Scalloped Tomatoes And Cheese Casserole
A comforting baked casserole featuring tender tomatoes, melted cheese, and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners and easy to customize with your favorite cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season tomatoes with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Arrange alternate layers of tomatoes, bread crumbs, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Dot the top with butter.
- Bake in a moderate oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano with the tomatoes. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or a mix of grated Parmesan can work as a substitute. To enhance the dish, try adding sautéed onions or garlic in between the layers. This is a flexible dish that can also be tailored to fit vegetarian recipes by using plant-based cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this scalloped tomatoes and cheese casserole as a delightful side dish to grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like barbecued chicken or a hearty vegetable stew. For a complete meal, consider adding a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain the crispness of the bread crumbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Tomatoes And Cheese Casserole contains roughly 587 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1302mg per serving (57% 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 definitely use fresh tomatoes! To substitute, you'll need about 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins and chop them before seasoning. This will give a fresher taste and texture to your casserole.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños between the layers. You could also mix in some spicy cheese varieties like pepper jack to elevate the heat level while maintaining the creamy texture.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Certainly! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the fridge. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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).