Baked Cheddar Tomatoes
Baked Cheddar Tomatoes offer a delightful combination of juicy tomatoes topped with cheesy, crispy bread crumbs—perfect as a savory side or appetizer for cheese lovers and vegetable fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place tomatoes on a greased baking sheet and sprinkle salt, pepper, and sugar over each half.
- Combine bread crumbs and grated Cheddar cheese; evenly distribute the mixture onto each tomato half.
- Drizzle each tomato with butter and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts and topping is golden.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like thyme or basil with the bread crumbs and cheese. If you're out of Cheddar, any good melting cheese will work, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or finely ground nuts. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, so don’t skip it.
Serving Suggestions
These baked cheddar tomatoes make a delightful side dish, perfect for accompanying grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with American recipes like Chuck's Fried Cornbread or can be served as a light vegetarian main dish. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a side of Green Bean-Buttermilk Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked cheddar tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the tomatoes soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cheddar Tomatoes contains roughly 154 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for regular tomatoes, you can also use heirloom, Roma, or even cherry tomatoes for a bite-sized treat. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller tomatoes will cook faster than larger ones.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even finely chopped nuts for a gluten-free option. Each alternative will add its own unique texture and flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).