Baked Tomatoes with Cheese: A Simple & Delicious Appetizer
Looking for a quick and easy appetizer or side dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors? These Baked Tomatoes with Cheese combine juicy Roma tomatoes with gooey melted Parmesan and mozzarella, topped off with fragrant basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a snack, or even a light side.
Ingredients
- 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, for drizzling
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes
Slice the Roma tomatoes into even slices and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This will help the cheese melt evenly on top of each slice.
3. Add Cheese
Top each tomato slice with a generous layer of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella. The combination of these two cheeses adds both flavor and that irresistible melted texture.
4. Add Fresh Basil and Olive Oil
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil evenly over the tomatoes. The basil adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor that complements the richness of the cheese. Lightly drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil to enhance the flavor and help the cheese brown in the oven.
5. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Broil for Extra Browning
For an extra touch of golden, crispy cheese, set your oven to broil and broil the tomatoes for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Serve
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or a savory side dish. These baked tomatoes pair well with salads, grilled meats, or even as part of a tapas-style meal.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-13 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of juicy tomatoes, melted cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil creates a dish that’s light, flavorful, and satisfying.
- Versatile: These baked tomatoes can be served as a side dish, an appetizer, or even as a topping for crusty bread.
Tips for Success
- Tomato Selection: Roma tomatoes work best in this recipe because they are firm and less watery than other varieties, allowing the cheese to melt without the dish becoming soggy.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, like Gruyere or Fontina, for a unique flavor profile.
- Broiling for Crispiness: Broiling the tomatoes for a few minutes at the end adds that deliciously crispy, golden-brown finish to the cheese.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Tomatoes with Cheese are the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re serving them as part of a holiday spread or just looking for a fresh and easy side dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of melted cheese, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes is both comforting and elegant, making it a versatile addition to your recipe rotation!
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Baked Tomatoes with Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of tomatoes and the richness of cheese, these Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella are the perfect option. The juicy Roma tomatoes are topped with a layer of melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and fragrant fresh basil, making them an easy yet impressive appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
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, for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Add Cheese: Top each tomato slice with a layer of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella.
Add Fresh Basil and Olive Oil: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over each tomato and lightly drizzle with olive oil.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for Extra Browning: Set the oven to broil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese turns golden and slightly browned.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180