This easy and elegant Baked Tomatoes with Breadcrumbs & Herbs recipe is the perfect addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. With fresh, vine-picked tomatoes and an addicting breadcrumb topping, this recipe is perfect to add to your menu.
There’s nothing better than using your garden-grown goods for a unique, delicious dish. In fact, two of my most popular recipes to date involve tomatoes – Garden Fresh Roasted Tomato Topper and Pesto & Tomato Grilled Cheese – and there’s a reason for that.
Tomatoes have such a strong flavor that they can be enjoyed completely alone! A dash of salt on some ripe, sweet tomatoes and you have a healthy snack on your hands.
However, cooking with tomatoes is just as fun too!
This Baked Tomatoes with Breadcrumbs & Herbs is an upgrade from what you normally see on food blogs. Despite being a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, people most commonly use tomatoes to make:
Sauces
Soups or stews
Salads
Salsa or dip
And more
These juicy baked tomatoes topped with a crunchy, satisfying crust and baked to perfection are a total deviation from that for a unique twist that is going to have you hooked. Not to mention, tomatoes are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dish extremely yummy AND totally nutritious.
When tomatoes are baked, the oven can help concentrate their natural sweetness and deepen their flavors. In other words, baking your tomatoes will result in a rich taste that will change the way you view tomatoes. Even if you’re not a fan, I urge you to try this baked tomato recipe!
I’m especially loving exploring easy and healthy recipes that I can make even when things are moving a million miles a minute. As the busy mom of a new baby, recipes like this baked tomato are ideal because it’s so quick to pull together. Bonus points for it being completely plant-based too!
Since it’s also a super quick, hands-off recipe – the oven does most of the work – it is super helpful for hosting dinner parties, barbecues, and other events because you can quickly whip it up.
Why I Love this Baked Tomatoes Recipe
The best part about this dish is that it can be both a side dish and an entree. It pairs well with a heavier, meatier meal, such as steak or chicken. However, it can also be made in larger portions as a main course. You can even add an egg cooked the way you like and make it a brunch item!
Another perk of using tomatoes is that there are so many varieties to choose from. You could use a larger variety and cut it in half, placing the breadcrumb and herb mixture on top (like I do in this recipe). Alternatively, you could use a smaller variety and layer or toss the savory mixture like a salad.
Since tomatoes are the star of this dish, be sure to get the best quality available, no matter which variety you select. If you need recommendations, I would opt for home-grown tomatoes, picked ripe from the vine. Of course, if you don’t have a garden of your own, or it’s not that time you can use heirloom tomatoes, which are my favorite to use because of their flavor and size.
For reference, tomatoes are in season during the summer months, typically from July through September. However, the exact timing of the tomato season can vary depending on the location and climate, so be sure to check at your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
The key to making the best Baked Tomatoes with Breadcrumbs & Herbs is to use tomatoes that are perfectly ripe but still firm. Overly ripe tomatoes will leave you with a soggy, soft mess. It’s also important to core the tomatoes to prevent them from collapsing while baking.
Lastly, these baked tomatoes are super easy to clean up! Simply line your baking sheet with parchment or foil and you can square everything away very quickly.
Try this simple baked tomato recipe for a unique plant-based entree that combines juicy tomatoes and a crispy, savory mixture of breadcrumbs and herbs.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
– 4 large tomatoes
– 1 tsp saltolive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
– ½ bunch basil, chopped finely
– 2 tsp Herbs de Provence
– 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/3 cup parm cheese
– 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and dry the tomatoes. Cut the top of each tomato and season tomatoes inside with salt.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat. Place the tomatoes in the skillet (cut side down) for 35-30 minutes.
Every 5ish minutes, use a spoon to scoop some of the liquid and pour it on top of the tomatoes.
In a bowl, combine the chopped garlic cloves, chopped basil, Herbs de Provence, breadcrumbs, parm, and black pepper.
Flip the tomatoes and top each of them with an equal amount of breadcrumb topping.
Drizzle the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Place the skillet in the 350ºF oven and bake for 30 minutes!
Remove and enjoy with a drizzle of balsamic or pesto.
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