Fresh & Zesty Ina Garten’s Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe
Summers burst with vibrant garden-fresh produce, and this basil scalloped tomatoes recipe by Ina Garten captures pure seasonal magic.
Ripe tomatoes dance with fragrant herbs in a delightful culinary symphony that sings of comfort and simplicity.
Each golden-edged bite promises a harmony of sweet, tangy flavors that melt seamlessly on your palate.
The dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary side that feels both rustic and elegant.
Crisp bread crumbs add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, bubbling tomato base.
Fresh basil leaves scattered throughout provide a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire composition.
This recipe turns summer’s bounty into a mouthwatering celebration of fresh, simple ingredients.
You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this irresistible tomato masterpiece.
How to Make Ina Garten’s Scalloped Tomatoes
Basil Scalloped Tomatoes
Oven Preparation Warm up the kitchen companion to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for our delicious dish.
Bread Base Grab some crusty bread and transform it into crispy golden cubes, seasoning with aromatic garlic and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Tomato Magic Chop fresh, ripe tomatoes and marry them with sweet brown sugar, silky olive oil, and fragrant basil leaves for a burst of summer flavor.
Layering Technique Lightly oil a baking dish and create a welcoming bed of crispy bread cubes as the foundation of our tasty creation.
Cheesy Topping Generously scatter the tomato mixture over the bread, crowning the dish with a snowy layer of Parmesan cheese that promises a golden, crispy finish.
Oven Transformation Slide the dish into the warm oven and let magic happen for 35-40 minutes, watching as the top turns a beautiful golden brown and tomatoes bubble with excitement.
Serving Moment Let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle, then serve as a stunning side or a light meal that captures the essence of fresh, seasonal cooking.
Flavor Tweaks for Ina’s Tomato Side
Experiment with different bread types like sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic country bread for unique texture and flavor profiles.
Replace or complement basil with fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary to create exciting taste combinations and personalize the dish.
Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese to introduce new depth and richness to the scalloped tomatoes.
Incorporate diced pancetta, crispy bacon bits, or grilled chicken chunks to transform this side dish into a hearty main course with extra protein and flavor.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or drizzle hot sauce for those who enjoy a subtle kick and more complex taste sensations.
Presenting Ina Garten’s Basil Scalloped Tomatoes
Serve with Fresh Accompaniments: Pair this vibrant dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich tomato bake.
Elevate with Protein Pairings: Add grilled chicken, baked fish, or pan-seared shrimp alongside the scalloped tomatoes to transform it into a complete, satisfying meal.
Create a Rustic Dinner Experience: Serve directly from the baking dish at the table, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves and offering crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Brunch Brilliance: Serve as a stunning side dish for weekend brunch, complementing frittatas, quiches, or eggs Benedict with its bright, herbal Mediterranean flavors.
How to Store Ina’s Tomato Side for Later
Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover scalloped tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in the refrigerator's main compartment to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy bread texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the bread soggy and diminish the dish's delightful crunch.
Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the dish up to 4 hours before baking and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, ensuring even heating and maximum flavor development.
Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results, maintaining the original texture and taste.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 250 kcal
Servings: 6
Basil Scalloped Tomatoes à la Ina: What You’ll Need
For Bread Base:
Crusty Bread: Adds delightful crunch and texture, select day-old artisan or rustic bread for best absorption.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp bread cubes and infuse rich flavor, choose extra virgin for premium taste.
Ina Garten’s basil scalloped tomatoes recipe brings summer garden freshness to classic side dishes. Mediterranean ingredients create a simple yet elegant accompaniment perfect for weekend gatherings and casual dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups (960 ml) ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 cups (450 g) bread cubes, preferably from day-old bread
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup (20 g) fresh basil, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the scalloped tomatoes.
Bread Coating: Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring each cube is thoroughly and evenly seasoned.
Tomato Mixture: Blend diced tomatoes, brown sugar, additional olive oil, and fresh basil leaves, mixing until ingredients are completely integrated and aromatic.
Assembly: Lightly oil a baking dish, layer the seasoned bread cubes as a crisp foundation, then generously spread the tomato mixture over the top, creating a vibrant base.
Cheese Topping: Lavishly sprinkle Parmesan cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, crispy finish.
Baking Process: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a perfectly caramelized crust and bubbling tomatoes that signal ideal doneness.
Serving: Remove from the oven, allow to rest for 5-7 minutes to harmonize flavors, then serve as a delectable side dish or light main course, optionally paired with a fresh green salad.
Notes
Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Select firm, deeply colored tomatoes at peak season for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Bread Cube Technique: Use day-old artisan bread for optimal crispiness and better absorption of savory seasonings.
Cheese Melting Tip: Grate Parmesan fresh for superior texture and more intense cheese flavor profile.
Serving Temperature: Serve slightly warm to enhance the dish’s aromatic basil and caramelized tomato notes.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.