Baked Tomato Casserole
A comforting tomato casserole with sweet, salty, and buttery layers of bread and cheese, perfect for a quick family dinner or a cozy potluck treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish.
- Layer half of the stewed tomatoes in the dish.
- Sprinkle with half the salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Dot with half the butter.
- Top with half the cheese and half the bread, broken into pieces.
- Repeat the remaining ingredients in the same order.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs such as basil or oregano in your layers. If you're out of butter, margarine works as a great substitute, or you can use olive oil for a lighter option. For a twist, try adding cooked vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition, making it a delightful vegetarian recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This baked tomato casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. It also makes a fantastic side dish for barbecues or family gatherings, complementing main dishes like Deep-Fried Quail.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Tomato Casserole contains roughly 1041 calories, with 13g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2664mg per serving (116% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh tomatoes! Just chop them and cook them down with a bit of salt until they become saucy. This will give you a fresher flavor but may require slightly longer baking time to achieve the right consistency.
What type of cheese works best in this casserole?
American and Velveeta are popular choices due to their meltability, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to create that creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake. This makes it a great option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
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).