Tomatoes Au Gratin
Tomatoes Au Gratin features tender tomato halves topped with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture, toasted to perfection. A flavorful, cheesy side perfect for summer meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut 6 tomatoes in half crosswise.
- Arrange them, cut side up, in a lightly greased, shallow baking pan.
- Toss fresh bread crumbs with melted butter or margarine.
- Add sesame seed, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to mix well.
- Spoon bread crumb mixture onto tomato halves.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier topping, consider adding some crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds to the bread crumb mixture. You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative if needed. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a bit more spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These tomatoes au gratin make a delightful side dish to accompany grilled meats or a light main course. They pair beautifully with a refreshing Spinach-Avocado Salad for a balanced meal. For a complete vegetarian option, serve alongside a Spinach-Cheese Pie(Spanokopita) or a hearty grain salad to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled tomatoes au gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying out and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, checking frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes Au Gratin contains roughly 670 calories, with 21g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
While fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture for this dish, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and reduce the baking time slightly, as they are already cooked and will soften faster.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs on hand, crushed crackers or panko can be excellent substitutes. For a gluten-free option, use ground almonds or gluten-free bread crumbs, which will still give you that crunchy topping.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomatoes au gratin ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
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).