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! This savory delight from the iconic restaurant, Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia, will have your taste buds singing Dixie!
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 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.
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4. Sprinkle a layer of the buttered Ritz crackers over the top of the tomatoes and onions
- 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!
Other recipes that you will enjoy!
Sweet Potato Soufflé with Marshmallows
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Be sure to check out my cookbook Deliciously Southern for a wonderful collection of tried and true Southern recipes.
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Print
Mary Mac’s Tomato Pie (Copycat Recipe)
Prep Time: 20 minutes- Cook Time: 35 to 45 minutes
- Total Time: -28913119.366667 minute
Yield: 8 servings
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Tomato pie is a delightful Southern dish that combines ripe, juicy tomatoes with a blend of cheeses and a creamy mayonnaise base. The filling is nestled in layers of buttery Ritz crackers adding a perfect crunch. Baked until golden and bubbly, this savory pie is a delicious celebration of fresh tomatoes and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 3 sleeves of Ritz crackers, crushed½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (about 2 medium size tomatoes) Note: Be sure not to put more than two cups of diced tomato
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ cup chopped sweet yellow onion (Preferably Vidalia onions
- 2 cups heavy duty mayonnaise such as Dukes or Hellman’s
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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 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
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 for 20 minutes. Then take the pie out of the oven and top with the remaining buttered crackers. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
