When summer arrives and gardens begin overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes, few recipes showcase their flavor better than Edisto Tomato Pie. This iconic Southern dish has been cherished for generations throughout South Carolina’s Lowcountry, particularly on Edisto Island, where fresh coastal ingredients and traditional Southern cooking come together beautifully. Combining layers of sliced tomatoes, fresh herbs, creamy cheese, mayonnaise, and a flaky pie crust, Edisto Tomato Pie transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that perfectly captures the taste of summer.

Unlike sweet fruit pies, this savory tomato pie offers a rich balance of textures and flavors. The tomatoes become tender and flavorful as they bake, while the cheese and mayonnaise topping develops a golden, bubbly crust. Fresh herbs add brightness, and the flaky pie crust provides the perfect foundation for every bite.

One of the reasons Edisto Tomato Pie has remained popular for decades is its versatility. It can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner, a side dish for barbecues and cookouts, or an elegant addition to brunch tables and holiday gatherings. It’s equally delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled straight from the refrigerator.

This recipe is especially popular during peak tomato season when farmers markets and backyard gardens are bursting with fresh produce. Home cooks often find themselves searching for creative ways to use abundant tomatoes, and Edisto Tomato Pie remains one of the most delicious solutions.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern cuisine or trying tomato pie for the first time, this classic recipe delivers comfort, freshness, and timeless flavor in every slice. Once you taste the combination of juicy tomatoes, melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and buttery crust, you’ll understand why this dish continues to be one of the South’s most beloved summer recipes.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Edisto Tomato Pie

What Is Edisto Tomato Pie?

Edisto Tomato Pie is a traditional Southern savory pie featuring:

• Fresh sliced tomatoes
• Pie crust
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh basil
• Green onions
• Seasonings

The pie is baked until golden brown and bubbly, creating a rich and satisfying dish that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes.

Unlike pizza or quiche, Edisto Tomato Pie has a distinctive Southern character that comes from the combination of tomatoes, mayonnaise, and cheese.

The finished pie offers:

• Flaky crust
• Creamy topping
• Juicy tomatoes
• Herbaceous flavor
• Rich texture

It’s often considered one of the most iconic dishes of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Why Edisto Tomato Pie Is So Popular

Celebrates Summer Produce

Perfect use for fresh tomatoes.

Classic Southern Recipe

Generations of tradition.

Easy to Prepare

Simple ingredients and techniques.

Beautiful Presentation

Perfect for entertaining.

Versatile Serving Options

Works for multiple meals.

Vegetarian Friendly

Great meatless option.

Family Favorite

Loved by all ages.

Excellent Leftovers

Tastes great the next day.

Rich Yet Fresh

Balanced flavors.

Perfect Potluck Dish

Easy to transport and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Garden Flavor

Highlights seasonal tomatoes.

Flaky Pie Crust

Provides delicious texture.

Golden Cheese Topping

Rich and creamy.

Easy Ingredients

Simple grocery list.

Great for Entertaining

Impressive presentation.

Customizable

Easy to adapt.

Southern Comfort Food

Classic and satisfying.

Perfect Year After Year

Timeless recipe.

The History of Edisto Tomato Pie

Tomato pie has long been a staple of Southern cooking.

Its popularity grew throughout the South because tomatoes were:

• Easy to grow
• Abundant in summer
• Flavorful
• Affordable

In South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, cooks developed a unique version featuring mayonnaise and cheese layered over fresh tomatoes.

Edisto Island became especially known for its tomato pie because of:

• Rich agricultural traditions
• Fresh coastal produce
• Family recipe traditions
• Community gatherings

The dish became a favorite at:

• Church suppers
• Family reunions
• Summer picnics
• Potluck dinners
• Holiday brunches

Today, Edisto Tomato Pie remains one of the South’s most treasured seasonal recipes.

Why Fresh Tomatoes Make All the Difference

The quality of the tomatoes largely determines the success of the pie.

Fresh tomatoes provide:

Natural Sweetness

Enhanced during baking.

Rich Flavor

Far superior to out-of-season tomatoes.

Juicy Texture

Creates satisfying layers.

Beautiful Color

Makes the pie visually appealing.

Seasonal Freshness

Captures the essence of summer.

Choosing the Best Tomatoes

Heirloom Tomatoes

Exceptional flavor and color.

Beefsteak Tomatoes

Large and juicy.

Vine-Ripened Tomatoes

Excellent balance of sweetness and acidity.

Garden Tomatoes

Freshest option available.

Roma Tomatoes

Lower moisture content.

For the best results, select ripe tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft when gently pressed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Idea!

Main Ingredients

• 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Additions

• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Bacon crumbles
• Fresh thyme
• Red pepper flakes

Ingredient Spotlight

Tomatoes

The star ingredient.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Adds bold flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese

Creates creamy texture.

Mayonnaise

Traditional Southern richness.

Fresh Basil

Bright herbal flavor.

Green Onions

Subtle savory depth.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need:

• 9-inch pie dish
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Paper towels

Optional:

• Mandoline slicer
• Cooling rack

How to Make Edisto Tomato Pie

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare Crust

Place crust into pie dish.

Step 3: Slice Tomatoes

Cut into even slices.

Step 4: Remove Excess Moisture

Arrange tomatoes on paper towels.

Step 5: Salt Tomatoes

Draw out additional moisture.

Step 6: Pat Dry

Reduce excess liquid.

Step 7: Layer Tomatoes

Arrange evenly in crust.

Step 8: Add Herbs

Sprinkle basil and green onions.

Step 9: Make Cheese Mixture

Combine cheeses and mayonnaise.

Step 10: Spread Topping

Cover tomatoes completely.

Step 11: Bake

Bake until golden brown.

Step 12: Cool

Allow pie to rest.

Step 13: Slice

Cut into wedges.

Step 14: Serve

Enjoy warm or chilled.

Why Draining Tomatoes Is Essential

One of the most important steps is removing excess moisture.

Draining tomatoes helps:

• Prevent soggy crust
• Improve texture
• Concentrate flavor
• Maintain pie structure
• Create cleaner slices

Skipping this step often results in watery filling.

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Ingredients

Perfect flavor harmony.

Creamy Cheese Layer

Adds richness.

Fresh Herbs

Provide brightness.

Flaky Crust

Supports filling.

Proper Tomato Preparation

Maintains texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Edisto Tomato Pie

Use Peak-Season Tomatoes

Best flavor possible.

Drain Thoroughly

Prevents sogginess.

Use Fresh Herbs

Superior flavor.

Shred Your Own Cheese

Better melting.

Pre-Bake Crust

Extra crispness.

Bake Until Golden

Improves texture.

Let Pie Rest

Easier slicing.

Season Tomatoes

Enhances flavor.

Use Quality Mayonnaise

Traditional Southern taste.

Serve Slightly Warm

Best balance of flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping Tomato Draining

Leads to excess moisture.

Using Underripe Tomatoes

Less flavor.

Too Much Mayonnaise

Can overpower tomatoes.

Underbaking

Poor texture.

Overbaking

Dry filling.

Not Resting Before Serving

Messy slices.

Delicious Variations

Bacon Tomato Pie

Crispy bacon added.

Parmesan Tomato Pie

Extra savory flavor.

Three Cheese Tomato Pie

Additional richness.

Herb Garden Pie

Multiple fresh herbs.

Garlic Tomato Pie

More depth.

Spicy Tomato Pie

Red pepper flakes.

Heirloom Tomato Pie

Colorful presentation.

Southern Tomato Pie

Traditional version.

Mediterranean Tomato Pie

Olives and feta.

Vegetable Tomato Pie

Additional vegetables.

Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie

Southern twist.

Goat Cheese Tomato Pie

Tangy variation.

Best Side Dishes

Side Dish	Why It Works
Garden Salad	Fresh contrast
Fruit Salad	Sweet balance
Grilled Corn	Southern pairing
Coleslaw	Crunchy texture
Green Beans	Simple side
Roasted Vegetables	Healthy option
Potato Salad	Picnic favorite
Cucumber Salad	Refreshing flavor
Soup	Light meal pairing
Asparagus	Elegant addition

Make-Ahead Instructions

Slice Tomatoes Early

Drain ahead of time.

Assemble Pie

Before baking.

Refrigerate

Until ready.

Bake Fresh

Best results.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store up to 4 days.

Cover Tightly

Maintain freshness.

Reheat Gently

Preserve texture.

Serve Cold

Still delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

Rich in Vitamins

Tomatoes provide nutrients.

Good Protein Source

Cheese contributes protein.

Vegetarian Friendly

Meat-free option.

Fresh Ingredients

Simple and wholesome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Edisto Tomato Pie is a true Southern classic that celebrates everything wonderful about fresh summer tomatoes. With its flaky crust, juicy tomato layers, creamy cheese topping, and fresh herbs, this beloved Lowcountry recipe delivers unforgettable flavor in every bite. Whether served for brunch, lunch, dinner, or special gatherings, it remains one of the most cherished seasonal dishes in Southern cooking. Once you experience the rich flavors and comforting texture of Edisto Tomato Pie, it will become a tradition you’ll look forward to making every summer.

Print