Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Each tomato half gets a layer of Parmesan, then the mozzarella, then the rest of the Parmesan, so the cheese melts right into the tomato.

To make them, all you’ll need to do is top some halved Roma tomatoes with shredded Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, fresh herbs, dried seasonings, and a drizzle of oil before baking and then broiling until the cheese is golden brown.

💛 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Takes only 25 minutes to prepare and serve.
• Just eight ingredients, counting the salt, pepper, and oil.
• A delicious holiday appetizer or side dish.
• Bakes on one lined baking sheet, so cleanup is quick.

➡️ Ingredients

⏲ How to make cheesy baked tomatoes

This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Prep Tomatoes: Place the tomato halves, cut side up, in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, then top each with almost all of the shredded Parmesan and then all of the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle remaining shredded Parmesan atop shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle chopped basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top before drizzling on oil.
• Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the middle rack of the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 10 to 12 minutes.
• Broil: Transfer the baking sheet to the top rack of the oven, turn on the oven broiler, and broil until cheese is golden, about 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to ensure it does not burn.
• Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, allow the tomatoes to cool slightly, then serve with an additional sprinkle of pepper.

👉 Ingredient substitution suggestions

• Roma Tomatoes: Beefsteak tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, plum tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, Campari tomatoes, or San Marzano tomatoes work here. Slice them in half horizontally and then add a couple of minutes to the bake time to ensure they cook through.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese works well here in place of mozzarella.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh oregano or fresh thyme would be the best alternatives here, but dried basil can also be used.
• Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano and/or dried basil can be used here.

✨ Variations

• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for some added heat.
• Add garlic powder when adding the other seasonings.
• Top the tomatoes with a spoonful of pesto before or after baking.
• Include cooked and crumbled bacon or mini pepperoni.
• Sprinkle Italian-style bread crumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Garnish the baked tomatoes with lemon zest for a fresh and citrusy note.
• Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the baked tomatoes right before serving for some added flavor.

〰️ How to serve

• Brunch: Serve with eggs Florentine or migas for a casual brunch or with avocado toast and fried eggs for a holiday brunch.
• Protein: Serve with creamy garlic chicken, Tuscan shrimp, smoked turkey, ham with ham gravy, or curry salmon.
• Pasta: Serve alongside asparagus noodles with alfredo sauce.
• Rice and Grains: Serve alongside cauliflower risotto, pilaf, quinoa, or couscous.
• Bread: Enjoy with garlic bread, focaccia, or a crusty baguette.
• Sandwich: Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or a panini.
• Salad: Serve with a Greek salad.

💬 FAQs

📚 More holiday side dish recipes

• Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
• Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Loaded Zucchini Boats
• Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed With Cream Cheese
• Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese