Oven-Fried Tomato Slices
Crispy oven-fried tomato slices with Parmesan and herbs offer a savory, crunchy bite perfect as an appetizer or side dish, appealing to vegetable lovers and cheese fans alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a shallow dish.
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, pepper, and garlic powder in the dish.
- Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Coat each tomato slice evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spray a baking sheet with nonstick vegetable spray.
- Arrange the coated tomato slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the melted margarine evenly over the tomato slices.
- Bake for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are tender.
- Heat the broiler.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil to the breadcrumb mixture. If you're out of Parmesan, shredded mozzarella or other hard cheeses can be used instead. To ensure even cooking, make sure the tomato slices are of uniform thickness. For a gluten-free version, substitute bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these oven-fried tomato slices as a delightful appetizer or side dish alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Cheese And Garlic Biscuits for a comforting meal. For a light lunch, consider topping them with fresh mozzarella and basil for a simple bruschetta-style dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover oven-fried tomato slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Fried Tomato Slices contains roughly 432 calories, with 11g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% 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 other vegetables instead of tomatoes?
Yes, you can use other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. Just slice them into similar thickness as the tomatoes and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they cook through and become tender.
What can I do if I don't have margarine?
If you don't have margarine, you can substitute it with melted butter or olive oil. Both options will provide a rich flavor and help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the vegetables.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture. This will enhance the flavor profile and give your oven-fried tomato slices a nice kick.
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).