Oven-Baked Parmesan Tomatoes: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight

Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish? These Oven-Baked Parmesan Tomatoes are exactly what you need! With their crisp, golden Parmesan crust and the burst of juiciness from the tomatoes, this dish is simple, satisfying, and a great way to enjoy tomatoes in a new way. It’s perfect for snacking, as a side, or even as a topping for salads and pasta.

Ingredients

For the Parmesan Coating:

• 4 ripe tomatoes (sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Shallow mixing bowl
• Basting brush or spoon for applying oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Slice the tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.

Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Mixture

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and dried oregano (or Italian seasoning). Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Coat the Tomatoes

1. Lightly brush each tomato slice with olive oil to help the coating stick and crisp up in the oven.
2. Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture generously over each tomato slice, pressing down gently to make sure it sticks.

Step 5: Bake the Tomatoes

1. Bake the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and crispy. The tomatoes should be tender but still hold their shape.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Once baked, remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add color and freshness.
3. Serve as a snack, side dish, or topping for other dishes like pasta or salads.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Parmesan Tomatoes:

• Tomato Variety: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened for best results. These tomatoes hold up well when baked and provide a juicy, flavorful bite.
• Breadcrumb Choice: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Regular breadcrumbs will also work, but panko will give a crispier finish.
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat, or drizzle some balsamic glaze on top after baking for extra depth of flavor.

These Oven-Baked Parmesan Tomatoes are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy goodness and the natural juiciness of tomatoes. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, serving them as a side dish, or using them as a topping for your favorite meals, these tomatoes are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, they’re super easy to make!

Give them a try, and be sure to share your creations with us on social media! Tag us to show off your crispy Parmesan tomato masterpieces! 🍅🧀✨