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Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

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Hot, bubbling cheese over juicy, roasted tomatoes makes this easy baked tomatoes with cheese recipe a go-to cheesy side dish. It’s quick, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for weeknights, brunch, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large or 6 medium tomatoes (about 2 lbs), firm and ripe
  • 1 cup shredded or crumbled cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, feta, goat cheese, or a mix)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, panko or regular; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, oregano, balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Wash and dry tomatoes. Slice in half horizontally. Scoop out some seeds and pulp to create a shallow well, keeping the walls intact.
  3. Arrange tomato halves, cut side up, in a baking dish. Drizzle each with about 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub with garlic or sprinkle minced garlic on top.
  4. In a small bowl, combine shredded cheese, half the fresh herbs, and minced garlic (if not already used). Add breadcrumbs and parmesan if using. Mix well.
  5. Spoon cheese mixture onto each tomato half, pressing lightly so it sticks. Sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top if desired.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, and tomatoes are tender but still hold their shape. If cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining herbs and optional red pepper flakes or parmesan.
  8. Serve warm. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Notes

For best results, use firm, ripe tomatoes and pre-salt them to draw out excess moisture. Mix cheeses for more flavor. Skip breadcrumbs for low-carb or keto. Vegan cheese and gluten-free breadcrumbs work well for dietary needs. Finish under the broiler for a golden top, but watch closely. Leftovers are delicious cold or reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked tomatoes, cheesy side dish, easy tomato recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free, mozzarella, quick side, summer recipe, brunch, potluck

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/baked-tomatoes-with-cheese-easy-recipe-best-cheesy-side-dish/