There’s just something magical about summer tomatoes. I still remember the first time my grandmother served this Crustless Tomato Pie at our Sunday lunch table — golden edges, bubbling cheese, and those juicy red slices layered like petals in a flower. We’d just returned from the farmers market with armfuls of heirloom tomatoes, and she turned them into something that tasted like pure Southern comfort with a whisper of Italy.
This one’s for those of us who love tomato recipes but don’t want the fuss of a crust. It’s creamy, herby, and low-carb — perfect for brunch, light lunch, or a summer dinner on the porch with sweet tea and good company. Whether your garden is overflowing or your neighbor just gifted you a basket of vine-ripened beauties, this is the dish you’ll want to make on repeat.
Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of simple, satisfying tomato recipes, this Crustless Tomato Pie is about to become your new favorite. It’s packed with flavor yet comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches.
This dish celebrates tomatoes in the most comforting way possible. With creamy eggs, melty mozzarella, and fresh herbs tucked between roasted tomato layers, every bite delivers cozy Southern charm and bold Italian flair.
You’ll love how versatile this is — serve it warm as a main course or let it chill for easy lunch leftovers. And because it’s naturally low-carb, it’s one of those tomato recipes that feels indulgent but fits into a balanced lifestyle.
It’s also wonderfully easy to prep: no rolling dough or fancy baking equipment. Just slice, salt, and layer — and your oven does the rest.
Whether you’re swimming in fresh produce or just craving the sun-kissed taste of tomato recipes, this one’s got your name all over it.
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Crustless Tomato Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Crustless Tomato Pie is one of the most comforting tomato recipes you’ll ever try — cheesy, herby, low-carb, and full of summer flavor. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner when you’ve got fresh tomatoes on hand.
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (for draining)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 6–7 basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes: Slice tomatoes and lay on a plate. Sprinkle with salt and let rest for 20–30 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture — an essential step in all great tomato recipes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic over medium-high heat until softened (about 8 minutes).
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine sautéed onion/garlic with cheese, eggs, herbs, and black pepper.
- Layer the Pie: Grease a 9-inch pie dish. Start with a layer of tomatoes, then spoon on cheese mixture. Repeat, ending with tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra cheese.
- Bake: Place in preheated 375°F oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let sit for 5–7 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Tip: Salting and blotting the tomatoes prevents sogginess. It’s the make-or-break move in most tomato recipes — especially crustless pies. For extra flair, garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American-Southern
Ingredient Overview
This recipe layers flavor and texture using just a few wholesome ingredients. It’s a love letter to tomato recipes that let the produce shine.
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Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. Heirloom or vine-ripened varieties bring the best flavor. Salting and draining is key for avoiding sogginess.
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Salt: Draws out excess moisture from the tomatoes, intensifying their taste.
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Butter: Used to gently sauté the onions and garlic for a rich, savory base.
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Onion & Garlic: These aromatics balance the sweetness of the tomatoes with just the right amount of bite.
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Fresh Basil & Oregano: Herbs give this dish its fresh-from-the-garden flair.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty, and irresistible — it ties all the ingredients together.
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Eggs: Help bind the filling while adding protein and a custard-like texture.
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Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like — it’s one of those tomato recipes that leaves room for creativity.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Slice and Salt the Tomatoes
Start by slicing your tomatoes into even, medium-thick rounds. Lay them on a large plate or tray and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them rest for at least 15–20 minutes (or up to 30). This step is crucial in tomato recipes to draw out excess moisture and intensify flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
While your tomatoes sit, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 7–8 minutes until soft and fragrant. This savory base elevates the richness of tomato recipes without overpowering them.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
Transfer the sautéed onion-garlic mixture to a bowl. Add shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh basil and oregano, black pepper, and the beaten eggs. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Blot the Tomatoes
Drain the tomato slices and gently blot them with a paper towel to remove surface moisture. This is a simple but essential technique in most tomato recipes to prevent sogginess.
Step 5: Layer the Pie
Grease a 9-inch pie pan. Start with a layer of tomatoes, then add about ¼ cup of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of tomatoes. Sprinkle extra mozzarella over the top — because cheesy tomato recipes are the best kind!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. The house will smell heavenly — a true hallmark of great tomato recipes.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let it sit for 5–7 minutes before slicing. This helps the pie firm up and makes serving easier.
Tip: Don’t skip the salting step! Many tomato recipes fall short because the tomatoes are too wet. This small trick makes a big difference.
Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations to keep your tomato recipes exciting and foolproof.
Pro Tips
Salt Your Tomatoes Well
The secret to most successful tomato recipes is moisture control. After slicing, salt your tomatoes and give them time to release their juices. This keeps your crustless pie from turning into soup.
Use Fresh Herbs
While dried herbs can work, fresh oregano and basil bring brightness that really sets tomato recipes apart. Chop them just before mixing to capture maximum flavor.
Don’t Skip the Cheese Layering
Resist the urge to dump all your filling in at once. Layering cheese between tomato slices builds flavor and texture — a foundational trick in layered tomato recipes like this.
Try Different Tomato Varieties
Heirloom, beefsteak, or even Roma — each one brings a slightly different flavor. Rotating varieties can bring new life to your go-to tomato recipes. This same principle works well with recipes like this fresh tomato soup, too.
Let It Rest
A few minutes of resting time after baking lets everything set properly. Like many warm tomato recipes, it slices better when slightly cooled.
Variations
Add a Protein Boost
Mix in diced cooked bacon, ground turkey, or sausage for a heartier dish. Many Southern-style tomato recipes benefit from smoky, savory elements.
Make It Gluten-Free
This one already skips the crust, but if you’re extra sensitive, ensure your cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free. It’s one of the easiest naturally GF tomato recipes you can enjoy.
Try Different Cheeses
Not a mozzarella fan? Use sharp cheddar, gouda, or fontina instead. Swapping cheese can totally change the vibe of your tomato recipes without complicating the method.
Pack It for Lunch
Crustless tomato pie tastes just as good cold. Pair with a crisp salad or tuck into a lunchbox — great for meal-prepping tomato recipes ahead of time. It pairs beautifully with these back-to-school lunch ideas.
Make Minis for Brunch
Use muffin tins to create individual servings. These mini versions are perfect for buffets, picnics, or portion-controlled tomato recipes that reheat well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with lots of fresh tomatoes?
This Crustless Tomato Pie is one of the best tomato recipes to use up a big harvest. You can also try sauces, soups, or even oven-dried tomatoes.
What recipes can be made from tomatoes?
Beyond pies and soups, tomato recipes include pasta sauces, stuffed tomatoes, salsa, shakshuka, and roasted tomato dishes. They’re incredibly versatile!
What do you do when you have too many tomatoes?
Salt, slice, freeze, or roast them. Or, batch-cook your favorite tomato recipes like soups and stews. You can also make sauce for freezing.
How can you preserve tomatoes?
Can them whole or as sauce, freeze after blanching, or oven-dry for long storage. These methods make it easy to have ingredients for tomato recipes all year round.
Serving Suggestions
Crustless Tomato Pie is one of those tomato recipes that fits right in on any table. Serve it warm with a simple green salad for a light lunch or cozy brunch. I love pairing it with a chilled glass of white wine or a slice of crusty sourdough to soak up every juicy bite. For family dinners, it makes a fantastic side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
It’s also easy to bring to a potluck or gathering — just slice, stack, and let folks dig in. The cheesy layers and herbs always stand out among classic tomato recipes. And if you’re packing lunch for the kids? Pop a square into a reusable container alongside fruit and something from these after school snack ideas.
Conclusion
Among all the tomato recipes I’ve tested, this Crustless Tomato Pie holds a special spot in my heart — it’s simple, satisfying, and celebrates the summer harvest with every layer. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels nostalgic and new all at once.
Whether you’re craving something warm and cheesy or just looking for fresh ways to use up a tomato haul, you really can’t go wrong with this one. Try it once, and I promise, it’ll become one of your go-to tomato recipes each season. It’s just one of many cozy, home-tested dishes I love sharing at my kitchen table.
If this Crustless Tomato Pie brings a little joy to your table, I’d love to hear about it!
Leave a comment below, tell me how your version turned out, or tag your slice on social media. Sharing tomato recipes builds a beautiful little food community — and I’m so glad you’re a part of mine.
From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, friends!
(P.S. Find even more seasonal cooking ideas on our Pinterest board — give it a follow!)
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