The most delicious way to enjoy height of the season tomatoes is also the easiest…Heirloom Parmesan Tomatoes are ready in 10 minutes, and they go with everything. Just a few simple ingredients turn ripe summer tomatoes into the best side dish ever!
This is the side dish of the summer — it’s fresh, sweet, juicy, and so quick to make. It’s a classic that can’t be improved upon… the flavors of the ripe tomatoes combined with melted and browned cheese is simply the best.
All you have to do is slice your best tomatoes into chunky 1/ 2 inch slices. You’ll probably only get 2 or 3 slices per tomato. Use those ends, too! Line them up on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Drizzle them with some good olive oil, and sprinkle generously with grated Italian cheese. Parmesan is traditional, but you can use a mix if you like, too. Then under the broiler they go for just a few minutes, you’ll need to stay close by to keep watch. The cheese will get bubbly and browned in no time, and the tomatoes will get just enough heat to bring out their juices and enhance their flavors.
I serve them with a shower of fresh basil leaves, but you can use any fresh herb — parsley or thyme would be nice, even a bit of dried thyme or oregano will work. Serve them right away while they’re nice and hot. They go great with all your favorite family meals.
What I love about these Heirloom Parmesan Tomatoes is the contrast of flavors and textures, and the fact that the tomatoes get hot but not mushy. I think your whole family is going to love them too.
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Heirloom Parmesan Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 heirloom tomatoes
- salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or an Italian mix cheese
- 4 fresh basil leaves, or thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Slice each tomato into 1/2 inch slices. You can use the ends, too. Lay them out on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and pepper, and then lightly drizzle them with olive oil.
- Top each tomato with a generous portion of grated cheese.
- Slide the pan under the broiler with the rack on the highest setting and broil for about 2 minutes. Watch carefully, the cheese will brown and bubble very quickly.
- Serve the tomatoes immediately, with a sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs.
Nutrition
notes:
- You can use medium or large tomatoes for this. Select firm, colorful examples for the best flavor and prettiest presentation.
- I find that while true Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has amazing flavor, it’s not always the best choice for melting. I chose to use a pre-shredded Italian blend (Sargento), which had good flavor and melts nicely into a bubbly browned topping.
- I like to use a large serrated knife to cut ripe tomatoes.
don’t forget to pin these easy Parmesan Heirloom Tomatoes!
more simple ways to love tomatoes:
Brûléed Tomatoes
Provencal Tomatoes
Bucatini with Burst Tomatoes
Fried Green Heirloom Tomatoes
I just called my husband in here to look at these photos! The pictures and the tomatoes are wonderful. I don’t say this often but the truth is, I could do a face plant in this dish. Wow, just wow! I adore tomatoes and you transformed them with just a little effort – thank you!
WHERE did you get those beautiful tomatoes??? They must be home grown!
Auntiepatch I got mine at the farmers market, and I sometimes find them at my better supermarkets — I could stare at them all day!
Is there any vegetable more beautiful than an heirloom tomato? I think not. With cheese and basil these must be other-worldly good in my book! Definitely one to try 😀
Love the color on the tomatoes. So refreshing.
These tomatoes look absolutely GORGEOUS! I love how simple and tasty your recipe is. Saving it for later!
I adore everything about this! I have tomatoes growing right now, and this will be a great way to use them. Of cousre, I might add a slice of fresh mozzarella to this as well! Yum!
I’m so jealous of anyone who grows tomatoes, what a luxury 🙂
It’s really difficult to find heirloom tomatoes here in the UK, but I found some the other day and I am going to have to make these with them.
I’ve heard that before, Dannii, I’m guessing they will become more and more available to you in the coming years. They’re exploding here in the states!
Simple, easy, and SO satisfying. Perfect summer fare. Thanks!
So wonderful! I don’t even need cheese to enjoy those gorgeous tomatoes as they are already GREAT enough.
Lovely! I agree, that simple is the definitely the way to go when you have tomatoes as lovely as that 🙂