When you think of Southern comfort food, Paula Deen’s recipes almost instantly come to mind. She’s known for her rich, flavorful, and soul-warming dishes — and her famous Southern Tomato Pie is no exception. With layers of ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust, it’s the kind of dish that feels like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
In this post, we’ll dive into 10 Paula Deen-inspired tomato pie recipes. We’ll start with her classic version, then explore creative variations that keep her signature richness while adding new twists.
Whether you’re hosting Sunday brunch, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for a satisfying family dinner, these tomato pie recipes will hit the spot.
1. Paula Deen’s Classic Southern Tomato Pie
Flavor Profile: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh tomato goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 deep-dish 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked)
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange tomato slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
- Layer tomatoes and basil in the crust.
- Mix mayonnaise, cheddar, and mozzarella; spread over tomatoes.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly before slicing.
Tip: Paula Deen recommends not skimping on the mayonnaise — it’s the secret to her creamy texture.
2. Paula Deen’s Cheddar & Bacon Tomato Pie
Why It Works: The smoky bacon adds an irresistible twist to the classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 4 sliced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Layer tomatoes in crust, sprinkle with green onions and bacon.
- Mix mayonnaise with cheese, spread evenly.
- Bake 30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Paula’s Touch: She often uses thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture.
3. Paula Deen’s Garden Fresh Tomato Pie
Why It Works: Perfect for using seasonal garden produce.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3 large tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (red and green)
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Layer tomatoes, peppers, and onions in crust.
- Mix mayonnaise and cheese; spread over top.
- Bake 30 minutes until golden.
Paula’s Tip: Roast the bell peppers first for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
4. Paula Deen’s Spicy Jalapeño Tomato Pie
Why It Works: A little Southern heat makes it unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Arrange tomatoes and jalapeños in crust.
- Mix cheese, mayo, and cilantro; spread on top.
- Bake 30 minutes until bubbly.
Paula’s Tip: She sometimes adds a pinch of cayenne pepper for more kick.
5. Paula Deen’s Vidalia Onion & Tomato Pie
Why It Works: Sweet onions + tomatoes = Southern perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup caramelized Vidalia onions
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Layer onions and tomatoes in crust.
- Mix mayonnaise, cheese, and thyme; spread over.
- Bake 35 minutes until golden.
Paula’s Tip: Use real Vidalia onions for authentic sweetness.
6. Paula Deen’s Caprese-Style Tomato Pie
Why It Works: Combines Italian flavors with her Southern pie method.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 4 tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Layer tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in crust.
- Mix mayonnaise and Parmesan; spread on top.
- Bake 30 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
7. Paula Deen’s Shrimp & Tomato Pie
Why It Works: Adds seafood flair for a coastal Southern touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3 tomatoes, sliced
- ½ pound cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Layer tomatoes and shrimp in crust.
- Mix cheese, mayo, and dill; spread over top.
- Bake 30 minutes.
8. Paula Deen’s Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie
Why It Works: Combines two Southern favorites in one pie.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup prepared pimento cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread half of the pimento cheese in crust, add tomatoes, top with remaining cheese.
- Mix mayonnaise in for extra creaminess if desired.
- Bake 25–30 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
9. Paula Deen’s Roasted Garlic & Tomato Pie
Why It Works: Sweet, mellow garlic complements the juicy tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 head roasted garlic (cloves squeezed out)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread roasted garlic on crust, add tomatoes.
- Mix cheese, mayo, rosemary; spread over.
- Bake 30 minutes.
10. Paula Deen’s Heirloom Tomato Pie
Why It Works: Showcases colorful heirloom tomatoes in all their glory.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 3–4 assorted heirloom tomatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped basil
- Sea salt & cracked pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Arrange heirloom tomato slices in crust, sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix mayo and cheese; spread on top.
- Bake 30 minutes until bubbly.
Paula Deen’s Tips for the Perfect Tomato Pie
- Drain the tomatoes well – Place slices on paper towels to remove excess juice.
- Blind bake the crust – Keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
- Don’t be shy with mayonnaise – It’s key to the creamy texture.
- Use fresh herbs generously – Basil, parsley, and dill brighten the rich filling.
- Let it rest before slicing – This helps the filling set.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a crisp green salad.
- Pair with sweet tea for a true Southern experience.
- Add fresh fruit on the side for brunch.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Paula Deen’s tomato pie ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it the day before, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, but drain and pat them dry thoroughly.
Q: Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
You can, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same.
