The Perfect Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

Baked tomatoes with cheese refine ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds.

These vibrant red gems capture the essence of comfort food with their irresistible aroma and mouthwatering appeal.

Seasonal produce meets creamy dairy in a harmonious dance of textures and flavors that elevate simple ingredients.

Rustic charm meets gourmet sophistication through this unpretentious yet elegant preparation.

Garden-fresh produce melds seamlessly with melted cheese, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and sensations.

Italian-inspired techniques bring out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes while adding a decadent cheese topping.

Warm, bubbling, and aromatic, this dish promises a delightful culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese: A Savory, Melty Delight

• Savor Quick Cheesy Goodness: Transforms simple tomato slices into a mouthwatering dish in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something delicious and fast.
• Burst with Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Combines classic Italian ingredients like Parmesan, mozzarella, and basil to create a vibrant, herb-infused appetizer that feels like a mini vacation on your plate.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Turns ordinary tomatoes into a gourmet experience through smart baking and broiling techniques, delivering a crispy-melted cheese topping with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Nutritional Power Pack: Offers a protein-rich side dish with balanced macronutrients, making it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters who don't want to compromise on taste.

What You Need for Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

• Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing a sweet and tangy base for the baked cheese topping. Roma or beefsteak varieties work best for a meaty texture.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, flavorful cheeses that create a golden, crispy topping with rich, savory notes. Look for fresh, high-quality cheeses for the best results.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh, peppery flavor and beautiful green color to the dish. Choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity oil that helps crisp the cheese and adds a subtle richness to the baked tomatoes. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.

How to Bake Perfect Tomatoes with Cheese

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Baking Surface

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice And Arrange Tomatoes

Wash tomatoes and slice them into even, medium-thick rounds. Carefully place each slice on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.

Step 3: Add Delicious Cheese Toppings

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Drizzle of olive oil

Step 4: Bake And Broil

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes start to soften. Switch oven to broil setting and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Enjoy warm as a delightful side dish or appetizer that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Tips for Making Your Baked Tomatoes Extra Savory

• Select Ripe Tomatoes: Choose firm, seasonal tomatoes with vibrant color and minimal blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Combine Parmesan and mozzarella for a rich, melty top that creates a crispy golden crust during broiling.
• Control Olive Oil Drizzle: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil sparingly to enhance taste without making the tomatoes soggy.
• Watch Broiling Closely: Keep a close eye during the final 2-3 minutes to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown cheese.
• Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil just before serving to add a burst of bright, aromatic flavor and beautiful green color.

Storing Baked Tomatoes with Cheese for Freshness

• Refrigeration: Store leftover baked tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispy cheese and prevent soggy tomatoes. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the cheese rubbery and tomatoes watery.
• Freezing: Not recommended for this dish. Fresh tomatoes lose their texture and become mushy when frozen, compromising the original delicious quality of the recipe.

Pair Your Baked Tomatoes with These Dishes

• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Pair these cheesy baked tomatoes with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to balance the rich, melted cheese and bright tomato flavors.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Proteins: Match these tomatoes with herb-crusted chicken, grilled fish, or a light steak to create a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Create a Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and melted cheese, transforming this side dish into a more substantial appetizer.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or chopped chives on top right before serving to enhance the bright, aromatic profile and add a final burst of color and flavor.

Spice Up Your Baked Tomatoes with Fun Twists

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle za'atar spice blend for a Greek-inspired flavor profile. Add chopped kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean authenticity.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese and add finely chopped jalapeños. Dust with chili powder and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary with the basil. Use a combination of goat cheese and gruyère for a more complex, earthy cheese flavor. Drizzle with truffle oil before serving for an elegant touch.
• Caprese Transformation: Layer fresh mozzarella with thinly sliced prosciutto on top of tomatoes. Finish with a balsamic glaze reduction after baking for a classic Italian appetizer approach.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty baked tomatoes with cheese bring Mediterranean charm to your table. Ripe tomatoes mingle with melted cheese, creating a simple yet irresistible side dish you can’t wait to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

Tomatoes and Herbs:

• 4 large Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 0.5 cup (½ cup) chopped fresh basil

Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Carefully slice ripe tomatoes into uniform 1/4-inch (0.6-centimeter) thick rounds, ensuring each slice has a consistent thickness for even cooking.
3. Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap or touch each other.
4. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each tomato slice, creating a light but complete coverage.
5. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the Parmesan, allowing the cheeses to meld and create a rich, melted texture.
6. Delicately tear fresh basil leaves and distribute them evenly across the cheese-topped tomato slices.
7. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in a thin, even stream over each tomato slice to enhance flavor and promote golden browning.
8. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the cheese begins to melt.
9. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden-brown, slightly crispy cheese topping.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving warm as an elegant side dish or appetizer.

Notes

• These cheesy baked tomatoes transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.
• Freshly picked summer tomatoes create the most vibrant and flavorful base for this quick Mediterranean-inspired side.
• Parmesan and mozzarella melt together, creating a golden, crispy topping that adds irresistible texture and rich flavor.
• Drizzling extra virgin olive oil before baking helps intensify the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and promotes even browning.
• Fresh basil leaves scattered on top bring a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of melted cheese.
• Perfect for entertaining or as a simple weeknight side, these baked tomatoes require minimal prep and deliver maximum taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg