Greenback Tomatoes
Greenback Tomatoes features baked tomatoes topped with a savory spinach mixture, combining fresh and seasoned flavors ideal for brunch or light dinners, appealing to vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 thick slices fresh tomatoes or 1 large can Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 6 chopped green onions ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup melted butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach as directed on the package.
- Add seasoned bread crumbs, chopped green onions, slightly beaten eggs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional MSG to the cooked spinach. Cook over low heat until eggs are set.
- Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer in a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Top the tomatoes with the spinach mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or finely chopped bell peppers to the spinach mixture. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes can be a great substitute. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a light lunch or dinner option and pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad. It can also be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, similar to a frittata.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the dish soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greenback Tomatoes contains roughly 590 calories, with 16g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (167% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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 spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it until wilted before adding it to the mixture. You may need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach, as it reduces significantly in volume when cooked.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both will provide a similar umami flavor that complements the dish.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the spinach mixture and layer it on the tomatoes in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).