This savory pie with cherry tomatoes is everything you want in a rustic Italian dish—crisp, buttery pastry, a creamy ricotta-provola filling, and vibrant cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor. Whether you’re planning a cozy family lunch or a summer dinner with friends, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Vibrant and flavorful: The combination of red and yellow cherry tomatoes makes it as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Simple yet elegant: Perfect for both casual meals and entertaining guests.
- Creamy, cheesy filling: Ricotta and smoked provola create a rich and satisfying texture.
- Make-ahead friendly: The pastry and filling can be prepared in advance for quick baking later.
What Is the Dish?
The savory pie with cherry tomatoes is a traditional Mediterranean-inspired recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes and the richness of creamy cheese. It’s similar to an Italian torta salata—a rustic, free-form pie made with shortcrust pastry and seasonal fillings. The result is a colorful, comforting dish that balances flaky pastry with a luscious, cheesy interior.
Cooking Tips
- Cold butter is key: It creates a perfectly crumbly shortcrust.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined to keep it tender.
- Use ripe, firm cherry tomatoes so they don’t release too much water during baking.
- Experiment with herbs: Try thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra aroma.
- For a golden crust, brush the edges with beaten egg before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Pastry?
Yes! A good-quality pre-made shortcrust or puff pastry works perfectly if you’re short on time.
What Cheese Can I Substitute for Provola?
You can use mozzarella, fontina, or scamorza for a similar creamy melt and smoky flavor.
How Can I Prevent the Base from Getting Soggy?
Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely. Zucchini, eggplant, or caramelized onions pair wonderfully with the tomato-ricotta base.
Is This Pie Served Hot or Cold?
It’s delicious both ways! Serve warm for a gooey, cheesy center or at room temperature for a picnic-style dish.
How to Store
Let the savory pie cool completely before storing. Cover tightly or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crisp texture.
How to Freeze
Wrap the cooled pie in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm and flaky again.
Ingredients
How to Make Savory Pie With Cherry Tomatoes
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Combine flour, salt, and butter in a bowl. Rub the butter into the flour until the texture is sandy. Add cold water and knead gently until smooth. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Combine flour, salt, and butter in a bowl. Rub the butter into the flour until the texture is sandy. Add cold water and knead gently until smooth. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix ricotta, provola, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until creamy and well blended.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, provola, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until creamy and well blended.
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On parchment paper, roll the chilled dough into a circle about ⅛ inch thick.
On parchment paper, roll the chilled dough into a circle about ⅛ inch thick.
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Transfer the dough to a tart pan or baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the base.
Transfer the dough to a tart pan or baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the base.
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Arrange halved cherry tomatoes on top. Sprinkle with oregano, a pinch of salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
Arrange halved cherry tomatoes on top. Sprinkle with oregano, a pinch of salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
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Place in a preheated oven at 392°F (200°C) for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Place in a preheated oven at 392°F (200°C) for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy the rustic charm of this colorful pie!
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