An easy and seasonal side dish using cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, this Tomato and Basil Bake is the perfect late summer side dish.
Want even more ways to use those fresh tomatoes? Try this Herbed Tomato Salad.
I know, I know. Labor Day is on Monday, and you are probably busy planning your menu for the last celebration of summer. And you stop in here and wonder – what? This isn’t a Labor Day recipe!
Well, I know this isn’t your typical “holiday at the beach” or “backyard bbq” side dish, but what better way to celebrate the end of summer than with the beautiful produce that the summer has to offer?
Back when I had a garden, one of my favorite things to do was to just go out to the Sweet 100 tomato plant and pop those babies in my mouth like candy. And they practically tasted like candy, sweet and juicy and just warm from the summer sun. Oh, how I miss those tomato plants. But thank goodness for the farmers market and local tomatoes – I can still enjoy the bounty of the season.
See how to make this Tomato and Basil Bake here:
This side dish is almost so simple that a recipe isn’t totally required, but when it comes to side dishes, simplicity is the key in my book. This dish highlights the fresh tomatoes, and the little bit of basil (which was picked out of my backyard) makes this side dish sing.
So maybe it’s not the best Labor Day recipe, but it is the best end of summer recipe!!
More tomato side dishes:
Mini Caprese Tarts
Tomatoes Roasted with Pesto
Zucchini Salad with Tomatoes
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Tomato and Basil Bake
Ingredients
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- Combine the tomatoes, garlic and olive oil in an 8-inch baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Broil, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened, about 12 minutes.
- Combine the panko and the butter, then sprinkle over the tomatoes. Broil for 30 seconds, then sprinkle the basil over the top. Serve.
Meg says
I know you have this posted as a side dish but I’m thinking it would be splendid over some eggs for breakfast! In fact, that’s what I’ll be doing! Thanks for posting a delicious recipe.
Nutmeg Nanny says
Oh goodness, I am loving the flavors in this bake 🙂 it is mouth watering!!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
The toasted breadcrumbs on top has me totally sold!
Gissie says
Delicious ! Thank you
Ella says
This is so incredibly good. I made it this afternoon and ate the entire thing, the pig that I am. I could not help myself.
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
I’m drooling over this one. So simple but so flavorful! I can imagine this is a big hit!
Joanne says
This is my kind of side dish! I am SO into tomatoes at the moment, especially when roasted!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
Such a beautiful use for cherry tomatoes! This looks wonderful!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
The panko bread crumbs make this look like a winner!
Chels R. says
Wow- this looks gorgeous! I cannot wait to make this!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
This dish is so beautiful and summery, Deb! Perfect for those with an excess of tomatoes. I bet it would be delicious served over rice, pasta or crusty bread slices. Thanks for sharing!
Bree (Skinny Mommy) says
These looks like the perfect summer recipe!
Belinda @themoonblushbaker says
I love recipes like this. Things I can make either for one person or for a massive crowd. Such a soild base, all you need is a green salad and I am ready to eat!
I can not wait for tomatoes to come in Australia
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Love the simplicity to this. Yum!
Aggie says
So beautiful!! Our summer doesn’t officially end for a while, I’m always in the mood for tomato recipes, this looks delicious!
Tieghan says
This dish is stunning and in my mind it is the perfect Labor day recipe!! I love those sweet cherry and grape tomatoes. They are like summer candy!