How to Make Tomato Pie
By: Brier Barclay
September 11, 2025
Instructions
It's a pizza. It's a pie. No, it's a little of both. Tomato pie offers the best of both worlds, combining pizza's savory tomato goodness with a pie's deep, flaky, buttery crust. It's like your favorite pizza slice grew up and got sophisticated. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, this hybrid dish transforms peak-season tomatoes into a memorable meal.
Where Does Tomato Pie Come From?
Tomato pie has its origins in Italian-American communities, most notably in Philadelphia around the turn of the 20th century. It evolved from the warm sfincione pizza of Sicily, but US versions are markedly different.
This tasty dish also varies between different regions of the US. In Philly, tomato pie is more like a doughy square of pizza with tomatoes on top. In the south, it's pie dough-based. Our tomato pie recipe follows the southern style, but with more Italian-leaning herbs and ingredients.
Why Tomato Pie is a Must-Try Dish
When served at room temperature, this pie is perfect for summer gatherings when the heat's on. It uses peak-season tomatoes when they're at their ripest and most flavorful. When are tomato pies in season? Look for them from July through September in most regions. If you're lucky enough to grow your own, imagine the warm, luxurious smell of that summer tomato in pie form. There's nothing better.
We also love tomato pie because it's so easy. It makes an impressive centerpiece dish that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Tomato Pie
Different types of tomatoes affect the taste and texture in tomato pie recipes. Roma or plum tomatoes will give you a lower water content when making your pie, while a robust beefsteak tomato has a meaty texture and sweet flavor. Heirloom varieties will offer up complex flavor profiles, while San Marzanos will deliver an authentic Italian taste.
Don't use the pale, taste-free refrigerated tomatoes that you sometimes get out-of-season in stores. If you do get in-season tomatoes that aren't quite ripe enough, here's how to ripen tomatoes: store them stem-side down at room temperature in a brown paper bag. Putting in an apple or banana helps with the ripening.
The other side of the taste equation in this spectacular pie are the herbs. You're looking for authentic Italian tastes here. McCormick Basil Leaves is a classic pairing, along with McCormick Oregano Leaves for that earthy, Mediterranean flavor.
Tomato pie is traditionally light on cheese toppings, unlike many pizzas. Nevertheless, you'll find some sprinklings, depending on the region and the individual outlet. It's not unusual to see some Parmesan, Romano, or sharp cheddar. Our recipe uses smooth, creamy, nutty Gruyere.
The same goes for the crust. While you can make a foccacia dough for a Philly-style pie, there's nothing to stop you using a traditional pie crust, as we have in our recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Tomato Pie
Making a tomato pie couldn't be easier. First comes the dough, which you'll roll into a 12-inch circle. Our recipe calls for blind baking to avoid the tomatoes soaking through the bottom of the pie.
The real star of the show is the tomato, of course. Slice the tomatoes around a quarter-inch thick before patting them dry, salting them, and letting them sit for 30 minutes to get rid of some moisture. Then toss them with herbs and shallots to bring out their warm summer flavors.
Then, layer your ingredients. While cheese toppings are a contentious issue in tomato pie circles we layer our Gruyere on the bottom of the pie after spreading the crust with mustard for another level of rich, complex flavor. Only then do we add our tasty, herby tomatoes.
In a regular pizza you'll cook everything high and fast, getting that gorgeous brown chewy crust. Tomato pie is a gentler bake, giving the tomatoes a chance to develop their flavor and take center stage. A 45-minute bake on lower heat will allow their flavor to bloom.
Serving Suggestions for Tomato Pie
Serve your tomato pie as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course. It pairs beautifully with summer salads and grilled meats, and you can make it ahead for easy entertaining.
Other Tomato Recipes
There's a never-ending list of tomato recipes. Try these in your kitchen too.
