Irresistible Easy Italian Cheese And Tomato Pie Recipe

Crafting a delightful Italian cheese and tomato pie can transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in tuscany.

Aromas of fresh basil and melted mozzarella will dance around your senses immediately.

Memories of summer gardens burst through each vibrant slice.

Crisp pastry cradles ripe tomatoes and creamy cheese in a delectable embrace.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical on your plate.

Layers of flavor promise a culinary adventure that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this rustic, soul-warming dish.

What Makes This Italian Cheese & Tomato Pie So Tasty

• Craft Authentic Italian Flavors: Dive into a homemade pie that captures the essence of Italian cuisine with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Experiment with different cheese combinations or add personal herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours, transforming a simple dish into a personalized masterpiece.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve restaurant-quality results with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master, delivering a stunning presentation that looks professionally prepared.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or elegant gatherings, this pie adapts seamlessly to various dining scenarios and satisfies diverse taste preferences.

Gather Ingredients for Italian Cheese and Tomato Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides the base structure for the pie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pie crust and balances the butter's richness.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers in the pie crust through its unique melting properties.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the flour and butter together to form a cohesive dough.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy and melty texture to the pie's filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and nutty flavor to the cheese blend.
• Ricotta Cheese: Contributes a smooth and light consistency to the filling.
• Garlic: Offers a bold and aromatic flavor profile to the cheese mixture.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Add classic Italian herb notes that complement the cheese and tomatoes.

• Fresh Tomatoes, Salt: Help remove excess moisture and concentrate the tomato flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps caramelize the tomatoes during baking.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh, aromatic garnish for the finished pie.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions for the Pie

Step 1: Craft The Pie Crust

Blend flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl.

Slice cold butter into small pieces and work it into the flour until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Pour in chilled water gradually, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.

Shape the dough into a round disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Prepare Tomato Layer

Arrange tomato slices on a paper towel-covered baking sheet.

Sprinkle salt over the slices and allow them to sit for 15 minutes.

This process helps remove excess moisture from the tomatoes.

Step 3: Preheat Cooking Station

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Shape The Crust

Dust a clean surface with flour.

Roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to cover a 9-inch pie dish.

Gently transfer the dough to the dish, trim the edges, and create small holes in the bottom using a fork.

Step 5: Pre-Bake The Crust

Slide the crust into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

Step 6: Create Cheese Mixture

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Ricotta cheese
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil

Spread this creamy mixture evenly across the pre-baked crust.

Step 7: Layer Tomatoes

Blot the tomato slices dry with paper towels.

Arrange them carefully over the cheese mixture.

Drizzle with a light stream of olive oil.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for bubbly cheese and slightly caramelized tomato edges.

Step 9: Final Touch

Scatter fresh basil leaves on top of the pie just before serving.

Slice and enjoy the burst of Italian flavors!

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cheese and Tomato Pie

• Pat tomatoes completely dry to prevent a soggy pie crust and ensure crisp, caramelized edges.
• Select ripe, in-season tomatoes and high-quality cheeses for maximum flavor and authentic Italian taste.
• Keep butter and water ice-cold when making the dough to achieve a perfectly tender, flaky pastry texture.
• Swap or combine fresh basil and oregano to personalize the pie's aromatic profile and match your taste preferences.
• Let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to set the cheese and make slicing easier, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Variations to Make This Pie Your Own

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for the crust. Use certified gluten-free cheese to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cheese Pie: Substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew ricotta, nutritional yeast, and vegan mozzarella. Use coconut oil instead of butter in the crust for a dairy-free option.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Enhance the herb profile by adding za'atar spice blend, chopped fresh mint, and swap some mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese. Include roasted red peppers for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Serving Ideas for Italian Cheese and Tomato Pie

• Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair this Italian cheese and tomato pie with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings fresh, zesty flavors.
• Mediterranean Appetizer Approach: Slice the pie into small wedges and serve as an elegant starter during dinner parties, accompanied by a chilled white wine that complements the tomato and cheese notes.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform this pie into a delightful brunch centerpiece by adding a light side of prosciutto or scrambled eggs, creating a delicious weekend gathering centerpiece that will impress family and friends.
• Leftover Magic: Enjoy cold slices straight from the refrigerator as a quick lunch or midnight snack, as the flavors meld together beautifully when chilled and become even more pronounced.

How to Keep Your Pie Fresh

• Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Carefully wrap the cooled pie in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a freezer-safe label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the crust.

FAQs

• Why do I need to salt and drain tomatoes?

Salting draws out excess moisture from tomatoes, preventing a soggy pie crust and ensuring a crisp, delicious texture in your final dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheeses like fontina, provolone, or goat cheese while maintaining a similar Italian flavor profile.

• How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The pie is ready when the cheese is bubbling, edges are golden brown, and tomatoes look slightly caramelized around the edges.

• Is blind baking the crust really necessary?

Blind baking prevents a wet, soggy bottom by pre-cooking the crust, ensuring a crisp foundation for your tomato and cheese filling.

Rustic Easy Italian Cheese And Tomato Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Italian cheese and tomato pie delivers Mediterranean sunshine on a plate. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this classic dish a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 – 5 tablespoons ice water

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Instructions

1. Craft the pastry by blending flour and salt in a mixing bowl, incorporating cold butter until it resembles grainy texture. Introduce ice water gradually, kneading until dough forms cohesively. Shape into a compact disc, encase in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Heat oven to 375F (190C) with rack positioned in center position.
3. Arrange tomato slices on paper towel-lined tray, sprinkle with salt, allowing moisture to drain for 15 minutes.
4. Dust work surface with flour, gently roll pastry into circular shape matching 9-inch pie dish dimensions. Carefully transfer dough, trim edges, and perforate bottom using fork.
5. Pre-bake crust for 10-12 minutes until achieving delicate golden hue.
6. Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, minced garlic, oregano, and basil in separate container. Distribute cheese blend evenly across pre-baked crust.
7. Thoroughly blot tomato slices with fresh paper towels, artfully layer atop cheese mixture. Drizzle olive oil across surface.
8. Roast pie for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts dramatically and tomatoes caramelize slightly.
9. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves across surface before presenting.

Notes

• Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent a soggy crust, using paper towels and salt to draw out excess moisture before layering.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like fontina or gouda for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic Italian essence.
• Make the pie gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring the crust remains crispy and flavorful.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and chill the dough overnight to develop deeper, more complex flavors in the crust and enhance overall texture.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 222 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg