Easy Heirloom Tomato Pie Casserole

$- Heirloom tomatoes - Cheeses (Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan) - Fresh herbs and spices - Pie crust options For the best taste, use these amounts: - 4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer) - 1 tablespoon olive oil If you want a healthier version, try low-fat cheeses or a whole wheat crust. You can swap out some cheeses too. Try goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Using fresh heirloom tomatoes makes a big difference. They have a rich taste and juicy texture. They give the casserole a vibrant look and a fresh flavor. In peak season, heirloom tomatoes shine. You can find them at farmers' markets or local stores. Canned tomatoes can work in a pinch. Use them when fresh ones are not available. They save time and can still add flavor. Just remember, canned tomatoes are softer and may make the pie too watery. If using canned, drain them well before adding. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Next, gather your ingredients. You need: - 4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred) - 1 tablespoon olive oil In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Now, it’s time to layer the casserole. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Press it against the bottom and sides. Start by adding half of the sliced heirloom tomatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the tomatoes for flavor. Then, spread the cheese mixture evenly on top of the tomatoes. This ensures every bite has great taste. Next, layer the remaining tomato slices on top. Drizzle with olive oil for extra richness. Finally, add the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a bubbly, golden top when baked. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and a golden crust on top. These are signs your casserole is done. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Enjoy this tasty heirloom tomato pie casserole with your family! To enhance the tomato flavor, use ripe heirloom tomatoes. The sweeter they are, the better. You can sprinkle a bit of salt on the tomatoes to draw out moisture and intensify their taste. For a crispy pie crust, bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps keep it firm and prevents sogginess. Pair your casserole with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. A light vinaigrette adds a nice touch. For presentation, slice the pie neatly and arrange it on a colorful plate. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top makes it look stunning. Avoid using overripe tomatoes, as they can make the dish mushy. Also, be careful with salt; too much can overpower the flavors. When cooking, do not rush the baking time. If you take it out too soon, the texture may not be right. Follow the Full Recipe for the best results. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this dish to match your taste. Try using goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cream cheese also works well if you like a richer flavor. You can also add veggies or proteins to make it heartier. Spinach or bell peppers add color and nutrients. For protein, cooked chicken or bacon can bring a nice touch. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crusts at the store. You can also make your own using almond flour or oats. For a vegetarian or vegan version, skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese. Tofu can work as a great substitute for ricotta. Always check labels to ensure they fit your diet. Want more flavor? Add spices like cayenne pepper for heat. A pinch of smoked paprika can also deepen the taste. Using seasonal ingredients can make a big difference too. Fresh corn in summer or roasted squash in fall can change the entire dish. Enjoy experimenting with what you love! You can find the full recipe [here](#). To keep your Easy Heirloom Tomato Pie Casserole fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass containers work great because they are safe for the oven and microwave. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap if you do not have a container. For freezing, cut the casserole into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, avoid losing the great taste and texture. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat on medium for 5-7 minutes. Check every few minutes to ensure even warming. In the fridge, your casserole lasts about 3-5 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months. Look for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or mold. If you see any, it’s best to toss the casserole. Enjoy your tasty meal and keep it fresh! Yes, you can use other types of tomatoes. Some good options are beefsteak, Roma, or cherry tomatoes. These types offer great flavor and texture. However, heirloom tomatoes shine in this recipe. They have a rich taste and juicy texture that make the dish special. When using different tomatoes, adjust cooking time if needed. Each variety has a different water content that can change the results. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day early. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This tip makes meals easier during busy days. Look for a bubbly and golden top. The cheese should melt and brown lightly. You can also insert a knife into the center. It should come out warm. If it feels cool or wet, it needs more time. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. This blog post guided you through making a delicious heirloom tomato pie. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and baking instructions for perfect results. I shared helpful tips, common mistakes to avoid, and delicious variations. Remember, using fresh heirloom tomatoes enhances flavor, while proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with different cheeses and flavors. With these insights, you can create a tasty dish that impresses everyone. Happy cooking!$

Easy Heirloom Tomato Pie Casserole

Savor the flavors of summer with this delicious Easy Heirloom Tomato Pie Casserole! Bursting with fresh heirloom tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make this savory dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Ready to indulge in this tasty comfort food? Click through to explore the recipe and bring this delightful casserole to your table today!

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Ingredients

4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly against the bottom and sides.

Layer half of the sliced heirloom tomatoes at the bottom of the pie crust. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the tomatoes.

Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes, ensuring an even layer.

Top with the remaining heirloom tomato slices and drizzle with olive oil.

Finish with the rest of the shredded mozzarella on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 6