Grilled Tomatoes: A Cheesy Summer Delight

The scent of ripe tomatoes sizzling on a hot griddle always transports me back to my grandmother’s garden. She grew the most incredible tomatoes – plump, juicy heirlooms bursting with flavor. One of her favorite ways to showcase their sweetness was this simple grilled tomato recipe, always topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese. It was a quick and easy side dish, but it always felt special, a true taste of summer.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 medium tomatoes
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• ½ cup soft breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup shredded sharp American cheese (or Old English)
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• 2 tablespoons parsley, snipped

Equipment Needed

• Griddle or large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Small mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the tomatoes. Wash them thoroughly, then carefully halve each tomato horizontally. This will create two even halves with the cut surface facing up.

2. Season the cut surfaces generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is key to bringing out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.

3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the soft breadcrumbs, shredded sharp American cheese (or Old English), and melted butter or margarine. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and the cheese is distributed. This mixture will form a delicious, cheesy topping.

4. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cut surfaces of the tomatoes, ensuring each half is generously covered.

5. Trim with snipped parsley.

6. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Once the griddle is hot, carefully place the tomato halves, cut side up, onto the hot surface.

7. Grill the tomatoes for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the tomatoes are heated through. Monitor closely to prevent burning. The cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your griddle.

8. Remove from the griddle and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese instead of American cheese.
• If you don’t have soft breadcrumbs, you can make your own by pulsing stale bread in a food processor until finely crumbled.
• A touch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning added to the breadcrumb mixture can enhance the flavor even further.
• To prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the griddle, lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil before adding the tomatoes.
• If you want a slightly smoky flavor, try grilling the tomatoes on an outdoor grill over medium heat.
• If your tomatoes are particularly large, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these cheesy grilled tomatoes as a delightful side dish to grilled meats, fish, or poultry. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or a light lunch. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Leftover grilled tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave until heated through. Note that the texture may be slightly softer after reheating. They are best served immediately after cooking for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	135.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	87 g	64%
Total Fat	9.7 g	14%
Saturated Fat	5.9 g	29%
Cholesterol	24.3 mg	8%
Sodium	223.3 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	9 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	3.5 g	N/A
Protein	4.4 g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a touch of heat.
• Mediterranean Flair: Use crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano instead of American cheese and parsley.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and use vegan cheese shreds. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Herb Garden Delight: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or chives instead of parsley.
• Breadcrumb Variation: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
• Tomato Type: Use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes cut in half for bite-sized appetizers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
A: While fresh tomatoes are ideal, you could use drained, diced canned tomatoes in a pinch. However, the flavor and texture will be different.

Q: Can I prepare the tomatoes ahead of time?
A: You can halve and season the tomatoes and prepare the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble and grill them just before serving to prevent the breadcrumbs from getting soggy.

Q: What if I don’t have a griddle?
A: A large skillet works just as well! Just make sure it’s heated evenly.

Q: How do I know when the tomatoes are done?
A: The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the tomatoes should be heated through. You can also gently pierce a tomato half with a fork to check for tenderness.

Q: Can I broil the tomatoes instead of grilling them?
A: Yes, you can broil them for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for grilled, cheese-topped tomatoes is a testament to the simple pleasures of summer. It’s a dish that celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of garden-ripe tomatoes, elevated with a cheesy, buttery topping. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the taste of summer for yourself. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create your own unique version. And if you do, please share your creations – I’d love to hear about them! Pair these delicious tomatoes with a crisp glass of white wine for a truly memorable meal.