Cheese Crumb Baked Tomatoes
Cheese Crumb Baked Tomatoes offer a savory blend of melted mozzarella, crunchy bread crumbs, and aromatic herbs, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or light side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix half the cheese, bread crumbs, herbs, and garlic until thoroughly blended.
- Arrange tomato slices on an oiled baking sheet.
- Top each tomato slice with some of the crumb mixture.
- Divide the remaining cheese evenly over the topped tomatoes.
- Bake at 475°F (246°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until crumbs are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, consider adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the crumb mixture. If you don't have low-fat mozzarella, regular mozzarella or a blend of cheeses can work well. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried, using about three times the amount. Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese crumb baked tomatoes as a delightful side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light vegetarian main course. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad, such as Greek Spinach Rice Salad, or with crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with Mostaccioli With Spinach And Feta Cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked tomatoes 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 until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Crumb Baked Tomatoes contains roughly 467 calories, with 19g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% 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 other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is recommended for its melting qualities, you can substitute with cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or a mix of your favorites. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor profile slightly.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the crumb mixture and slice the tomatoes a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply top the tomato slices with the mixture and proceed as directed.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can enhance this dish by adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Simply slice them to a similar thickness as the tomatoes, and layer them on the baking sheet along with the tomato slices for a colorful and nutritious addition.
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).