A quick and simple appetizer sure to please a crowd.
This time of year gardens are bursting with goodness and farmers markets are filled with fresh produce. The “fresh” tomato is in season, so let’s get in the kitchen!
*variations below
Baked Tomatoes with Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmasan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil for drizzling
- salt and pepper to taste
(to double this recipe, simply double the ingredients)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- Place tomato slices on a parchment lined baking sheet. cut side up
- On each tomato, sprinkle with a layer or parmesan and then a layer or mozzarella
- Sprinkle the chopped basil on top of each tomato
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Turn off oven and broil quickly to “toast” the cheese. Keep your eyes on this, it happens quickly.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle lightly with fresh chives or anything your hearts desire. Enjoy!
There are many recipes and many ways to create this delicious appetizer.
- Any type or size of tomato will work
- If using small tomatoes slightly reduce your cook and broil time and use more tomatoes.
- If using larger tomatoes slightly increase your cook time and use less tomatoes.
- You can either slice your tomato utilizing several slices or slice just the top off, “fill” with cheese and herbs and replace top.
- We used medium size tomato, sliced only the top, filled/topped with cheese and basil and lightly replaced the top before baking.