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.
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’ll make this with a little truffle salt! ?
LOVE that idea 🙂
Gorgeous, I could live on these tomatoes (with your dulce de leche ice cream for dessert!).
Heirloom tomatoes are just magical and I know these are beyond delicious. I love that you’ve kept them so simple to allow their flavor and beauty to shine!
Simply delicious and yummy mouth watering !!!
There is nothing like the taste of summer tomatoes, love the addition of the cheese. Beautiful pics Sue.
A great recipe to bring out the natural flavour of the heirloom tomatoes.
I’m going to the farmer’s market this afternoon, so I’m super glad I saw this post this morning! Your tomatoes look gorgeous and with the Parm & basil – yum! I would eat this for breakfast!
I could too Amy — thanks!
Those are the prettiest tomatoes I’ve ever seen! Every time I get gorgeous tomatoes- I’m torn between sprinkling Parmesan on them or just a little salt.. But I never thought about melting the cheese! Yummmmm
Those tomatoes are glorious! Beautiful pictures and the melty cheese just calls to me!
With your beautiful photos you are making me crave for this dish!! Looks delicious!!