• • Double Pie Crust: You’ll need enough dough for a double crust pie, approximately 1 pound.

    • • Homemade Pie Crust: For the most authentic and flaky crust, consider making your own. A classic recipe typically includes:

        • • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crust. Bread flour can be substituted for a slightly chewier texture.
        • • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and other ingredients.
        • • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed: The key to flakiness! Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, resulting in layers. You can also use shortening or a combination of butter and shortening.
        • • ½ cup ice water: Binds the dough together. Ice water keeps the butter cold, preventing gluten development and ensuring a tender crust.

    • • Store-Bought Pie Crust: For convenience, pre-made pie crusts work perfectly well. Choose a good quality brand for the best flavor and texture. Refrigerated pie crusts are generally preferred over frozen for ease of handling.

For the Savory Cherry Tomato Filling:

• • 2 pounds Cherry Tomatoes: The star of the show! Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. Heirloom varieties or a mix of colors will add visual appeal and a more complex flavor profile. Grape tomatoes can also be used, but cherry tomatoes tend to have a sweeter, more intense flavor.

• • 1 large Onion (Yellow or Sweet), thinly sliced: Adds a savory base note and sweetness that complements the tomatoes. Yellow onions offer a more robust flavor, while sweet onions provide a milder, sweeter taste.

• • 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for depth of flavor and aromatic richness. Freshly minced garlic is always best.

• • 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: Contributes to the creamy texture and tangy flavor of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred.

• • ½ cup Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the filling, creating a creamy and cohesive texture. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

• • 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Sharp Cheddar, Gruyere, or a Blend): Provides a cheesy, savory element and helps bind the filling together. Sharp cheddar offers a strong, tangy flavor, Gruyere adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste, and a blend of cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile. Consider Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone as part of your blend.

• • ¼ cup Fresh Basil, chopped: Infuses the pie with a bright, herbaceous aroma and flavor that perfectly complements tomatoes. Fresh basil is crucial for the best flavor; dried basil is not a suitable substitute.

• • ¼ cup Fresh Thyme, chopped: Adds an earthy, slightly lemony note that enhances the savory character of the pie. Fresh thyme is preferred, but in a pinch, you can use dried thyme (reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon).

• • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for roasting the tomatoes and onions, adding flavor and preventing sticking. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor.

• • 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.

• • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its more vibrant flavor.

• • Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• • Tomato Variety: While cherry tomatoes are the star, you can experiment with other small tomato varieties like grape tomatoes, teardrop tomatoes, or even a mix of heirloom cherry tomatoes for a more complex flavor and color.

• • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor profile. Goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan cheese can be added or substituted for some of the cheddar or Gruyere.

• • Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have fresh basil and thyme, you can use other fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, or chives. A combination of Italian herbs would also work well.

• • Onion Options: Shallots or leeks can be substituted for yellow or sweet onions for a milder or more delicate flavor.

• • Crust Customization: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or a store-bought gluten-free crust. You can also experiment with different types of crusts, such as a cornmeal crust for a slightly different texture and flavor.