Dreamy Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe à la Ina Garten for Summer Joy

Sizzling summer gardens burst with ripe, juicy tomatoes that beg to be turned into the most delectable Ina Garten scalloped tomatoes recipe you’ll ever taste.

Fresh produce transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

tomatoes shine brightest when cooked with love and simple ingredients.

Her dish combines rustic charm with elegant flavors that dance on your palate.

Crisp bread crumbs create a golden, crunchy topping that perfectly complements the soft, bubbling tomato base.

Each forkful tells a story of seasonal abundance and expert cooking techniques.

This recipe promises to become a cherished favorite at your next gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Scalloped Tomatoes

• Bread Cubes: Crusty artisan bread adds delightful crunch and helps soak up vibrant tomato flavors. Choose day-old rustic bread for optimal texture and absorption.
• Olive Oil: Provides golden-brown crispiness and rich Mediterranean essence. Select high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes create a juicy, bright foundation. Select firm, deeply colored tomatoes at peak season for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth and pungent undertones. Choose firm, plump garlic cloves without green sprouts.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity and enhances natural sweetness. Use minimal amount for subtle flavor enhancement.
• Salt: Amplifies overall taste and helps draw out tomato juices. Use sea salt or kosher salt for cleaner taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complex spiciness. Freshly ground pepper provides more intense flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces vibrant, herbaceous notes and aromatic freshness. Select bright green leaves without wilting.

• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty dimension and beautiful golden crust. Choose freshly grated, high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for best results.

Equipment Checklist for Ina Garten Scalloped Tomatoes

• Large Sauté Pan: 12-inch pan for toasting bread cubes and cooking tomato mixture.
• Large Bowl: For mixing diced tomatoes with seasonings.
• Shallow Baking Dish: 6- to 8-cup capacity for baking the final dish.
• Sharp Knife: For dicing tomatoes and mincing garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir bread cubes and tomato mixture.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Oven: To bake the scalloped tomatoes at 350°F.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten Scalloped Tomatoes

Rustic Tomato Delight

• Bread Preparation Golden crispy bread cubes transform into the foundation of this savory dish. Toast bread pieces in olive oil until they develop a rich, warm color and delightful crunch.
• Tomato Symphony Fresh tomatoes mingle with fragrant garlic, creating a vibrant base. Blend tomatoes with subtle sweetness and classic seasonings to enhance their natural flavors.
• Culinary Fusion Combine toasted bread with the tomato mixture, allowing ingredients to dance together in a sizzling pan. The heat melds flavors, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Cheese and Baking Generous sprinkle of Parmesan adds a luxurious touch. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and let the oven work its magic.
• Final Flourish Bake until the top turns golden and tomatoes bubble with intensity. The result is a mouthwatering dish that celebrates summer's bounty and comfort food's warmth.

Twist Ideas for Ina Garten Scalloped Tomatoes

• Choose day-old artisan bread like ciabatta or sourdough for extra crunch and deeper flavor complexity.
• Mix different tomato varieties like heirloom, cherry, and Roma to create a vibrant, colorful dish with varied textures.
• Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, or pecorino romano for unique flavor profiles that complement the tomatoes.
• Substitute fresh basil with thyme, oregano, or a blend of Mediterranean herbs to create exciting regional variations of the recipe.
• Sprinkle crispy pancetta, crumbled bacon, or diced grilled chicken on top before baking to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.

Best Ways to Serve Ina Garten Scalloped Tomatoes

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious tomato juices and add extra texture to each bite.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Proteins: Complement the dish with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb chops for a complete and satisfying meal that balances the tomato's rich flavors.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some extra chopped basil or parsley just before serving to boost the fresh, aromatic profile and add a vibrant green touch to the dish.
• Create a Summer Salad Companion: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, savory tomato bake and provide a crisp contrast.

How to Keep Ina Garten Scalloped Tomatoes Fresh

• Maximize Freshness and Flavor
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover scalloped tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish tastes best when consumed within 24 hours to maintain its crispy bread texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy top and prevent soggy bread cubes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the original texture intact.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the dish earlier in the day and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: While best fresh, you can freeze the baked dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through and crispy on top.

Rustic Ina Garten Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s scalloped tomatoes recipe combines ripe summer produce with crispy bread cubes and savory herbs. Roasted until caramelized and bubbling, this hearty side dish will delight palates craving intense Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) (½-inch) diced bread from a round rustic bread, crusts removed
• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) plum tomatoes, ½-inch-diced (14 to 16 tomatoes)
• 5 tbsps (75 milliliters) good olive oil, divided
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) julienned fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• 1 tbsp (15 milliliters) minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) sugar
• 2 tsps (10 milliliters) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (5 milliliters) freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C, creating an ideal cooking environment for the scalloped tomatoes.
2. Bread Transformation: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium flame. Introduce bread cubes, stirring consistently until achieving a luminous golden crispness, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Tomato Fusion: Combine diced tomatoes with garlic, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a vibrant base that promises intense flavor profiles.
4. Culinary Melding: Integrate the tomato mixture with toasted bread cubes, elevating heat to medium-high. Stir frequently, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop depth. Incorporate fresh basil leaves, then remove from heat.
5. Baking Preparation: Transfer the aromatic mixture to a shallow baking dish. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese across the surface and drizzle remaining olive oil for enhanced richness.
6. Oven Finale: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for a gloriously golden-brown crust and bubbling tomato essence that signifies perfect doneness.
7. Serving: Present immediately, capturing the dish’s peak temperature and most vibrant flavors as a delectable side or standalone culinary delight.

Notes

• Bread Selection: Choose day-old rustic bread like sourdough or country loaf for superior crispiness and better texture absorption.
• Tomato Ripeness: Use peak-season, vine-ripened tomatoes for maximum flavor intensity and natural sweetness.
• Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers superior melting and more robust taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Herb Freshness: Add basil leaves just before final cooking to preserve their vibrant color and maximize aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 10mg