Tomato-Cheddar Pie
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This savoury tomato and cheddar pie is a wonderful celebration of summer produce, featuring thick slices of juicy heirloom tomatoes nestled beneath a rich, herby cheese topping. The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mayonnaise creates a deeply satisfying filling that perfectly balances the acidity of the seasoned tomatoes. Encased in a crisp, buttery homemade pastry, this vegetarian dish offers a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food favourite.
Ideal for a weekend lunch or a seasonal supper, this colourful tart is best served at room temperature to allow the flavours to fully develop and the layers to set. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Whether you are hosting a garden party or looking for a special meat-free main, this reliable recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Ingredients for Tomato-Cheddar Pie
1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoons sugar
160g plain flour, plus more for surface
110g (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3 large heirloom tomatoes (about 900g ), sliced 1/4" thick
3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
Plain flour (for surface)
130g finely chopped Vidalia onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
350g grated sharp cheddar (about 110g )
120ml mayonnaise (preferably Duke's)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, parsley, and/or thyme
1 teaspoon mild hot sauce
1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
A 9" pie pan
How to make Tomato-Cheddar Pie
Back to contentsPulse salt, sugar, and 160g flour in a food processor until well combined. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal with a few pea-size pieces of butter remaining, about 10 seconds. With the motor running, add 60ml ice water and process until dough just holds together, about 30 seconds. Squeeze a small amount of dough between your fingers; if it's very crumbly, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time (2 tablespoons maximum). Do not over-process.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and push together to form a rough ball. Knead a few times to combine, then roll into a ball. Flatten ball into a disc with smooth edges (no cracks), cover with plastic wrap, and chill at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with several layers of paper towels. Arrange tomato slices on prepared sheet, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoons salt, and cover with more paper towels. Let drain at least 30 minutes.
Position rack in bottom rung of oven and preheat to 177°C. After dough has chilled, lightly flour work surface and roll out dough to a 13" round. Roll dough loosely around rolling pin, then release into pie pan. Trim edges to leave a 1" overhang and crimp as desired. Freeze dough at least 15 minutes.
Line crust with parchment paper or foil and fill bottom with baking beans or weights. Bake crust, rotating halfway through, 20 minutes. Remove weights, pierce bottom of crust all over with a fork, and bake again until very light brown and dry, about 10 minutes more.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium. Add onion, butter, and 1/4 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and just starting to brown, 5–8 minutes. Let cool.
Combine cheese, mayonnaise, herbs, hot sauce, pepper, onion mixture, and remaining 1/4 teaspoons salt in a medium bowl. Blot tomatoes with fresh paper towels to remove as much remaining moisture as possible. Arrange tomato slices in pie shell and top with filling; smooth.
Bake pie, rotating halfway through, until golden brown, 40–45 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before slicing.
Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before using. Tomato pie can be chilled for up to 2 days.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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