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For Baked Parmesan Tomatoes, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 large ripe tomatoes - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling - Salt and pepper, to taste You will need a few basic tools: - A sharp knife for slicing tomatoes - A spoon for scooping out the insides - A mixing bowl for combining the filling - A baking dish for the stuffed tomatoes - An oven to bake the dish Each serving of Baked Parmesan Tomatoes is rich in flavor and nutrients. Here's a quick look at what you get per serving: - Calories: Approximately 200 - Protein: 8g - Carbohydrates: 12g - Fat: 14g - Fiber: 2g These tomatoes are not only tasty but also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this dish guilt-free! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take four large ripe tomatoes and slice off the tops. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp. This creates a bowl shape. You can save the insides for another dish or toss them. Make sure to keep the tomato shells intact for filling later. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of grated Parmesan cheese and half a cup of breadcrumbs. I like to use panko for extra crunch. Add three minced garlic cloves, two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil, and a teaspoon of dried oregano. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Drizzle in two tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. Now it’s time to stuff the tomatoes! Generously fill each hollowed tomato with the cheese mixture. Make sure to press down gently for a compact filling. Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish, standing them upright. For extra flavor, drizzle a bit more olive oil on top. Bake the tomatoes for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and tender tomatoes. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes them even more tasty. To make your baked Parmesan tomatoes burst with flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil and oregano add brightness. You can also mix in some garlic for a fantastic aroma. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick and makes it lively. For the perfect crispy top, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before baking. This step helps the tops brown evenly. You can also broil the tomatoes for the last few minutes. Just watch them closely to prevent burning. You can customize your baked Parmesan tomatoes easily. Try adding cooked sausage or bacon to the filling for extra protein. If you prefer a vegetarian option, mix in chopped spinach or zucchini. You can even switch up the cheese. Feta or mozzarella adds a different flavor profile. Be creative and make the dish your own! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this recipe. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture. Feta adds a tangy bite that pairs well with tomatoes. Goat cheese gives a creamy and rich flavor. Mixing different cheeses can also create a more complex taste. Experiment with what you have on hand! Feel free to add seasonal vegetables to the filling. Zucchini or bell peppers work great with the cheese. Spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. You can also use mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Just chop them small and mix them in. For a gluten-free version, skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free alternatives. Ground almonds or crushed rice cakes can work well. You can also add more cheese to help bind the filling. This keeps the dish tasty and avoids gluten. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To keep your baked tomatoes fresh, let them cool first. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re using a glass dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps keep the tomatoes moist and flavorful. Reheating baked tomatoes is easy! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes until they warm up. This method keeps the topping crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the topping may get soft. Heat on medium for about 1-2 minutes, checking often. Freezing baked tomatoes is a great option! First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each tomato in plastic wrap, or place them in freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for the best taste. Enjoy your baked Parmesan tomatoes later with the full recipe! Yes, you can prepare Baked Parmesan Tomatoes ahead of time. You can hollow the tomatoes and mix the filling. Keep the stuffing in the fridge. When you’re ready, stuff the tomatoes and bake them. This method saves time and makes serving easy. Baked Parmesan Tomatoes pair well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Grilled chicken or fish - Quinoa or rice dishes - Fresh salads - Pasta with a light sauce These options complement the rich, cheesy flavor of the tomatoes. Yes, Baked Parmesan Tomatoes are great for meal prep. You can make a batch and store them in the fridge. They last for up to three days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. This makes it easy to enjoy a tasty meal throughout the week. In this article, we covered how to create delicious Baked Parmesan Tomatoes. We looked at ingredients, tools, and nutrition. Then we went through the steps to prep and bake. I also shared tips to enhance flavor and add your favorite touches. Finally, we discussed storage and answered common questions. Making Baked Parmesan Tomatoes is simple and fun. You can impress anyone with these tasty treats! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing with friends.

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

Elevate your appetizer game with these delicious Baked Parmesan Tomatoes! Combining ripe tomatoes with a flavorful blend of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Discover how to create a crunchy, cheesy topping that will impress your guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

4 large ripe tomatoes

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Carefully slice the tops off each tomato and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp, creating hollow bowls. Set the scooped-out insides aside for another recipe or discard them.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Drizzle in the olive oil, and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined and the ingredients are evenly coated.

        Generously stuff each hollowed tomato with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure a compact filling.

          Arrange the stuffed tomatoes upright in a baking dish. If desired, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tops for an added burst of flavor.

            Bake the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and the tomatoes become tender to the touch.

              After removing the dish from the oven, allow the tomatoes to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the baked tomatoes on a rustic wooden board or a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an appealing touch. Enjoy as a delightful appetizer or a side dish!