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Cheesy Roasted Tomatoes – a delicious and flavorful side dish that will go with just about anything!  Succulent tomatoes roasted with parmesan and mozzarella to golden, bubbly perfection that tantalizes the palate with fresh basil.

There’s nothing like sweet flavor-packed tomatoes in the summertime! The intensified sun-ripened flavor is the star of this cheesy roasted tomato recipe with melty mozzarella and tangy parmesan cheese. A savory sliced tomato side dish must-have that holds its own as an appetizer too!

baked tomatoes with cheese in a white baking dish

Why You’ll Love Roasted Tomatoes And Mozzarella

  • Quick & Easy Cheesy roasted tomatoes come together in minutes.
  • Roasted cheesy tomatoes are a unique side dish and make a delicious savory appetizer. 
  • Pairs well with everything from chicken and pork to burgers, and salmon.
  • Roasting tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and makes them extra juicy.
  • Nothing fancy, but oh so delicious!
baked tomatoes with mozzarella and fresh basil in a white baking dish

Ingredients For Cheesy Roasted Tomatoes

If you are fortunate to have a farmer’s market near you or are blessed with a red thumb to grow your tomatoes, this roasted tomato side dish recipe is calling your name! It’s so delicious and versatile; even tomatoes from your local grocer won’t disappoint!

  • Fresh Tomatoes – You’ll want to use large vine-ripened tomatoes like beefsteak or heirloom varieties that stand up well when sliced and roasted with cheese.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Salty, tangy, and rich in flavor, use authentic shredded or shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Mozzarella – Mild and in buttery flavor; use whole milk, low-moisture (not low-fat or skim) mozzarella. It gets credit for the golden bubbly melting action on cheesy baked tomatoes.  
  • Fresh Basil – Don’t refrigerate, fresh basil keeps better at room temperature. Place the basil in a glass of water, as you would flowers, and keep it on your counter until ready to use.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A drizzle of EVOO on roasted tomatoes with mozzarella and parmesan cheese adds moisture and helps lift and unify the flavors.
  • Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper
    baked tomatoes with cheese and basil

    How To Make Cheesy Roasted Tomatoes

    When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

    1. Slice tomatoes and place them in a single layer in a baking dish.
    2. Season with kosher salt, layer parmesan, mozzarella, basil, and pepper.
    3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil.
    4. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes until tomatoes are tender and the cheese melts.
    5. Broil roasted tomatoes for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
    6. Garnish with fresh basil, and serve!
      baked tomatoes with mozzarella served with a wooden spoon

      Cheesy Substitutions, Add-Ons, and Notes

      Roasted tomatoes with parmesan cheese are easy to change by using different ingredients you have on hand.

      Other Options For Cheesy Roasted Tomatoes

      While I love the melt-in-your-mouth combination of mozzarella and parmesan on cheesy baked tomatoes, there are lots of cheesy combos that are superb. A few suggestions: queso fresco, white cheddar, goat cheese, feta, and smoked provolone. Yum! 

      Mix it up with fresh herbs to suit your tastes (or pantry/fridge inventory) in place of basil on roasted tomatoes.

      • Rosemary 
      • Oregano 
      • Thyme
      • Cilantro
      • Parsley

      A single spice can add an ethnic flair:

      • Cumin 
      • Curry Powder
      • Red Pepper Flakes
      • Garlic
      • Italian Seasoning

      When you want to go a bit fancier, sprinkle smokey applewood bacon bits and sliced green onions. It will look pretty too!

      Roasted Tomato Recipe Notes

      • For even more flavor, sprinkle tomatoes with a little Italian Seasoning blend before adding the cheese. 
      • Try cheesy roasted tomatoes with a little drizzle of balsamic glaze when serving.
      • Swap kosher salt for garlic salt or smoked sea salt.
      Oven baked tomatoes with cheese on a plate

      Roasted Tomato Recipe FAQs

      What is the difference between baking and roasting?

      The temperature you cook the food and the initial form or structure of the food. Both cooking techniques use dry heat to attain their goal, but even though we use the terms roast and bake interchangeably, there is a distinct difference.

      The simplest way to explain it is that one technique (roasting) “breaks down” food in the cooking process while the other (baking) builds it up. Structured foods like a roast, baked potatoes, or in this case, tomatoes, are broken down as they cook (collagen, cell walls, etc.). But, when we create lovely baked goods and cakes, we “build up” as ingredients bond/rise/grow and take on a form.

      Chef’s Note

      Baked foods typically cook at or below a 375°F threshold. Roasted food cooks at a much higher temperature, hanging around the 450°F mark.

      Can I use cherry tomatoes for this roasted tomato side dish?

      Yes, absolutely! For roasted cherry tomatoes, halve and keep in a single layer if possible. You might need to adjust the roasting time.

      I say go for it and use any variety of tomatoes you like when making a recipe for roasted tomatoes. Many cooks prefer Campari tomatoes, but during the summer months, I like to find tomatoes locally grown.

      Do I have to use extra virgin olive oil on cheesy roasted tomatoes?

      You should. EVOO is the best choice for a couple of reasons. First, real EVOO withstands higher roasting temperatures and remains more stable than other oils with higher smoke points. This is due to the monounsaturated fats and antioxidant content.

      Secondly, although EVOO can add fragrant peppery, and fruity notes to lighter-tasting baked goods, it does not have a discernable negative impact on savory or distinctly flavored ingredients. EVOO actually adds extra depth to roasted tomatoes.

      Chef’s Note

      Virgin avocado oil and coconut oil are similar to EVOO and suitable substitutes. For this roasted tomato recipe, avocado oil is better suited because the flavor of coconut oil will overpower it.

      Cheesy Roasted Tomatoes on a fork

      Storage

      Leftovers

      Cooked/roasted tomatoes can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours. Leftover cooked tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

      How to Freeze

      Roasted tomatoes can be frozen to use in other dishes such as soups, stews, chili, and pasta sauce. Simply chop up the tomatoes and place them in an airtight container for 10-12 months.

      Oven baked tomatoes with mozzarella in a white dish

      Serving Suggestions

      • serve as a side dish with your favorite meal such as steaks, burgers, pulled pork, turkey, or salmon.
      • serve as a side dish or appetizer
      • can you imagine these cheesy tomatoes on your next burger?
      • use leftovers in a salad or on a toasted baguette

      Did You Know?

      Tomatoes retain their taste and texture best when stored at room temperature.

      Fresh Oven Roasted Tomatoes with Cheese

      Like This Recipe?

      I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review below and let me know how you liked the recipe!

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      Originally posted in May 2014. LAST UPDATED in July 2024, no changes were made to the recipe.

      baked tomatoes with cheese in a white baking dish

      CHEESY BAKED TOMATOES

      Yield: 3-4 servings
      Prep Time: 5 minutes
      Cook Time: 12 minutes
      Total Time: 17 minutes

      A delicious and flavorful side dish can be on the table in 15 minutes and will go with just about anything.

      Ingredients

      • 2 large tomatoes
      • Kosher salt (to taste)
      • 3/4 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
      • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
      • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
      • fresh ground pepper
      • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

      Instructions

      1. Preheat the oven to 450° F
      2. Cut the tomatoes into slices, approximately 1/3 to 1/2 -inch thick.
      3. Place tomato slices in a single layer in a baking dish.
      4. Season with kosher salt, then top with parmesan, mozzarella, basil, and pepper. Lightly drizzle with olive oil.
      5. Bake in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. Then switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese. Don't overbake, or the tomatoes will become mushy.
      6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve!

      Notes

      Sprinkle tomatoes with a little Italian Seasoning blend before adding the cheese for even more flavor

      Try these baked tomatoes with a little drizzle of balsamic glaze when serving.

      Swap kosher salt for garlic salt or smoked sea salt.

      Nutrition Information:
      Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
      Amount Per Serving: Calories: 159Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 369mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 10g

      Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used and are just estimates. We encourage, especially if these numbers are important to you, to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

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      © TidyMom
      Cuisine: American
      Cheesy Roasted Tomatoes photo collage

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