Tomato Phyllo Pie

Experience a delightful twist on a Southern classic with this Tomato Phyllo Pie, where juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes are nestled between layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and encased in crispy, buttery phyllo dough. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.

How to Make a Southern-Style Tomato Phyllo Pie

When tomato season is in full swing, there’s no better way to showcase these juicy, flavorful gems than in a Southern-style Tomato Phyllo Pie. Imagine layers of crispy, buttery phyllo dough encasing a rich, cheesy filling with fresh tomatoes bursting with sweetness.

This recipe combines the best of Southern charm with a hint of Mediterranean flair, offering a delightful twist on a classic dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a comforting family meal, this Tomato Phyllo Pie is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of making this deliciously unique pie.

Why This Recipe Works

• Crispy Phyllo Layers: The buttery phyllo dough creates a perfectly crispy and flaky crust, enhancing the texture and providing a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy tomatoes.
• Rich, Cheesy Filling: Combining the tomatoes with a creamy, cheesy mixture ensures each bite is packed with rich, savory flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Southern Charm with a Twist: This recipe blends traditional Southern tomato pie elements with the sophistication of spanakopita, offering a unique and flavorful dish that stands out on any table.

Supplies Needed 

To make this Tomato Phyllo Pie, you’ll need some basic kitchen supplies:

• 9×13-inch Pan: Use a pie pan with a removable bottom for easy serving.
• Large Cookie Sheet: For draining the tomatoes (I also recommend paper towels here as well). 
• Mixing Bowl: Medium and small bowls for mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: To grate the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
• Plastic Wrap: To cover and store any leftover phyllo dough.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing melted butter between the phyllo layers.

Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to making a delicious Southern-style Tomato Phyllo Pie. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Tomatoes: You’ll need six medium tomatoes. For the best flavor, use fresh tomatoes from a local farmer’s market or your garden. Heirloom tomatoes work particularly well for this recipe.
• Phyllo Dough: One box of phyllo (also called filo pastry) is needed. Keep the phyllo sheets under a slightly damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out.
• Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of grated cheddar cheese add a sharp, savory flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Two cups of grated mozzarella cheese provide a creamy, melty texture.
• Butter: Two sticks of butter, melted, will be brushed between the phyllo layers to create a crispy, golden brown crust. If you run out depending on how heavy you brush it on you may need more. 
• Green Onions: A bunch of green onions adds a mild, fresh bite to the pie.
• Parsley: 1/4 cup of minced parsley for a touch of herbal freshness. You can use other fresh garden herbs here as well. 
• Pepper: One teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
• Salt: Sprinkle salt on the tomato slices to draw out excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: One cup of grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory layer.
• Mayo and Sour Cream: 1/2 cup each of light mayo and sour cream to bind the cheese mixture and add creaminess.

Preparation

Preparing the Tomatoes

1. Slice the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into even slices about 1/4 inch thick. You will need two layers of tomato for this recipe so cut enough (depending on the size of your pan) to fit in two thin even layers. 
2. Remove Excess Moisture: Lay the tomato slices on a large cookie sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Pat Dry: After the tomatoes have released their juices, pat them dry with more paper towels to ensure your pie doesn’t get soggy. I also like to individually dry each tomato slice again before adding it to the filling to prevent too much liquid from getting into the mixture.  

Preparing the Filling

1. Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
2. Add Creaminess: Stir in the light mayonnaise and sour cream until well mixed.
3. Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Add the finely chopped green onions, minced parsley, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.

Assembling The Tomato Phyllo Pie

1. Thaw the Phyllo: If using frozen phyllo dough, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or up to 2-3 days ahead of time. 
2. Keep It Covered: Keep the phyllo sheets under a slightly damp towel while you work to prevent them from drying out.
3. Butter Each Layer: Brush each sheet of phyllo with a little melted butter before layering it in the pie pan.
4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Layer the Phyllo Dough: Lightly butter the bottom of the 9×13-inch pan and all the sides. Place the first sheet of phyllo in the pie pan, letting the edges overhang. Brush with melted butter and add another sheet. Repeat until you have 8-10 layers.
6. Add the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, mayo, sour cream, green onions, parsley, and black pepper. Spread half of this cheese mixture over the phyllo.
7. Layer the Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer over the cheese mixture.
8. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of the cheese mixture, followed by another layer of tomatoes.
9. Top with Phyllo: Add 8-10 more layers of phyllo dough, each brushed with melted butter. For the final layer, crinkle the 2-3 phyllo sheets over the top like in a spanakopita.
10. Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
11. Serve: Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What Pairs with Tomato Phyllo Pie

Tomato Phyllo Pie pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:

• Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with fresh basil leaves, heirloom tomatoes, and a light lemon juice dressing complements the rich pie.
• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred vegetables like zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers add a smoky contrast.
• Chilled Soups: A refreshing gazpacho or cucumber soup balances the warm, savory pie.

Expert Cooking Tips

1. Prevent Sogginess: Always salt and pat dry the tomato slices to remove excess moisture. Do not skip this step! 
2. Work Quickly with Phyllo: Phyllo dough dries out fast, so keep it covered with a slightly damp towel and work quickly. Plastic wrap works as well if needed. If the thin sheets of phyllo tear as you’re using them it’s ok, just layer and assemble them back together over the mixture. 
3. Crinkling Phyllo: For a spanakopita-like top, crinkle the last sheet of phyllo before adding it to the pie. This adds a beautiful texture and helps the top become extra crispy.
4. Cheese Variations: Add a bit of feta or cream cheese for a tangy twist. Goat cheeVariations to Try
5. Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar and mozzarella for gouda or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
6. Phyllo Alternatives: If you prefer a thicker crust, you can use puff pastry or even a traditional pie crust.
7. Extra Veggies: Add thinly sliced red onion or even cherry tomatoes for a more complex flavor can also add a nice creamy texture.
8. Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or even a touch of garlic cloves can elevate the flavors. A sprinkle of lemon zest over the top before baking can add a refreshing zing.

More Recipes To Try

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