This Gluten-Free Tomato Basil Cheese Pie is a fresh take on savory pies! With juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, every bite is filled with flavor, sitting in a tasty Parmesan rosemary crust.
I love how the crunchy crust perfectly complements the cheesy filling. It’s a great way to impress guests without fussing too much in the kitchen. Plus, it’s gluten-free—everyone can enjoy it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. If you don’t have it, consider almond flour or oat flour, but your crust may be a bit different in texture.
Parmesan Cheese: The salty flavor of Parmesan is important here. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright flavor to this pie. If you can’t find fresh basil, dried basil works well too, but use less (about 1 tablespoon) since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are key. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use canned tomatoes (drained) or sun-dried tomatoes for a different experience.
How Do I Make the Perfect Pie Crust?
Making a gluten-free pie crust can be challenging, but here’s the key: keep everything cold! It helps achieve a flaky texture.
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add cold, cubed butter quickly to avoid it melting.
- When mixing, stop as soon as the dough comes together; overmixing can make it tough.
- Chill the dough to help it firm up before rolling.
This way, you’ll have a nice, flaky crust that cradles your flavorful filling perfectly!
Why Should I Salt My Tomatoes?
Salting the tomatoes is essential because it draws out excess moisture, which can make your pie soggy. It’s a simple step that enhances the flavor too.
- Sprinkle salt on the tomato slices and let them sit on paper towels.
- After 10-15 minutes, pat them dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture.
This ensures your pie stays delicious and the crust remains crisp.
How to Make Gluten-Free Tomato Basil Cheese Pie with Parmesan Rosemary Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 ½ tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- 2-3 tbsp ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced about ¼-inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious gluten-free tomato basil cheese pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, plus an extra 30 minutes for the crust chilling time. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. The result will be a flavorful pie that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, salt, and baking powder. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then, beat the egg lightly and add it to the bowl. Mix everything together gently. Add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix just until a dough forms—don’t overwork the dough! Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
While the crust chills, slice the tomatoes about ¼-inch thick and lay them on paper towels. Lightly sprinkle them with salt; this step helps draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry with another paper towel.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you assemble the pie.
4. Assemble the Pie:
On a lightly floured surface (use gluten-free flour for this), roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan and gently press it into the sides and bottom. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped basil, and dried oregano (if you’re using it). Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Spread this delicious cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Now, arrange the tomato slices in overlapping circles on top of the cheese filling. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle a little more salt and pepper if you’d like, along with some fresh basil leaves.
5. Bake:
For a beautiful golden finish, beat the remaining egg and brush the edges of the crust gently with it. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for that lovely touch. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious gluten-free tomato basil cheese pie with its fragrant Parmesan rosemary crust!
FAQ for Gluten-Free Tomato Basil Cheese Pie
Can I Use Store-Bought Gluten-Free Pie Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using a store-bought gluten-free pie crust can make the process much quicker. Just follow the instructions on the package for pre-baking if necessary before adding the filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Enjoy it as a quick snack or light meal!
Can I Make This Pie Vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as it uses cheese and fresh vegetables for flavor. If you’re looking to add more veggies, consider adding spinach or bell peppers for additional taste!
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture. Blending it first can help create a creamier consistency. Alternatively, cream cheese can work too, though it will change the flavor a bit. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to taste!
