Tomato Bake
A savory baked tomato dish with bacon, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering, offering rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp; remove and drain.
- Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper in the bacon grease.
- Mix stewed tomatoes, green pepper, onion, sage, flour, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, and grated cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 1½-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle bacon crumbs and cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding some chopped garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed onions and green peppers. If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, fresh tomatoes work well; just add a bit of sugar to balance acidity. You can also substitute the sharp Cheddar with mozzarella for a milder flavor or use whole wheat bread crumbs for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Bake is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues or potlucks, complementing American recipes such as burgers and hot dogs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat as it may dry out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Bake contains roughly 508 calories, with 11g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2352mg per serving (102% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this Tomato Bake vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of any meat-based liquids. For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this Tomato Bake. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great substitutes for Cheddar. For a sharper flavor, try using Gruyère or a crumbly cheese like feta. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will slightly change with each alternative.
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).