then cheese, and repeat if needed. Don’t overload the pie or it will collapse.

Bake longer (40–45 mins) if you’re using a deeper crust or extra cheese. Cover the edges with foil to avoid burning.

Need a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Try Tangy Deviled Eggs with Relish Recipe.

Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions

What Does Pimento Cheese Spread Taste Like?

It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and sharp from the cheddar. The pimentos add a subtle sweetness that rounds it all out. It’s comforting yet bold, and the flavor intensifies as it melts into the warm tomato layers.

The blend of acidity, fat, and spice makes this pie satisfying but not overwhelming.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Tomato Pie

Here are some pairings that elevate your meal:

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Fresh peach slices or grilled fruits
• Cornbread or Southern-style biscuits

For dessert, check out our Peach Fritter Recipe – The Best Summer Dessert in 20 Minutes.

Variations and Creative Twists

Adding Proteins: Bacon, Ham, or Chicken

Want a meatier version? Try layering cooked bacon, ham strips, or shredded chicken between tomato and cheese layers.

Bacon adds saltiness, ham offers a smoky sweetness, and chicken makes it a heartier entrée.

Gluten-Free, Keto, and Vegetarian Versions

• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour crust or gluten-free pie crust
• Keto: Swap tomatoes with lower-carb veggies like zucchini
• Vegetarian: The base recipe is already vegetarian—just skip the bacon add-on

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie Properly

Cool the pie completely before storing. Wrap slices in plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Best Way to Reheat Without Losing Texture

To reheat, use the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it will make the crust soggy.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble everything a day ahead and bake fresh.

People Also Ask: Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

Conclusion: Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie blends Southern heritage with culinary creativity. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable for any table—from holiday feasts to weeknight dinners. Whether you’re serving it warm with a salad or cold from the fridge the next day, this pie always delivers.

Looking for inspiration? Try our top dessert picks to round out your Southern meal.

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