Savor the rich and comforting flavors of this Tomato Cheese Casserole, a baked dish that celebrates the harmony of ripe tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese under a golden-crisp Panko breadcrumb topping. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, oregano, and fresh basil, this easy-to-prepare casserole layers juicy tomato slices with melted cheese for a dish thatβs as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, this oven-baked favorite pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a warm slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Whether youβre seeking a crowd-pleasing side dish or a meatless entrΓ©e, this Tomato Cheese Casserole is the ultimate blend of simplicity and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil.
Wash and slice the ripe tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess moisture.
Finely mince the garlic cloves and slice the fresh basil leaves into thin strips (chiffonade style).
In a small mixing bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Layer half of the sliced tomatoes on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the salt and black pepper, and layer half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the fresh basil leaves on top.
Repeat with the remaining tomato slices, salt, pepper, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves to create a second layer.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Top with the remaining 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Calories |
1657 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 106.1 g | 136% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.7 g | 244% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 236 mg | 79% | |
| Sodium | 4960 mg | 216% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 84.4 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.7 g | ||
| Protein | 100.1 g | 200% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 2585 mg | 199% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 2055 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.