Herbed Baked Tomatoes
Herbed baked tomatoes feature ripe tomatoes topped with fresh herbs, seasoned dressing, and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect as a flavorful side or light vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thickly slice the tomatoes and layer half of them in an ovenproof baking dish.
- Mix red wine vinegar, whole grain mustard, and crushed garlic together, stirring in 2 teaspoons of cold water.
- Sprinkle the tomatoes with half of the chopped fresh herbs and drizzle with half of the dressing.
- Layer the remaining tomato slices on top, overlapping them, and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Sprinkle the white bread crumbs over the top of the tomatoes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining herbs.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using heirloom tomatoes or a mix of different varieties. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity by half. To enhance the dish, incorporate a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This dish can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for a quick meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the herbed baked tomatoes as a delightful side dish with grilled meats or fish. They also pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Pasta Tomato Salad or Penne Provencale. For a light meal, serve alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover herbed baked 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 for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tomatoes mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Baked Tomatoes contains roughly 125 calories, with 8g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (158% of the Daily Value), calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 ones?
While fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes and drain them well before slicing. Keep in mind that the baking time may need adjustment, as canned tomatoes are already cooked.
What can I substitute for white bread crumbs?
If you don't have white bread crumbs, consider using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping. Alternatively, crushed crackers or even finely chopped nuts can be used for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the seasoning as needed since crackers may already be salty.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already quite vegan-friendly! Ensure that the bread crumbs used are free from any dairy ingredients. Additionally, you can enhance the dish with nutritional yeast sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, making it perfect for vegan diets.
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).