This Classic Tomato Pie is the perfect way to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes. Layered with fresh basil, creamy ricotta, and Parmesan in a savory garlic-butter crumb crust, it’s a rustic dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter or grease a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Set aside. Place the flour, garlic powder, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to mix the flour. Add the diced cold butter to the flour mixture and process until a dough forms, about 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Press the dough into the tart pan for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is set. Let cool completely.
To make the filling:
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese in the bottom of the cooled, blind-baked crust. Then sprinkle the chopped basil over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parsley, and eggs; stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the ricotta mixture over the basil. Arrange the tomatoes on top in overlapping layers.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the ricotta filling is set. Tent the pie with a piece of foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking if it is browning too quickly. Let cool 15 to 20 minutes before cutting into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature and refrigerate leftovers.
Notes
Tomatoes: Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find — homegrown or farmers’ market are ideal. Pat slices dry with paper towels to keep the tomato pie from becoming watery.
Crust: The garlic-butter crumb crust is quick to mix (a food processor makes it extra easy) and bakes into a flavorful, rustic base that holds up well to the filling.
Cheese: Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth. If substituting another cheese, reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
Herbs: Fresh basil is essential to this recipe’s flavor. Don’t skip it — though you can add a sprinkle of oregano or thyme for variation.
Serving: This tomato pie is delicious warm from the oven, at room temperature, or chilled the next day. It’s a versatile dish for brunch, summer suppers, or picnics.
Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Rewarm, covered in foil, in a 350°F oven or gently microwave on until slightly warm.