Fresh Tomato Bake
A savory baked tomato dish with browned onions and crunchy bread crumbs, flavored with basil and Parmesan, perfect as a comforting side or vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt 1/2 cup butter in a skillet and add sliced onions; cook until browned. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and lightly brown the bread crumbs; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peeled and quartered tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and dried basil.
- Layer the cooked onions and bread crumbs in a baking dish, alternating with the tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic while sautéing the onions. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried herbs like oregano or thyme can also work well. Additionally, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free option. To enhance the dish further, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fresh Tomato Bake with a light green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Country Chicken And Dumplings if you're looking for a heartier option. For a vegetarian meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Tomato Bake contains roughly 446 calories, with 11g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh tomatoes will provide a better texture and flavor, but canned varieties can be a convenient alternative, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
If you want to make it even easier, consider using store-bought bread crumbs.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine. For a lighter option, unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of some butter, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
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).