We traditionally had a box of tomato pie on Sunday mornings along with fried meatballs and mom's Traditional Pot of Sunday Tomato Sauce was simmering on the stovetop for pasta.
My family and all other Italian families in Upstate Utica New York, always had a box of tomato pie from a local bakery.
Napoli, Devito, Salvatore, the list goes on and on who made Tomato Pie famous in our local home town, and so many delicious bakeries I never even had.
When I moved it became the number 1 priority to remake since it was the single most food I missed besides their awesome haddock fish fry.
What is tomato pie you ask?
There are a few cities in America known for the Best Tomato Pie, many have claims to be the best, and that's totally a matter of opinion because there are so many to choose from in Central N.Y bakeries.
First, you may need to know that tomato pie is not pizza and it's not that southern style quiche-like dish people make in a pie crust, nope nothing like it.
Nowhere is tomato pie celebrated more than in Utica, New York.
This is my mom's recipe version we make from that area and a Utica Style Tomato Pie.
Utica tomato pie is served at room temperature no mozzarella cheese just Pecorino Romano cheese and loads of it.
Our version requires homemade dough, homemade tomato sauce and a few tricks to the trade to get a great pie.
Living here in Florida now, we tried to perfect it until we can get home for a visit and this tomato pie is spot on delicious.
Scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card.
Are You Familiar with Italian Tomato Pie?
There are recipes all over the net for tomato pie made with mayonnaise, this is not that kind of tomato pie.
This is a pizza dough risen with a tomato sauce on top and grated cheese baked and eaten cold.
One of my all-time favorite pizza is this Utica New York-style tomato pie.
My Hometown Tips Specialty
- 2 lbs of dough make 2 tomato pies in approximately 15 x 10 baking sheets
- Whole canned tomatoes can be drained a roasted also if fresh isn't available
- There are several variations and kinds of tomato pie in Utica some have added more fresh garlic in oil and basted the crust
- Do not rebake the crust just let the tomato sit on the baked crust for best results
- Only use the best grated Pecorino Romano cheese not the one on the supermarket shelf
- Use a very good aged balsamic vinegar
Central N.Y.
Anyone who grew up in Central N.Y. knows what real Tomato Pie is.
Tomato pie, came in a box, it has loads of grated cheese on top, is eaten cold, and it just wasn't a party or event without it.
Made with a unique delicious homemade sauce and the perfect appetizer any time of the day!
It is one of my favorites for sure and addicting and if you're a real Utican like myself, this was even breakfast the next day!
Growing Up In East Utica, New York
Having a tomato pie was a must at any event or holiday.
Whether it be a new birth, birthday or even funeral, you will find a box of tomato pie in most Italian households in Utica.
If you never had a Tomato pie this baked pizza dough with freshly made tomato sauce and grated cheese is over the top a must-try.
Ingredients You will Need for Tomato Pie
- fresh pizza dough
- tomato puree
- plum tomatoes roasted
- tomato paste
- garlic, minced
- garlic powder
- basil
- oregano
- balsamic vinegar
- sugar
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil first cold-pressed
- Lots of Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese
For More Kinds or Pizza Recipes Try Some Other Favorite Recipes
Homemade Italian Breadsticks
5 Stuffed French Breads
Italian Panzerotti
Tomato Pie Recipe Upstate New York Pin for later
All My Fellow Uticans:
Although nothing taste as good as when we were growing up on the streets of Utica New York and the finest bakeries. this will certainly be a close second to sending you that instant wonderful memory.
Tomato Pie in Upstate New York was a staple in our home growing up, and I crave it since I moved away in 1994.
Although life changes, the memories of childhood and the best years of eating this delicious treat will linger on forever.
You can get anything near what I remember living here in Florida, so this became a family favorite and is a great substitute.
If you are looking for some kind of pizza that is smothered in melted cheese, this isn't it.
Not Your Typical Pizza Pie
If you're looking for a specialty pizza with tons of melted cheese this is nothing like Italian style, coal-fired cheese pizza or common fast-food pizza like Domino or pizza hut, that's totally Americanized, nope, this a thick layer of sauce cheese and has a uniquely delicious taste.
The folks back home know what it is and how yummy this tomato pie pizza is.
I hope you love this recipe, and I bring a little smile to your face with eating this delicious tomato pie copycat version.
The Next Best Thing
This Tomato Pie Recipe Upstate New York is unique to that area in flavor, so many different styles and bakeries to choose from.
When you're not able to get home to Utica, New York, making it is the only other option unless someone ships it to you or you go home to visit and freeze it.
This recipe will surely tide you over until you get back to your childhood favorite style tomato pie at home.
Yield: 12
Tomato Pie Recipe Utica New York Style
prep time: 25 Mcook time: 45 Mtotal time: 70 M
This is a cold pizza with grated cheese on top. The pizza is famous in Utica New York at most local bakeries and a childhood favorite
ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough recipe refer to the link below or 2 pounds of store-bought (makes 2 sheet pans)
- Make the sauce first below.
- 3 cups tomato puree
- 6 fresh plum tomatoes roasted
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (good grade)
- 3 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil first cold-pressed
- Lots of Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese
instructions:
How to cook Tomato Pie Recipe Utica New York Style
- You will need to roast tomatoes on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes. Slice the tomatoes in half, sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle with extra virgin first cold-pressed olive oil...While they cook, combine other ingredients and let it simmer until thickened. Add in roasted tomatoes when cooked, mash tomato chunks until no large pieces of tomato is left. This makes a thick sauce.
- Rise until doubled in volume around two hours. Stretch out on pizza pan rectangle in size, rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated hot oven at 430 degrees. Around 15 minutes,.....will still be white,( cook longer if you like crispy and browned, however, tomato pie is not supposed to be crispy if you have never had this).
- Take out, dredge the bottom and tops with extra virgin olive oil.
- Spread sauce and a thick amount of grated cheese on top ( Pecorino Romano cheese).
- Put back in the oven until pie is set, not browned around 5 to 7 minutes.
Calories
279
279
Fat (grams)
22
22
Sat. Fat (grams)
15
15
Carbs (grams)
22
22
Fiber (grams)
8
8
Net carbs
11
11
Sugar (grams)
12
12
Sodium (milligrams)
101
101
Tomato Pie Recipe Upstate New York Pin for later
Don't Forget to Try My Favorite Recipe for Pizza Dough
Try Some Other Favorite Recipes Of Ours
Homemade Cavatelli
Homemade Lasagna
Homemade Orecchiette Pasta