Description
Baked parmesan tomatoes deliver a simple Mediterranean-style side dish packed with herb-infused flavor. Ripe tomatoes topped with savory cheese create an irresistible accompaniment that brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes (vine-ripened or heirloom)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Binding and Coating:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C), ensuring optimal temperature for roasting.
- Carefully halve tomatoes horizontally, positioning them cut-side upward on a lined baking sheet.
- Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by combining minced garlic, fresh chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a small mixing bowl.
- Generously distribute the aromatic herb mixture across the tomato surfaces, ensuring even coverage.
- Crown each tomato half with a lavish layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing for maximum flavor absorption.
- Enhance the dish by delicately drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the prepared tomatoes.
- Sprinkle a light layer of panko breadcrumbs across the top, introducing a delightful crispy texture.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until tomatoes become tender and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot, presenting as an elegant appetizer or accompanying side dish.
Notes
- Customize breadcrumb texture by toasting them lightly in a skillet before sprinkling for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes like Roma or beefsteak varieties to ensure they hold their shape during baking and release maximum flavor.
- Make this dish gluten-free by substituting panko with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the crispy topping.
- Elevate the recipe by experimenting with different hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged Asiago for varied taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg