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
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C, creating an ideal cooking environment for the scalloped tomatoes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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