Save A vibrant, cheesy tomato bake that comes together quickly without feta&mdashperfect for weeknight dinners or as a hearty side.
I love making this tomato bake when I need a flavorful meal in no time that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
- 700 g (1.5 lbs) ripe tomatoes: sliced
- 1 small red onion: thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 125 g (4.5 oz) fresh mozzarella: torn or sliced
- 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese:
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil:
- 1 tsp dried oregano:
- 1/2 tsp dried basil:
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: optional garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Lightly oil a medium baking dish. Arrange half the tomato slices in a single layer.
- Step 3:
- Sprinkle half the red onion and half the minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Step 4:
- Layer half the mozzarella over the vegetables.
- Step 5:
- Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings, and mozzarella.
- Step 6:
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 20 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender.
- Step 8:
- Let cool slightly. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table to enjoy a tasty, wholesome meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
Add sliced olives or roasted red peppers between the layers for extra flavor.
Save This speedy tomato bake is an easy weeknight winner that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Common Questions
- → Can I use different cheeses in this bake?
Yes, mozzarella and Parmesan are recommended, but you can substitute with ricotta or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor, keeping it feta-free.
- → What herbs work best in this tomato bake?
Dried oregano and basil provide classic Mediterranean flavor, but fresh basil leaves added after baking offer a bright, fragrant finish.
- → How should I prepare the tomatoes for best results?
Use ripe tomatoes sliced evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and release their juices, enhancing the bake’s flavor.
- → Is olive oil necessary in this dish?
Yes, drizzling extra-virgin olive oil helps meld flavors and keeps the bake moist, adding richness and smoothness.
- → Can this dish be served as a main or side?
It works well both ways—serving four, it can be a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main when paired with bread or pasta.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
This bake contains dairy from mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It is nut-free and gluten-free, but always check cheese labels if strict vegetarian requirements apply.