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.
Bradley says
This is a go-to recipe for us!
Sandi says
I don’t have fresh basil. Can I used dried basil? if so, more or less?
Deborah says
You can, it won’t be quite the same but it will still be good! You would use 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
Kristin Joyce says
Love this recipe! So quick and easy and delicious!
L says
Mmmmmmmm. I loved this.
Melissa Reagan says
Why won’t it let me pin it so I can make it when my tomatoes ripen? It says pinning isn’t allowed from this site
Deborah says
I’m not sure why it’s not letting you pin – there shouldn’t be any blocks. Did you try the PIN IT FOR LATER button at the top?
Humayra says
Will it taste too different if I used regular or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs? Thanks!
Deborah says
It would change the flavor a bit, but I still think it would be delicious!
Diane says
I love this and have made it twice with rave reviews.
JoAnne says
Do you think it would work with very ripe beefsteak tomatoes, or would it make it more liquidy? Or what could I do to prevent that from happening?
Thanks!
Deborah says
I haven’t tried a different kind of tomato, but I’m guessing that it would work. I would maybe cut the tomato in half and remove the seeds, and then cut it into large chunks.
Jen says
Will this dish still work well if it is cold ex. at a BBQ or something?
Deborah says
I haven’t tried it cold, so I’m not sure – I’m guessing it would be fine, though. Maybe not the same as when you have it warm, but it’s such a simple recipe that I’m betting it would be great warm or room temp!
Allison Phelps says
I made this for my husband on our anniversary last weekend and we both loved it so much. Thank you for the recipe.
Sara says
Made this with dinner and we all loved it! If I could marry a food it would be broiled tomatoes. Thanks for the recipe!
Deborah says
So glad you loved it – it’s a summer staple here!!
Sheila says
What can I repla e the panko breadcrumbs with to make this dish gluten free?
Deborah says
You could simply leave them off and just bake the basil and tomatoes together.
Paula Porter says
I found gluten free panko at Walmart. I’m sure other grocery stores would have them.