Southern Tomato Pie

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and cook until lightly browned at the edges, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cool completely.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with paper towels and lay the tomato slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and let sit 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry. (Don't skip this — it keeps the pie from going soggy.)
3. Stir the Swiss cheese, 1 cup of the cheddar, mayonnaise, basil, pepper, egg, and ½ teaspoon salt into the cooled onion.
4. Spread half the cheese mixture in the crust. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon bread crumbs, then arrange half the tomatoes on top. Repeat: cheese mixture, bread crumbs, tomatoes. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar.
5. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, until browned and bubbly.
6. Let rest at least 20 minutes before slicing (it firms up and slices cleaner). Serve warm or at room temperature.