Baked Tomatoes with Cheese
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Baked tomatoes with cheese are a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. You only need a few simple ingredients like Roma tomatoes, Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh basil. These cheesy tomatoes take just 15 minutes to prepare and bake, making them perfect for a quick snack or side dish.
The recipe is super simple. You’ll slice the tomatoes, top them with cheese and basil, and bake until the cheese gets all melty and golden. The warm, juicy tomatoes pair so well with the gooey cheese. It’s a great way to use up fresh tomatoes from your garden or farmer’s market.
Exact Ingredients List
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make these tasty baked tomatoes with cheese:
• 4 large Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
The tomatoes form the base of this dish. You’ll want to choose ripe, flavorful Roma tomatoes and slice them evenly.
For the cheese, it’s best to use freshly shredded Parmesan and mozzarella rather than pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts better and has more flavor.
Don’t forget the fresh basil – it adds a bright, herbal note that really complements the tomatoes and cheese.
A little drizzle of good quality olive oil helps everything brown nicely in the oven.
With just these 5 simple ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish or appetizer that’s sure to impress. The combination of juicy tomatoes, melty cheese, and fresh basil is hard to beat!
Instructions
Prep the Tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 large sliced Roma tomatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
Top with Cheese: Top the tomatoes evenly with 1 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle with Basil: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped fresh basil over top.
Bake the Tomatoes: Drizzle lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil the Tomatoes: Set the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this baked tomato recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some tasty options:
Tomato Swaps:
- Beefsteak tomatoes
- Heirloom tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Cheese Choices:
- Fontina
- Provolone
- Gouda
- Cheddar
Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:
- Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy crust.
- Use pesto instead of fresh basil for a flavor boost.
For a heartier dish, try these add-ins:
- Cooked, crumbled bacon
- Diced pepperoni
- Sliced mushrooms
Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of garlic powder. For a zesty twist, sprinkle some lemon zest on top after baking.
Remember, you can always adjust the cheese amounts to your liking. More cheese means a gooier, richer dish!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the best results. This helps them hold their shape while baking. You can use different types of tomatoes like beefsteak or heirloom if you prefer.
Try mixing up the cheese varieties for new flavors. Gruyere or fontina are tasty options to pair with mozzarella. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or dried oregano before baking.
Make sure to slice the tomatoes evenly, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding toppings.
To store leftovers, let the baked tomatoes cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.
For a quick appetizer version, use smaller cherry tomatoes cut in half. Top with cheese and basil, then bake for just 5-7 minutes. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties!