Easy Italian Cheese and Tomato Pie Recipe: Rustic Comfort Food Magic

My grandma’s secret easy italian cheese and tomato pie emerged from her tiny kitchen in tuscany, capturing rustic Mediterranean flavors.

Generations of her family savored each delectable slice with pure joy.

Crisp pastry cradles melted cheese and ripe tomatoes in a harmonious dance of simplicity.

Mediterranean ingredients whisper stories of sunny landscapes and traditional cooking.

Comfort arrives through each warm, golden-edged bite of this classic dish.

Earthy herbs and rich cheese promise a culinary journey that connects you directly to italian home cooking.

Slice into this pie and let authentic flavors transport you across the ocean.

Easy Italian Cheese And Tomato Pie With Rustic Charm

• Speedily Satisfy Cravings: This Italian cheese and tomato pie delivers delicious flavors in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks seeking quick meal solutions.
• Create Family Comfort: A crowd-pleasing dish that combines classic Italian ingredients everyone loves, making it ideal for casual dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flexible Ingredient Magic: Easily swap cheeses or herbs based on what's in your kitchen, allowing creative adaptations while maintaining the recipe's delightful core essence.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: With just nine simple steps and basic ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary components into a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary expertise.

Italian Cheese Tomato Pie Essentials

• Pre-Made Pie Crust, Puff Pastry: Foundation of the pie that holds all ingredients, flaky and golden base for the cheese and tomato filling.

• Mozzarella, Fontal Cheese, Gouda, Gruyere: Creamy and rich cheeses that provide melty texture and classic Italian flavor, choose firm varieties for best slicing.

• Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that add aromatic depth and traditional Mediterranean taste profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheeses.

• Butter, Melted: Helps create golden, crispy crust with rich flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds smooth, fruity note and helps create a glistening finish.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides fresh, bright garnish and authentic Italian touch.

• Tomatoes: Adds moisture, freshness, and classic Italian color, select ripe but firm tomatoes for best presentation.

Cheese Tomato Pie Italian-Style Method

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375°F, getting it ready for a delicious cheese and tomato adventure.

Step 2: Prepare The Pastry Base

Gently roll out your pie crust or puff pastry and lovingly nestle it into a pie dish, creating a perfect foundation for your Italian-inspired creation.

Step 3: Butter The Canvas

Brush the pastry with a silky layer of melted butter, adding a golden touch of richness.

Step 4: Create Cheese Layer

• Mozzarella slices
• Fontal cheese

Arrange these creamy delights evenly across the pastry base.

Step 5: Add Tomato Splash

Artfully place tomato slices on top of the cheese, creating a vibrant red landscape.

Step 6: Season With Flavor

• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt

Distribute these herbs generously over the tomatoes.

Step 7: Drizzle With Liquid Gold

Gracefully drizzle olive oil across the pie, adding a Mediterranean whisper of flavor.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden crust and bubbling cheese that signals deliciousness is imminent.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving, adding a pop of green and extra aromatic charm.

Cheese & Tomato Pie – Pro Tips

• Select ripe, firm tomatoes at peak season for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Pat tomato slices with paper towels to remove excess water and prevent a soggy crust.
• Slice mozzarella and fontal cheese thinly for even melting and balanced texture.
• Crush dried oregano and basil between your fingers before sprinkling to release more intense aromatics.
• Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make slicing easier.

Store Italian Cheese Tomato Pie In The Fridge This Way

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Place on a baking sheet to maintain crispy crust texture.
• Reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Consume within 2 days for best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing, as the tomatoes and pastry may become soggy when thawed.

Fits Well with Easy Italian Cheese And Tomato Pie

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's bright acidity cuts through the rich cheese and complements the tomato's freshness, creating a perfect Italian-inspired flavor harmony.
• Match Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil with rosemary or thyme to enhance the pie's herbal notes and add a luxurious Mediterranean touch.
• Serve Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pie's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Recommend Rustic Bread: Serve crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheese and tomato juices, adding textural variety to the meal.

Tomato Zucchini Bake Ideas

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free pastry made from almond flour or chickpea flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Veggie Pie: Swap cheese with plant-based mozzarella alternatives like cashew cheese or tofu-based mozzarella, using nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Use a cauliflower crust or thinly sliced zucchini as a base, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the pie's authentic taste.
• Dairy-Free Herb Explosion: Substitute dairy cheese with coconut-based cheese substitutes and add extra fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for enhanced aromatics.

FAQs

• What cheeses work best in this pie?

Mozzarella and fontal cheese are perfect, but you can also use provolone, ricotta, or parmesan for added flavor depth.

• Can I use fresh or canned tomatoes?

Fresh, ripe tomatoes are recommended for the best taste and texture. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work exceptionally well in this recipe.

• How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Pat tomato slices dry with paper towels before layering to remove excess moisture, and pre-brush the crust with melted butter to create a barrier against liquid.

• Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Italian cheese and tomato pie is completely vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious cheese and herb flavors.

Easy Italian Cheese And Tomato Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy Italian Tomato Pie brings Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen, promising a rustic comfort that dances with robust flavors. Homemade goodness fills each slice with authentic Italian warmth, inviting you to savor a simple yet delightful culinary journey.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 7 ounces (198 grams) firm mozzarella, thinly sliced
• 5.14 ounces (146 grams) fontal cheese (or gouda/gruyere/soft cheese of choice)

Fresh Produce:

• 2 ripe, firm tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 3–5 leaves fresh basil, for garnish

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 pre-made pie crust or puff pastry
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter, melted
• 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) oregano
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) basil
• 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoon (1.25 to 2.5 milliliters) salt
• 1.25 tablespoons (19 milliliters) olive oil, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a warm 375°F, creating the perfect environment for baking a rustic Italian cheese and tomato pie.
2. Gently unfurl the pie crust or puff pastry, draping it carefully into a waiting pie dish, ensuring a smooth and even surface.
3. Apply a delicate brushstroke of melted butter across the pastry, creating a golden, crisp foundation.
4. Craft an elegant layer of sliced mozzarella and fontal cheese, distributing them evenly to create a creamy base.
5. Artfully arrange vibrant tomato slices atop the cheese, creating a colorful mosaic of Italian flavors.
6. Sprinkle a fragrant blend of oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt, awakening the tomatoes with herbal notes.
7. Enhance the pie with a graceful drizzle of olive oil, adding a touch of Mediterranean richness.
8. Slide the pie into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns a tempting golden brown and the cheese bubbles with anticipation.
9. Complete the culinary masterpiece by scattering fresh basil leaves across the top, adding a final burst of aromatic freshness before serving.

Notes

• Choose high-moisture tomatoes like Roma or San Marzano for a more intense flavor and less watery result.
• Pat tomato slices dry with paper towels to prevent soggy crust and ensure crisp pastry texture.
• Consider using a mix of cheeses like sharp provolone or parmesan to add depth and complexity to the pie’s taste profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pie crust with almond flour or cauliflower-based crust alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg