Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slab tomato pie is the ultimate way to enjoy garden-fresh tomatoes. It’s hearty yet refreshing, with a flaky crust, creamy cheesy filling, and tangy tomatoes balanced by fresh herbs. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it a perfect option for potlucks, family dinners, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
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Ripe tomatoes, sliced
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Salt (to draw moisture from tomatoes)
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Mayonnaise
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil, chopped
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Garlic powder
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Black pepper
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Olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the pie crust to fit into a rimmed baking sheet or rectangular pan. Press into the pan and trim any excess edges.
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Layer sliced tomatoes on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry.
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In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Arrange a layer of tomatoes over the crust, spread some of the cheese mixture on top, then repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
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Top with fresh basil and parsley. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
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Let cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Serves 8–10.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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Southern Style: Add a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
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Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese, oregano, and Kalamata olives.
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Extra Veggies: Layer in sautéed onions, zucchini, or spinach.
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Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
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Mini Pies: Make individual portions using a muffin tin.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy. This pie also tastes great served at room temperature.
FAQs
What kind of tomatoes are best for slab tomato pie?
Roma or heirloom tomatoes work well since they’re firm and flavorful.
Why do I need to salt the tomatoes first?
Salting removes excess water so the pie doesn’t become soggy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it and reheat before serving, or serve it at room temperature.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes, puff pastry creates a flakier, lighter base.
Is this the same as pizza?
No, tomato pie has a creamy cheese-mayo filling and is more like a savory tart than pizza.
Can I freeze tomato pie?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze baked slices and reheat in the oven.
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Yes, but slice them in half and remove extra liquid to prevent sogginess.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
What herbs go best with this recipe?
Basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme pair beautifully with tomatoes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pie crust.
Conclusion
Slab tomato pie is a comforting, flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes with a creamy, cheesy filling and flaky crust. Perfect for family dinners, summer parties, or potlucks, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that celebrates seasonal produce at its best.

Slab Tomato Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Main Dish or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Slab tomato pie is a rustic, savory dish made with a buttery crust, layers of juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy cheese filling, and fresh herbs. Baked in a sheet pan, it’s easy to slice and perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 tsp salt (to draw out moisture)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust to fit into a rimmed baking sheet or rectangular pan. Press into the pan and trim edges.
- Place tomato slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Layer tomatoes over the crust, spread some cheese mixture on top, and repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with fresh basil and parsley. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra crispiness, blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before layering tomatoes.Roma or heirloom tomatoes are best since they’re firm and less watery.Add sautéed onions, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.Puff pastry can be used instead of pie crust for a flakier version.This pie is delicious served at room temperature, making it great for parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg