Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe
Meet your new flavor-packed obsession: the Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe. This dish is a radiant celebration of juicy tomatoes crowned with gooey, golden cheese and a shower of fresh basil. It’s not just a treat for the eyes—every bite bursts with savory, tangy, and herbal notes that melt together so beautifully, you’ll wonder how something so simple can be so impressive. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a show-stealing side, or a light main for your next dinner, this recipe fits the bill with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of staples, and you’ll be amazed at how each component brings something essential to this Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe. Every ingredient adds its own unique flavor or texture, creating a harmony that’s much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Roma tomatoes: These have the perfect balance of meatiness and juiciness, holding up well when baked and soaking in all the flavors.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, salty kick plus that signature golden crust once baked.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings creamy meltiness and just the right stretch, balancing out the sharpness of Parmesan.
- Chopped fresh basil: Lends a fragrant, peppery lift and a pop of vibrant color to the dish.
- Olive oil: A drizzle before baking intensifies both flavor and texture, helping the cheese bubble up beautifully.
How to Make Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring every bite emerges perfectly golden. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil; this catches bubbling cheese and guarantees zero sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange the Tomato Slices
Slice your Roma tomatoes into even rounds, about half an inch thick. Lay them out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space—this helps each slice roast evenly and steam off excess moisture.
Step 3: Cheese & Herb Topping
Generously sprinkle each tomato slice with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella. Shower the tops with freshly chopped basil for that garden-fresh aroma. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil over each mound—this step ensures that irresistible, crisp-topped cheese we all crave in the Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide the tray onto the middle rack and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling cheese and edges that just start to brown. For those picture-perfect golden tops, turn on the broiler for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye—you want bronzed cheese, not burnt!
Step 5: Serve Warm
Let the tomatoes cool just slightly before transferring to a platter. Enjoy them warm so the cheese is gloriously melty and each bite bursts with savory, herby flavor. This Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe shines as a comforting appetizer, crowd-pleasing side, or even tucked into crusty bread.
How to Serve Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit more fresh basil or a dusting of cracked black pepper over the top just before serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a few ribbons of Parmesan or a splash of balsamic glaze—these finishing touches highlight the freshness and take your Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe to the next level.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with all sorts of mains. Try serving alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty grain salad. Or, make the meal Mediterranean by adding olives, crusty bread, and a crisp green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Layering the baked tomatoes over toasted baguette slices creates knock-out bruschetta. You can also chop them up and fold them into pasta or layer onto a grilled vegetable platter for a colorful, crowd-pleasing display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days, keeping their flavor and most of their texture intact.
Freezing
While possible, freezing is not ideal, as fresh tomatoes can become watery and cheese may lose its texture. However, if needed, arrange cooled baked tomatoes in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the tomatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the cheese bubbly and the tomatoes just warm enough—microwaving works in a pinch but can make tomatoes a bit mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for the Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While Roma tomatoes hold up well, you can experiment with heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes for juicier slices. Just aim for uniform thickness and pat them dry before topping.
What other cheeses work well?
Feel free to swap in provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different take. The blend of melty and flavorful cheeses is what truly defines the Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe, so play with your favorites!
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
You can prep the tomato slices and topping a few hours in advance, keep them chilled, and bake just before serving for best results. The fresh-from-the-oven cheese is worth the timing!
How can I make this dish vegetarian or gluten-free?
This recipe is already beautifully vegetarian and gluten-free, as long as you check your cheese labels for any added fillers. It’s a crowd-friendly option for a variety of diets.
What can I do with leftovers?
Chopped leftover baked tomatoes with cheese make a fantastic omelette filling or pizza topping. Or, toss them into hot pasta with some reserved basil for an instant flavor upgrade.
Final Thoughts
The Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe is the ultimate proof that the best dishes are often the simplest. I can’t recommend it enough—whether you’re cooking for guests or just yourself, give this savory, melty, impossibly satisfying favorite a try soon. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Baked Tomatoes with Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked tomatoes with cheese feature ripe tomatoes topped with a golden, melted cheese layer. The combination of juicy tomatoes and rich, savory cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, they work beautifully as a side or appetizer.
Ingredients
Roma Tomatoes:
- 4 large Roma tomatoes, sliced
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Arrange Tomatoes: Arrange tomato slices on the sheet.
- Add Cheese: Top each slice with Parmesan, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese browns.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tomato slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Baked tomatoes, Cheese tomatoes, Tomato appetizer
