Save to Pinterest A vibrant, cheesy tomato bake that comes together quickly without feta—perfect for weeknight dinners or as a hearty side.
This dish quickly became a family favorite whenever I crave something hearty but easy to make.
Ingredients
- 700 g (1.5 lbs) ripe tomatoes: sliced
- 1 small red onion: thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 125 g (4.5 oz) fresh mozzarella: torn or sliced
- 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese:
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil:
- 1 tsp dried oregano:
- 1/2 tsp dried basil:
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: optional garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Step 2:
- Lightly oil a medium baking dish Arrange half the tomato slices in a single layer
- Step 3:
- Sprinkle half the red onion and half the minced garlic over the tomatoes Season lightly with salt pepper oregano and basil
- Step 4:
- Layer half the mozzarella over the vegetables
- Step 5:
- Repeat with the remaining tomatoes onion garlic seasonings and mozzarella
- Step 6:
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top
- Step 7:
- Bake for 20 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender
- Step 8:
- Let cool slightly Top with fresh basil before serving
Save to Pinterest This bake always reminds me of cozy family dinners when everyone digs in and shares stories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Variations
Try adding sliced olives or roasted red peppers between layers for extra flavor or swap mozzarella for ricotta or goat cheese.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Save to Pinterest This speedy tomato bake is a delicious and comforting meal ready in under 40 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, ricotta or goat cheese can be used for a different texture and flavor, keeping it feta-free.
- → How do I prevent the tomatoes from being too watery?
Use ripe but firm tomatoes and slice them evenly. Draining excess juices before layering can help maintain texture.
- → Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers beforehand and refrigerate, but bake just before serving to preserve freshness.
- → What herbs complement this tomato bake best?
Dried oregano and basil are used traditionally, while fresh basil adds a bright finish after baking.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the bake contains no gluten ingredients but always check individual cheese labels to confirm.