Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe

If you love Southern cooking, you probably know Brenda Gantt. She is a viral cooking sensation from Alabama. Her recipes are simple, honest, and full of flavor.

One of her most famous dishes is the Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe. This pie is the ultimate summer comfort food. It uses fresh, juicy tomatoes and a creamy, cheesy topping.

It tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Many people think making a savory pie is hard. However, this Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe is very easy.

You can make it for a family dinner or a backyard brunch. Everyone will ask for seconds once they taste that buttery crust.

What Makes This Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Special

This dish is special because it celebrates the peak of summer produce. Brenda Gantt always uses fresh ingredients from the garden.

The combination of acidic tomatoes and rich mayonnaise is perfect. Most tomato pies can get soggy, but Brenda’s method keeps it firm. It has a beautiful balance of textures.

You get the crunch of the crust and the softness of the tomatoes. The melted cheddar cheese adds a sharp, salty kick. It is a nostalgic dish that reminds people of Sunday lunch at grandma’s house. It is simple, humble, and incredibly delicious.

Equipment List

• 9-inch pie dish or tart pan
• Large skillet for pre-cooking crust (optional)
• Paper towels for draining tomatoes
• Sharp knife for slicing
• Cutting board
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe
• Servings: 8 people
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Course: Main Course / Side Dish
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe

• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 large ripe tomatoes (peeled and sliced)
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s brand is preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Tomatoes

Slice the tomatoes into thick rounds. Place them on several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle a little salt over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out the extra water. Pat the tops dry with more paper towels.

2. Pre-Bake the Crust

Take your pie crust and place it in the dish. Prick the bottom with a fork. Bake it at 350°F for about 10 minutes. It should be light golden brown. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.

3. Layer the Vegetables

Start by placing a layer of tomato slices in the crust. Sprinkle some of the chopped onions over the tomatoes. Add a layer of fresh basil leaves. Repeat the layers until the pie crust is nearly full.

4. Mix the Cheesy Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and both cheeses. Stir in the black pepper and oregano. The mixture will be thick and creamy. This topping acts as a seal for the juicy tomatoes.

5. Spread the Mixture

Use a spatula to spread the cheese mixture over the top. Cover the tomatoes completely to the edges. This prevents the steam from making the top crust soggy. Smooth it out for an even finish.

6. Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the oven at 350°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be bubbly and golden brown. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil.

7. Let it Rest

This is the most important step for success. Remove the pie from the oven. Let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes. This allows the juices to set so it slices perfectly.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Avoid the Sogginess: Always salt your tomatoes first. This removes water that would otherwise ruin your crust.
• Cheese Options: You can use Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy kick. Brenda loves sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
• Add Protein: Some people like to add cooked bacon bits between the layers. It adds a smoky depth to the pie.
• Peeling Tomatoes: To peel easily, drop tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds. The skin will slip right off.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have fresh basil, use dried basil. However, fresh herbs make a huge difference in taste.

Interesting Facts About Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe

Tomato pie is a staple of the South. It became popular because gardens often produce too many tomatoes in July. Brenda Gantt helped make this dish famous on Facebook.

Her videos reached millions of people during the pandemic. She films her videos in her own kitchen in Covington County. This recipe is often served at “dinner on the ground” church events.

It is a dish that brings people together. While it looks like a pizza, the taste is much richer. It is truly a piece of Southern history.

Perfect Dishes to Serve With Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe

• Fried Chicken: The salty chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes.
• Corn on the Cob: A summer classic that keeps the meal light.
• Garden Salad: A simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the mayo.
• Grilled Shrimp: This adds a nice seafood twist to your lunch.
• Iced Sweet Tea: You cannot have a Southern meal without a cold glass of tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this pie. The tomatoes will become very mushy when thawed.
• Microwave: Reheat individual slices for 45 seconds. The crust may soften a bit.
• Oven Reheating: For the best results, use the oven. Heat at 300°F for 10 minutes to crisp the crust.
• Cold Slices: Some people actually prefer eating this pie cold the next day!

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Total Fat	24g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	480mg
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	9g

Health Benefits

Even though this pie has cheese and mayo, it has benefits. Tomatoes are very high in Lycopene. This is an antioxidant that supports heart health.

It also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Onions provide fiber and help with digestion. Fresh basil has anti-inflammatory properties.

Using real, whole ingredients is always better than eating processed snacks. You can make it healthier by using low-fat mayonnaise. However, Brenda would say the full-fat version tastes the best!

FAQs about Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe

How do I prevent my tomato pie from being watery?

You must salt the tomato slices and let them drain on paper towels. This removes the excess juice. If you skip this, the bottom of your pie will be a soup.

Can I use a store-bought crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a refrigerated or frozen crust. Just make sure to pre-bake it for 10 minutes. This creates a barrier so the juices don’t soak in.

What kind of tomatoes are best for this pie?

Beefsteak or Roma tomatoes work the best. They are meaty and have fewer seeds. Ensure they are very ripe for the best sweet flavor.

Can I make Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble it a few hours early. However, it is best to bake it right before serving. This ensures the crust stays as crunchy as possible.

Final Thoughts

The Brenda Gantt Tomato Pie Recipe is a true masterpiece of home cooking. It is simple to follow and brings the flavor of the South to your kitchen.

Once you try this warm, cheesy dish, you will make it every summer. It is the perfect way to use your garden harvest. I hope you enjoy every bite of this classic recipe. Happy cooking!