Celebrate the flavors of the season with our Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie, a recipe that invites you to savor the essence of summer. Picture juicy tomatoes nestled in a cracker crust, creating a savory masterpiece that captures the bounty of the season. Whether you’re a fan of fresh produce or looking to showcase the best of summer in a delightful dish, this recipe is your ticket to a seasonal culinary delight. Join us as we guide you through the steps of creating this savory pie, ensuring each bite is a celebration of the vibrant flavors of the season. Get ready to savor the seasonal delight with our Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie!
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed soda crackers (about 1/2 cup)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Preparing the Cracker Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking. If making your own, roll out the pastry dough and press it into a pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and pre-bake for about 10 minutes until it’s just set but not fully browned. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Assembling the Tomato Pie
- Sprinkle the crushed soda crackers evenly over the pre-baked crust. This helps to absorb excess moisture from the tomatoes and creates a delightful crunch.
- Layer the sliced tomatoes over the crackers. Season them with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tomato slices, ensuring it covers the entire pie.
3. Baking Your Tomato Pie
- Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top for a lovely golden finish.
- Bake the tomato pie in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the filling is bubbly.
4. Serving Your Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie
- Once out of the oven, let the tomato pie cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma.
- Serve your “Savor the Season: Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie” warm or at room temperature. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or as an appetizer at gatherings.
Variations and Tips
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations to tailor the flavor to your preference. Goat cheese, feta, or Gruyère can offer intriguing variations.
- Herbaceous Touch: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the cheese mixture.
- Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
This “Savor the Season: Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie Recipe” embraces the beauty of fresh, ripe tomatoes and combines them with a unique cracker crust and a creamy cheese filling. It’s a delightful dish that embodies the essence of seasonal produce, making it a perfect addition to your dining table. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the star of your meal, this tomato pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.