Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Basil is a classic, flavorful appetizer I love making. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
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Baked tomatoes with Mozzarella recipe
The baked tomatoes with mozzarella is a baked version of a Caprese salad. It combines fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This dish serves as an appetizer, a side, or a light meal.
Baked tomato with mozzarella is quick and easy to prepare. It is perfect for busy days. You can load up a slice of warm, crusty bread with some of these baked tomatoes for a deconstructed pizza. You can also serve the dish warm over spinach and basil leaves.
I added reduced creme fraiche for a creamier dish. Spinach leaves and grated cheese were included for texture and flavor. The preparation requires only slicing the ingredients and heating the cream. Bake the dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes, and it will be ready to enjoy.
Here is how to make tomatoes and mozzarella. Enjoy!
Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Basil
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes ripe but firm
- 1 ball of mozzarella
- 1 handful torn spinach leaves
- A few basil leaves
- 150 ml creme fraiche
- Cheddar or parmesan cheese to grate over the top
- Oregano and black pepper to season.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200oC. Drizzle a little olive oil at the bottom of a gratin dish and cover with the torn spinach leaves.
- Slice the tomatoes fairly thinly.
- Layer tomatoes, torn pieces of mozzarella and basil leaves until all the tomatoes have been used up.
- In a pan, heat the creme fraiche gently and stir until it reduces a little and is warmed through. Pour over the other ingredients in the dish.
- Cover with grated hard cheese and sprinkle with some oregano and black pepper to season.
- Bake for about 20 mins until the tomatoes are soft and the cheese is bubbling.
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Baked tomatoes with mozzarella and basil can be paired with various complementary foods and drinks.
Food Pairings
- Bread Options
- Garlic bread adds butteriness and pairs well with fresh tomatoes.
- Crusty French bread or baguette is ideal for scooping cheese and tomatoes.
- Crostini is toasted bread topped with tomatoes for crunch.
- Salads
- A mixed green salad balances cheese richness with vinaigrette.
- Caprese salad complements baked tomatoes with basil and mozzarella.
- Cucumber tomato salad refreshes and enhances the meal.
- Dips and Spreads
- Pesto enhances the flavors of baked tomatoes.
- Goat cheese dip adds tanginess and pairs with bread.
Drinks
- Wine Pairings
- A crisp white wine complements basil and tomatoes.
- Dry rosé balances mozzarella and enhances summer vibes.
- Sparkling wine adds acidity for a festive touch.
- Beer Options
- Pale ale contrasts with sweet baked tomatoes.
- Wheat beer highlights the freshness of basil and tomatoes.
- Cocktail Suggestions
- Aperol Spritz pairs appetizers with bright flavors.
- Tomato basil martini reflects dish flavors with vodka.
- Negroni balances baked tomatoes with Campari bitterness.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Lemonade adds a tangy sweetness to balance the dish.
- Iced tea is refreshing and complements meal flavors.
- Sparkling water with lemon keeps the meal light.
Variations
Baked tomatoes with mozzarella and basil can be customized in numerous delicious ways. Here are some variations:
- Cheese Variations
- Combine mozzarella with Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Mix shredded mozzarella with ricotta for a unique texture.
- Herb and Flavor Enhancements
- Add oregano to enhance flavor.
- Spread basil pesto on tomatoes for extra taste.
- Sauce and Drizzle Options
- Drizzle baked tomatoes with balsamic glaze.
- Add extra virgin olive oil for richness.
- Vegetable Additions
- Include roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
- Add sliced zucchini for a hearty dish.
- Serving Suggestions
- Place baked tomatoes on crostini as appetizers.
- Mix baked tomatoes with greens for salad.
