Celebrate tomato season with this delicious, easy appetizer with only 7 ingredients!
Eating seasonally is something I grew up doing. My parents were always big on getting the best produce that was in season.
Berries for $6 in the winter just because I wanted them? That was never gonna happen.
First, out-of-season produce is never as tasty as in-season, and the extra cost is silly when there are other great (but different) options available that season.
While I was usually on board with this idea because taste is a major player in why I'll eat something, I was never really looking forward to tomato season when I was younger.
Or to be more specific, when I didn't know how delicious tomatoes could be.
While I grew up in a family of tomato-lovers, I just couldn't get behind the hype.
That is until I had tomato pie.
Never had tomato pie? Well, you're surely missing out.
It's a pie crust covered in cheese, topped with freshly sliced tomatoes, seasoned with salt and pepper, and baked.
Tomato pie is pure bliss.
But something about making a pie crust or having a whole tomato pie to finish is daunting.
Enter mini phyllo cups. Those things are brilliant. And they are perfect for making tomato pie. Mini tomato pies, so everyone can have their fair share.
(P.S. They are also perfect for making mini crawfish pies, too!)
Your tomato pie skeptics can taste one and decide whether or not they want another (they will). And your tomato-lovers can have lots of delicious tomato pie bites.
Something that is extremely important with tomato pie is that you A) cover the tomatoes in salt and drain them before cooking and B) season them well with salt and pepper.
Technically, you are adding salt to help them release their juices so really you need only focus on making sure not to forget the freshly cracked black pepper. I promise it makes a difference.
Adding fresh herbs is optional but really takes it up a notch. I tried them with and without, and while the herb-free version was good, the version with herbs was better.
Thyme and basil will both work.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it only has 6 ingredients (or 7 if you use herbs). Perfect for a late summer gathering or early fall party!
Tomato Pie Bites
Ingredients
- 24 mini phyllo shells
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved or quartered
- ⅜ teaspoon salt
- 3 ounces cheese shredded (about ¾ cup) & divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon chopped herbs like basil or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375*F. Place the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Spread the tomatoes in a colander and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Let drain for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sprinkle the phyllo cups with half of the cheese. Bake for 3 minutes and remove from oven.
- Place the tomatoes on paper towels, and pat dry. Season the tomatoes with the black pepper and remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt. Place in the phyllo shells. Top with chopped pecans. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese has melted and phyllo cups are lightly browned. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using. Enjoy!
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