tomato and mozzarella recipe

The Best tomato and mozzarella recipe

I’ve been making this tomato and mozzarella recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is simple yet flavorful, and the combination of fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven. I first discovered this recipe while on vacation in Italy, where it’s a staple at many local restaurants and cafes.

The key to making this dish is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh tomatoes and real mozzarella cheese. I like to use a variety of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes and beefsteak tomatoes, to add texture and flavor to the dish. To make it even more special, I like to add some fresh basil leaves on top, which adds a bright and herbaceous note to the dish.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, place them on a platter or individual plates, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a special occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly healthy – the tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and lycopene, while the mozzarella cheese provides calcium and protein.

My kids love this recipe because it’s fun to eat – they enjoy slicing their own tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and they love the way the flavors all come together in each bite. In fact, my daughter has been known to request this dish for her birthday dinner! As for me, I love how versatile this recipe is – I can make it in large quantities for a party or in small batches for a quick snack.

And let’s not forget the leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or packing lunches for school or work. Overall, this tomato and mozzarella recipe is a classic that never goes out of style – it’s simple yet elegant, healthy yet satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

Baked Tomato and Mozzarella

4.7 from 1018 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy tomato sauce, baked to perfection. This recipe is simple to make and full of flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar

For the Topping

2 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
4Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
5Knead the dough for 2 minutes until smooth.
6Roll out the dough into a thin layer and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
7Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
8It should be slightly firm to the touch.
9In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and sugar.
10Spread the sauce evenly over the baked dough.
11It should cover the dough completely with a thin layer.
12Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the sauce.
13Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes.
14Add salt and pepper to taste.
15Drizzle with olive oil.
16Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tomatoes are slightly browned.
17The crust should be golden brown and crispy.
18Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
19Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving.
20The basil should be visible and evenly distributed.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Parchment paper

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

This tomato and mozzarella recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or as a side dish at dinner time. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to reheat – just pop it in the oven or microwave until warm through.

You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. For serving ideas, try pairing this dish with some crusty bread or crackers on the side – or even better yet, serve it alongside some grilled meats or vegetables.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Tomato and Mozzarella

Q1: What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use any variety of tomato you like – cherry tomatoes are great for adding color and texture to the dish, while beefsteak tomatoes are perfect for slicing into thick wedges.

Q2: Can I use low-fat mozzarella cheese instead of regular mozzarella?

While you can use low-fat mozzarella cheese if you prefer, keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the dish slightly.

Q3: How do I prevent the mozzarella cheese from getting too soft?

To prevent the mozzarella cheese from getting too soft, you can try chilling it in the refrigerator before slicing it.

Q4: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe besides tomatoes and mozzarella cheese?

Yes – some people like to add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to give the dish an extra boost of flavor.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as long as you’re using vegetarian-friendly ingredients – just be sure to check your balsamic glaze for any animal-derived ingredients.

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