Old-Time Tomato Bake
A hearty baked tomato dish with toasted bread, onions, and herbs, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering, highlighting rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the Italian bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a skillet, cook the bread cubes in butter with basil until golden.
- Remove the bread from the skillet and wipe the skillet clean.
- In the same skillet, heat salad oil and sauté sliced onions until tender.
- Add the canned tomatoes and sugar to the onions, and cook until heated through.
- Combine the toasted bread with the tomato mixture, season with salt, and bake until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding garlic or red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions. If you don't have Italian bread, any crusty bread will work, such as French or sourdough. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if your tomatoes are particularly acidic. To add some protein, you could mix in cooked ground beef or sausage, making it a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Old-Time Tomato Bake with a simple green salad or alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread for an extra touch. For a cozy dinner, consider serving it with a rich soup, or for a lighter option, enjoy it with a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispy texture of the bread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Time Tomato Bake contains roughly 1953 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 201g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% 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 tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned. Use about 6-8 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled and chopped. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they break down and release their juices, so simmer a bit longer until they soften.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This Old-Time Tomato Bake is a great choice for vegetarian recipes since it relies on wholesome ingredients like bread, tomatoes, and onions. You can further enhance the dish with vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, making it even more nutritious.
What can I do if I don't have basil?
If you don't have basil, you can substitute with dried oregano or thyme, which will still impart a lovely flavor to the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also work well, adding a fresh touch without overpowering the other ingredients.
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).