This Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe is fresh, simple and full of flavor. It is a perfect side dish for many meals. The tomatoes taste juicy and rich.
The basil adds a lovely aroma. Many people enjoy this Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe because it is easy to make.
It uses simple pantry ingredients. In this blog, you will learn How to make Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes step by step at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe during summer. Fresh tomatoes made a big difference. The dish smelled amazing while baking. The basil gave a fresh taste.
I loved the soft texture with crispy topping. My family enjoyed it with grilled chicken. It felt light but still very satisfying. Now I make it often as a side dish.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter. This prevents sticking and helps the dish bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash and chop fresh tomatoes into small pieces. Remove excess liquid if needed. This step keeps the dish from becoming too watery while baking.
3. Make the Topping
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir well until crumbs are coated. This mixture will create a crispy topping.
4. Layer the Dish
Spread chopped tomatoes in the baking dish evenly. Sprinkle chopped basil on top. This gives fresh flavor and a beautiful aroma to the dish.
5. Add Breadcrumb Mixture
Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil on top. This helps the topping become golden and crispy during baking.
6. Bake the Dish
Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown. The tomatoes should be soft and bubbling underneath.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the flavors settle. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes
- Use fresh ripe tomatoes for best flavor
- Remove extra tomato juice
- Use fresh basil instead of dried
- Do not overbake the dish
- Add cheese for extra richness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much liquid from tomatoes
- Skipping seasoning
- Overbaking until dry
- Using stale breadcrumbs
- Not layering evenly
Serving Suggestions
This dish tastes best when served warm. You can serve it as a side with grilled chicken, fish or steak. It also goes well with pasta or rice.
The fresh basil and juicy tomatoes make it light and refreshing. It is perfect for family dinners or summer meals.
Variations You Can Try
- Add grated Parmesan cheese on top
- Use cherry tomatoes for sweeter taste
- Add mozzarella for a cheesy version
- Mix in onions or bell peppers
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keep in fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat in oven for best texture
- Avoid microwave to keep topping crispy
- Do not freeze as texture may change
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbs | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Health Benefits
This dish is rich in vitamins from tomatoes. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Basil adds freshness and nutrients.
It is a light and healthy side dish. Using fresh ingredients makes it more nutritious. It is a good option for balanced meals.
Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter. This prevents sticking and helps the dish bake evenly.
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash and chop fresh tomatoes into small pieces. Remove excess liquid if needed. This step keeps the dish from becoming too watery while baking.
Make the Topping
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir well until crumbs are coated. This mixture will create a crispy topping.
Layer the Dish
- Spread chopped tomatoes in the baking dish evenly. Sprinkle chopped basil on top. This gives fresh flavor and a beautiful aroma to the dish.
Add Breadcrumb Mixture
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil on top. This helps the topping become golden and crispy during baking.
Bake the Dish
- Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown. The tomatoes should be soft and bubbling underneath.
Cool and Serve
- Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the flavors settle. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe tomatoes for best flavor
- Remove extra tomato juice
- Use fresh basil instead of dried
- Do not overbake the dish
- Add cheese for extra richness
FAQs about Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Make sure to drain them well. Too much liquid can make the dish watery and affect texture.
2. How to make Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes crispy?
Use fresh breadcrumbs and enough butter. Bake until the top is golden. Avoid covering the dish while baking for best crispiness.
3. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, adding Parmesan or mozzarella makes it richer. Sprinkle cheese before baking for a golden and bubbly top layer.
4. Why is my dish too watery?
Tomatoes release water during baking. Remove extra juice before baking. This helps keep the dish thick and not soggy.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it earlier. Store in the fridge. Bake just before serving for fresh taste and crispy topping.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe is easy, fresh and full of flavor. It is perfect for any meal. Now you know How to make Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes step by step.
With simple Ingredients for Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes, you can create a delicious side dish. Try this recipe today and enjoy a light and tasty meal with your family!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!