Tomatoes Blue
A delightful appetizer featuring ripe tomato slices topped with a savory blue cheese and Parmesan crust, broiled until bubbly and golden—perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place tomato slices on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, Blue cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley with a fork until well blended.
- Add enough dry breadcrumbs to make a crumbly dough.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the tomato slices and press to form a crust on each.
- Broil until the topping is brown and bubbly and the tomatoes are heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use ripe tomatoes for enhanced flavor. If Blue cheese is too strong for your taste, consider substituting with feta for a milder profile. To avoid soggy tomatoes, broil them until just heated through. You can also experiment by adding spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Tomato Blues as an appetizer or side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. They pair beautifully with Butter Horns And Triangles for a delightful meal. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables can complement the dish well, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tomato Blues can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes Blue contains roughly 89 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is inherently vegetarian since it primarily uses tomatoes and cheese. Just ensure that the cheeses you use are made without animal rennet if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
Can I prepare these tomatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the tomato slices with the topping right before broiling to ensure they maintain their texture and flavor.
What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Large, ripe tomatoes such as beefsteak or heirloom varieties are ideal for this dish due to their size and flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch for the best results.
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).