Imagine transforming ordinary tomatoes into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. These Parmesan-crusted oven-roasted tomatoes are not just a side dish; they're a flavor explosion that elevates any meal from mundane to magnificent. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive and tastes absolutely divine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the tomatoes in half horizontally, exposing the inner flesh and seeds.
- Arrange the tomato halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Drizzle each tomato half with olive oil, making sure to coat the surface evenly.
- Sprinkle dried basil over the tomatoes, distributing the herb uniformly across each half.
- Season the tomatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Generously top each tomato half with grated Parmesan cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 18-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the Parmesan cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the tomatoes rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best results - Roma or beefsteak varieties work wonderfully • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and better melting • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and crispy edges • For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried oregano • Let the tomatoes rest briefly after roasting to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld • Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the dish • Serve immediately for the best texture and most vibrant flavor profile
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
