Italian Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Italian Sun-Dried Tomatoes offer a savory, flavorful snack or side, combining rich tomato taste with Italian seasonings and Parmesan, perfect for tomato lovers and antipasto platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick and place on a greased jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper.
- Bake at 300°F for 2 to 3 hours until excess tomato juice has evaporated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and broil until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use ripe, firm tomatoes like Italian or Early Girl. You can substitute the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or oregano if desired. To reduce baking time, slice the tomatoes thinner, but be cautious not to go below 1/4 inch. This dish complements various Italian recipes, especially when served alongside a simple pasta dish like Pepper Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sun-dried tomatoes as a warm appetizer or as a topping for bruschetta. They pair beautifully with Cheese Stuffing For Manicotti or can be tossed with Spinach Lasagne Noodles for a vibrant dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can enhance their flavor further, making them a versatile addition to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. They can also be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sun-Dried Tomatoes contains roughly 71 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 673mg per serving (29% 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 ones?
While fresh tomatoes yield the best flavor and texture, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and reduce the baking time since they already contain moisture. However, fresh tomatoes will give you that authentic sun-dried taste.
How do I know when the tomatoes are done drying?
The tomatoes are done when they have shrunk significantly and are dry but still slightly pliable. They should not be crispy; instead, they should feel leathery. Check them periodically after the 2-hour mark to avoid over-drying.
What can I do with leftover sun-dried tomatoes?
Leftover sun-dried tomatoes can be chopped and added to salads, pasta dishes, or used as a pizza topping. You can also blend them into a pesto or incorporate them into a spread for sandwiches. Their versatility makes them a great ingredient to have on hand!
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).