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Simple Sliced Tomato-And-Cheese Side Dish

I remember being a child, helping my grandmother in her garden. The scent of sun-ripened tomatoes clung to everything – her hands, her apron, the very air around her. She would often make a simple snack of sliced tomatoes with a bit of cheese, basil, and olive oil. It wasn’t fancy, but it was always a taste of pure summer, and of her love. This recipe, though slightly more involved, evokes that same feeling – a celebration of fresh tomatoes and simple, delicious flavors.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

4-6 large tomatoes, ripe
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon flaked sea salt (to taste)
4-6 tablespoons tomato ketchup (made with real tomatoes)
4 ounces brie cheese (any flavorsome cheese which melts well) or 4 ounces camembert cheese (any flavorsome cheese which melts well)
½ teaspoon black pepper, coarse (or more)
1 red onion, thinly sliced
4-6 tablespoons virgin olive oil (or more, if wanted)
3-4 slices bread, preferably white, crusts cut off

Equipment Needed

Oven
Baking dish
Baking paper (optional)
Knife
Cutting board

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). If you have a fan/convection oven, you might want to reduce the temperature slightly to prevent the bread from burning. Line a baking dish with baking paper; this makes cleanup incredibly easy!
Slice the tomatoes fairly thickly, about ¼ inch or ½ cm. Arrange them in a single, slightly overlapping layer in the prepared dish.
Sprinkle the tomatoes with dried basil, flaked sea salt, and coarse black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasonings; they really bring out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup over the seasoned tomatoes. This intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Make sure it’s a good quality ketchup, made with real tomatoes!
Slice the Brie (or Camembert, or whatever flavorful cheese you’ve chosen) into thin slices. If using mozzarella, consider adding more seasoning, as mozzarella can be quite bland.
Arrange the cheese slices evenly over the tomato slices.
Add a second layer of sliced tomatoes, and season them just as you did the first layer – basil, salt, and pepper.
Add any leftover cheese you have, and feel free to add even more if you like a cheesier dish! Sprinkle with coarse black pepper to taste.
Drizzle generously with olive oil. Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it adds richness and helps the bread topping crisp up nicely.
Slice the red onion very thinly. Separate the slices into rings and distribute them evenly over the entire dish. The red onion adds a lovely sharpness and a touch of sweetness as it caramelizes in the oven.
Now, arrange the crustless bread slices over the tomato dish so that the top is completely covered. You may need to cut the bread slices to fit the dish. Make sure there are no gaps in the bread topping.
Sprinkle the bread topping liberally with olive oil. This is crucial for achieving a golden-brown and crispy topping.
Bake the dish for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread topping is crisp and browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the bread from burning.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Be aware that tomato liquid will form in the bottom of the dish. Don’t discard it! Use extra bread to soak it up, or even drink it with a spoon – it’s incredibly flavorful.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh in the mixture.
If you don’t have white bread, any bread will do, even day-old bread. Just make sure to remove the crusts.
To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, you can lightly toast it before arranging it on top of the tomatoes.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Fontina, or even a sharp cheddar would all work well in this dish.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a little extra olive oil to the bread just before baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this dish warm as a side with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a light lunch with a simple salad. It’s best enjoyed immediately after baking, when the bread topping is at its crispiest and the cheese is at its meltiest.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The bread topping will lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but it will still be delicious. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the tomatoes and bread will suffer.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	431 kcal	22%
Total Fat	30g	46%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	38mg	13%
Sodium	603mg	26%
Carbohydrate	31g	11%
Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	14g	N/A
Protein	13g	26%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegan: Substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. There are many great melting vegan cheeses available now.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the topping.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs. Oregano, thyme, or rosemary would all be delicious additions.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a little heat.
Mediterranean: Add some chopped Kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: While fresh tomatoes are ideal, you can use canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would all work well. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavor of the tomatoes.

Q: The bread topping is getting too brown. What should I do?
A: If the bread topping is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes, you can! Sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Add them along with the tomatoes.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: This dish is a great side for roast chicken, grilled fish, or even as a light lunch with a simple salad.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Sliced Tomato-And-Cheese Side Dish is a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try it out and put your own spin on it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables. Most importantly, enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! And please, let me know what you think – I always love hearing your feedback!

Simple Sliced Tomato-And-Cheese Side Dish Recipe