Crustless Tomato Pie: Savory Summer Slice (Print Version)

Crustless Tomato Pie is a vibrant summer dish. Enjoy this juicy, cheesy pie without the crust for a lighter, flavor-packed meal that's easy to make.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - Ripe Tomatoes (about 2 lbs)
02 - Sweet Onion (1 medium)
03 - Fresh Basil (1/2 cup, chopped)

→ Dairy & Binders

04 - Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, full-fat)
05 - Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated)
06 - Shredded Mozzarella (1 cup)

→ Flavor Enhancers

07 - Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp)
08 - Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp)
09 - Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first for a good Crustless Tomato Pie, grab those gorgeous ripe tomatoes and slice them about 1/4-inch thick. Lay them out on a few layers of paper towels, sprinkle generously with salt, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour. This step is SO important, honestly. It draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery pie. I once skipped this, thinking "it'll be fine," and ended up with a slightly soupy situation. Don't be me! You'll see little beads of water forming – that's what you want to get rid of.
02 - While your tomatoes are doing their thing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté your chopped sweet onion until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender and slightly sweet, not browned. This step really brings out their natural sugars and adds a lovely base flavor to your Crustless Tomato Pie. I usually sneak a little taste here, just to make sure it's perfect, oops!
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and looks like a glorious, thick, cheesy spread. This is the heart of your Crustless Tomato Pie, the creamy, tangy glue that holds all that tomato goodness together. Taste it! Adjust the salt and pepper if you like. I always add a little extra black pepper here, it just feels right.
04 - Now, gently pat your drained tomato slices dry with fresh paper towels. This is another crucial step! Arrange about half of the tomato slices in a single layer in the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish (or an 8x8 baking dish works too). Spread half of your cheesy mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Then, layer about half of your fresh basil over the cheese. Repeat this process with the remaining tomatoes, cheese mixture, and basil. You'll see the layers building up, looking so vibrant!
05 - Pop your assembled Crustless Tomato Pie into the preheated oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are set. You'll start to smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen – a mix of sweet tomatoes, savory cheese, and fresh basil. It's truly intoxicating! Don't rush this part; that golden crust on top is what makes it so appealing. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it.
06 - This is the hardest part, honestly. Once your pie is out of the oven, resist the urge to cut into it immediately! Let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes on a wire rack. This allows the pie to set properly, preventing it from collapsing when you slice it. If you cut it too soon, it might be a bit messy, and I've learned that the hard way! The flavors also meld and deepen as it cools. When you finally slice into it, you'll see those beautiful layers, and it'll smell divine.

# Notes:

01 - Always, always drain your tomatoes thoroughly! This is the secret to a non-soggy pie, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Don't skimp on full-fat mayonnaise; it's essential for the creamy texture and binding, trust me on this.
03 - Fresh basil makes a huge difference in flavor, so try not to use dried if you can help it.
04 - For an extra flavor punch, roast a few cloves of garlic and mash them into your cheese mixture.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9-inch pie dish or 8x8 baking dish
02 - skillet
03 - mixing bowls
04 - whisk
05 - paper towels

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 12g

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