These Italian-style caprese baked tomatoes with mozzarella and parmesan are a simple appetizer or facet dish for dinner events. They’re topped with contemporary basil for a herby ending chunk!

Whether or not you’re internet hosting a cocktail party or on the lookout for a fast snack, these baked tomatoes positively impress with their savory, melty goodness. A sprinkle of parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil convey vibrant Italian flavors to the desk. Don’t neglect spicy black pepper! As soon as within the broiler, simply let the milky mozzarella caramelize for a pair minutes earlier than including contemporary basil and digging in.

Why You’ll Love Baked Tomatoes

This easy baked tomatoes recipe with a few of Italy’s greatest flavors will likely be your new favourite 15-minute appetizer.

• Excellent for gatherings. You get loads of servings for all of your company from simply 5 tomatoes.
• Veggie-friendly. This appetizer is ideal if you happen to’re anticipating vegetarian family and friends over for dinner.
• Little clean-up. When you’re executed, simply throw the parchment paper away and rinse the baking sheet. That’s it!
• Italian-inspired. The recipe is just like the Italian flag: aromatic basil is the inexperienced, mozzarella is the white, and tomatoes are the pink.

What You’ll Want

The substances for these caprese baked tomatoes are the spotlight of Italian delicacies: tomatoes, cheese, olive oil, and basil. The recipe card on the backside of the put up has the precise quantities and measurements if you happen to’re prepared to start out cooking.

• Tomatoes – They should be ripe and agency so you can also make clear slices with a really sharp knife.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese is greatest. Don’t use the crumbly, bottled sort.
• Recent mozzarella – Go for cow or buffalo milk mozzarella.
• Olive oil – I want further virgin olive oil, however avocado oil works too.
• Recent basil – Make certain it’s inexperienced Italian basil and never purple or Thai basil.
• Salt and pepper – Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper are greatest.

What Sort of Tomatoes To Use

On-the-vine, beefsteak, and heirloom tomatoes are greatest for this caprese-inspired recipe. They’ve loads of flesh and never as many seeds, which means they maintain up effectively within the oven. Keep away from Roma tomatoes as a result of they’ve received an excessive amount of juice and seeds.

Easy methods to Make Caprese Baked Tomatoes

It solely takes 4 fast steps to make these baked tomatoes with candy and contemporary Italian flavors. For extra detailed directions head to the recipe card on the backside of the put up.

• Prep the oven. Preheat it to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it apart.

• Assemble them. Unfold out the tomato slices on the ready baking sheet. Sprinkle with parmesan and high each with a slice of mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake and broil. Pop them into the oven for 8-10 minutes or till the cheese is melty. Take away from the oven. Activate the broiler and broil the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes or till the cheese is barely browned on high.
• Serve. Take away from the broiler. Set them apart to chill for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with basil. Get pleasure from!

Ideas for Success

Use these tricks to nail this easy-but-fancy baked tomatoes recipe and spice it up with toasty bread, herby pesto, or spicy pink pepper flakes.

• Skip it. If you happen to’re in a rush or your oven doesn’t have a broiler setting, skip it. So long as the tomatoes are baked and the cheese is melted, the flavour will likely be simply as superb.
• Add a drizzle. As soon as broiled, drizzle the tomatoes with Balsamic Discount, Roasted Purple Pepper Pesto, Basil Pesto, or sun-dried tomato oil.
• Select the proper ones. Choose massive mozzarella balls over the mini ones. Whereas the small ones work too, they’ll roll off the tomatoes or go away spots with no cheese on them.
• Flip it into bruschetta. Set the baked tomatoes over toasty baguette slices, sourdough, focaccia, or ciabatta for a easy bruschetta variation.
• Make it spicy. Sprinkle the tomatoes with 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pink pepper flakes if you season them for a kick of warmth. Chili oil works too.
• Don’t skip the parchment. Don’t bake the caprese tomatoes straight on the baking sheet. It’s because the tomato juices will caramelize on the underside and make them stick and/or burn.

Serving Recommendations

These baked tomatoes are a fast appetizer for all of your gatherings. Pair them with my New York Strip Steak with Balsamic Discount or Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin as the primary dish. Grilled Filet Mignon is one other traditional. For facet concepts, attempt my Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, or Air Fryer Asparagus.

Can I Make These Forward?

You’ll be able to assemble and refrigerate them as much as 3 days prematurely. Make certain to cowl the baking sheet with plastic wrap so there isn’t any switch of odors. Nevertheless, they’ll’t be baked forward. It’s because the cheese gained’t be good and melty except you bake them proper earlier than your gathering.

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