Summertime Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pie
This delightful pie pays homage to a family classic, giving it a refreshing summer twist. With vibrant heirloom tomatoes, fresh zucchini, and a creamy cheese blend, this pie perfectly complements a few slices of grilled skirt steak and a fresh tossed salad, creating a well-rounded and satisfying summer meal. Ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or a potluck gathering, this pie will surely impress your friends and family with its colorful presentation and scrumptious taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen pie crust
1 (thawed)
Zucchini
2 1/2 cups (cut into thin rounds, about 2 large zucchini)
Heirloom tomatoes
3 (thinly sliced)
Onion
1 (small, cut in half and thinly sliced)
Parmesan cheese
3 ounces (grated)
Mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Mayonnaise
4 ounces (none)
Dried breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
Butter
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Remove the thawed pie crust from its packaging and carefully unroll it into a 9-inch pie plate. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the crust to prevent bubbling during baking. Blind bake the crust for 5-8 minutes or until it is lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
2
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the zucchini slices on a cookie sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Bake the zucchini for 5-10 minutes or until slightly tender but not fully cooked.
3
3. Once the pie crust is cooled, arrange the pre-cooked zucchini slices evenly over the bottom. Layer the thin onion slices over the zucchini, followed by the heirloom tomato slices. Alternate colors if you have them to create a visually appealing pattern.
4
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5
5. Spread the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the layered tomatoes in the pie crust.
6
6. In a small bowl, melt a tablespoon of butter in the microwave. Add the breadcrumbs to the melted butter and mix until they are well coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese mixture.
7
7. Bake the pie in the preheated 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summertime Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pie?
It is a savory summer pie featuring heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, and a creamy cheese blend, perfect for lunch or dinner.
What kind of crust should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 9-inch frozen pie crust that has been thawed.
Why do I need to blind bake the pie crust?
Blind baking prevents the crust from becoming soggy once the moist vegetable fillings are added.
At what temperature should I blind bake the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the blind baking process.
How long does the blind baking take?
The crust should be baked for 5 to 8 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
How do I prevent the crust from bubbling during baking?
Use a fork to poke a few holes in the crust before putting it in the oven.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be cut into thin rounds, totaling about 2 and a half cups.
Do I need to pre-cook the zucchini?
Yes, bake the zucchini slices at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked.
What seasonings are used on the zucchini?
The zucchini is tossed with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How many heirloom tomatoes are needed?
You will need 3 heirloom tomatoes, which should be thinly sliced.
What is the best way to arrange the vegetables in the pie?
Layer the zucchini first, followed by onion slices, then the heirloom tomato slices.
How should the onion be prepared?
Use one small onion, cut it in half, and then slice it thinly.
What ingredients are in the cheese mixture?
The mixture contains grated parmesan, shredded mozzarella, mayonnaise, fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
How much parmesan and mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of parmesan cheese and 4 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
What is the purpose of the mayonnaise in the filling?
Mayonnaise acts as a binder and adds richness to the cheese and herb mixture.
How much parsley and thyme should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I make the breadcrumb topping?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and mix it with 1 cup of dried breadcrumbs until they are well coated.
At what temperature is the final pie baked?
The final baking step occurs at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the pie bake for in the final stage?
It should bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
How can I tell when the pie is finished?
The top should be golden brown and you should see the filling bubbling.
Should the pie be served hot or cold?
The pie can be served either warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It pairs well with grilled skirt steak and a fresh tossed salad.
What size pie plate is recommended?
A 9-inch pie plate is the standard size for this recipe.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried?
Yes, though dried breadcrumbs typically provide a crunchier topping.
How should I prevent the zucchini from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line the cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper before roasting the zucchini.
Is it necessary to cool the pie before slicing?
Yes, let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven to allow the filling to set.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Heirloom tomatoes are recommended for their flavor and color, but other varieties can be used as a substitute.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Yes, its colorful presentation and ability to be served at room temperature make it ideal for potlucks.
What type of salt is recommended for the zucchini?
The recipe specifically recommends using kosher salt for seasoning the zucchini.