Classic Southern Tomato Pie

Tomato pie is a delightful Southern dish that combines ripe, juicy tomatoes with a blend of cheeses and a creamy mayonnaise base that is topped and layered with rich buttery crackers. Baked until golden and bubbly, this savory pie is a delicious celebration of fresh tomatoes and cheesy goodness.

Welcome back! Today, we’re diving deep into the heart of Southern cuisine with a dish that’s as comforting as a porch swing on a summer evening and as rich as a Southern storyteller's tales: Mary Mac’s Famous Tomato Pie. This is my copycat version of Mary Mac’s tomato pie. Mary Mac’s is a famous landmark restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia.

A Slice of Southern History

Mary Mac’s Tea Room is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Southern institution. Opened in 1945 by Mary McKenzie, it quickly became a beloved gathering spot for Atlantans seeking a taste of home-cooked Southern fare. Over the decades, it has remained a bastion of Southern hospitality, serving up dishes that evoke the warmth and charm of our region. Mary Mac’s is where politicians, celebrities, and regular folks rub elbows over plates of fried chicken, collard greens, and, of course, their famous tomato pie. This dish, with its buttery Ritz cracker crust and luscious filling, is a testament to the simple yet profound flavors that define Southern cooking. Be sure to check out my complete review of Mary Mac’s Tea Room with the link below! Mary Mac’s Tea Room Mary Mac’s Famous Tomato Pie (My copycat version) Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.

Ingredients that you will need:

Ritz crackers Butter Tomatoes Salt Sugar Sweet yellow onions (Preferably Vidalia onions) Mayonnaise such as Dukes or Hellman’s Grated Parmesan cheese Shredded sharp cheddar cheese fresh basil Black pepper

How to make this incredible Tomato Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl toss crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter together until well coated.

Divide the buttered crackers into three parts. Sprinkle ⅓ of the buttered cracker crumbs in the bottom of a well greased casserole dish and lightly toast the crackers for about 5 to 6 minutes. This will prevent a soggy crust then set the pan aside.

2. On a cutting board, dice the tomatoes. After dicing, (Should have 2 cups). Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy pie.

3. Next layer the drained tomatoes and place them on the Ritz cracker crust. Sprinkle salt and sugar evenly over the tomatoes. This might seem unusual, but trust me, it balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. Sprinkle the chopped onions over the diced tomatoes.

4. Sprinkle a layer of the buttered Ritz crackers over the top of the tomatoes and onions

1. 5. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, fresh basil and black pepper together. Spread this mixture evenly over the cracker layer.

6. Bake the pie uncovered for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining buttered crackers. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for a Perfect Tomato Pie

- Choose the right tomatoes: Go for vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes if you can find them. Their flavor is unmatched. - Prevent sogginess: Place the freshly diced tomatoes on a paper towel lined plate. Pat the tomatoes dry and don’t skip the pre-baking step for the crust. This ensures a crisp, crunchy base. Note: This is my number one tip for the perfect tomato pie! - Customize your cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.

Southern Entertaining Tips

Serving this tomato pie at your next gathering? Here are some ways to make it an event to remember: - Set the scene: Use mason jars for drinks and wildflowers for centerpieces. Simple, charming, and oh-so-Southern. - Serve with sides: Complement the pie with Southern classics like deviled eggs, collard greens, and cornbread. Don’t forget a pitcher of sweet tea!

The Charm of Southern Living

Southern food is about more than just eating; it’s about community, tradition, and a love of flavors that tell a story. At Mary Mac’s Tea Room, every dish is a nod to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise for the future. So, whip up this tomato pie, invite some friends over, and share in the joy that only good Southern cooking can bring. After all, as we like to say, “There’s always room for one more at the table.” Enjoy and Happy Cooking! Aletia For more information on Mary Mac’s Tea Room, check out my Delicious Stops reviews right here! Mary Mac’s Tea Room Other recipes that you will enjoy! Sweet Potato Soufflé with Marshmallows Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Parmesan Squash Casserole Be sure to check out my cookbook Deliciously Southern for a wonderful collection of tried and true Southern recipes. Also, subscribe to my email list so you won’t miss a thing, and follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you and if you make my recipe, use #deliciouslysouthern. Show me your pictures!😄 Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more delicious recipes!