This bright dish features juicy summer tomatoes layered beautifully, topped with golden, crispy croutons. It’s fresh, flavorful, and just perfect for warm days!
Nothing beats the crunch of those croutons while digging into the tender tomatoes. I could eat this as a side or even as a main meal—so tasty and easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Use ripe summer tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom or beefsteak varieties work wonderfully. If they’re out of season, canned tomatoes can work, but fresh is always best for taste and texture.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice kick to this dish. If you want a milder flavor, feel free to swap it for mild cheddar or Monterey Jack. Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste.
Mayonnaise: This ingredient helps hold everything together and adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise works as a delightful substitute.
Fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley brings brightness to the dish. If they’re not available, you can use dried herbs like Italian seasoning, just remember to reduce the amount slightly as they’re more concentrated.
Crusty bread: Day-old bread is perfect for croutons. If you don’t have any, you can use toasted bread or even leftover dinner rolls. Just keep them crispy!
How Do I Get My Croutons Perfectly Crispy?
Getting crunchy croutons is essential for this dish! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crispiness:
- Start with day-old bread. Fresh bread holds moisture, so stale is best.
- Coat the bread cubes evenly with olive oil, and don’t shy away from adding a bit of salt and herbs for extra flavor.
- Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning.
With these tips, your croutons will add the perfect crunch and flavor to your scalloped tomatoes!
Easy Summer Scalloped Tomatoes with Crispy Croutons
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 6 large ripe summer tomatoes (like heirloom or beefsteak), sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
For the Crispy Croutons:
- 2 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably crusty bread like French or sourdough)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter), divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes total, from start to finish, for a delightful summer treat! Perfect for when you want to impress family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and perfectly!
2. Prepare the Crispy Croutons:
In a bowl, toss 2 cups of bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the dried Italian herbs (if you’re using them), and a pinch of salt. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. If you’ve decided to use fresh herbs, add those in now too!
4. Layer the Tomatoes and Cheese Mixture:
Take a buttered or lightly oiled 9×9-inch baking dish. Layer half of your sliced tomatoes evenly across the bottom. Next, spread half of the cheese mixture over the tomatoes. Repeat these layers with the remaining tomatoes and cheese mixture.
5. Add the Croutons:
Sprinkle the crispy croutons evenly over the top layer of your cheese mixture. Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the croutons to ensure they get extra crispy while baking!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are bubbly and the topping is wonderfully golden and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your scalloped tomatoes rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set a bit more. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra fresh herbs on top for garnish!
Enjoy your savory, summery scalloped tomatoes with the perfect crispy crouton topping! This dish is sure to be a favorite for any gathering or a lovely weeknight meal!
FAQ About Easy Summer Scalloped Tomatoes with Crispy Croutons
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute sharp cheddar with milder cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For a bolder flavor, try Gruyère or a bit of smoked cheese! Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for an alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt is a great option for a healthier twist. You could also use sour cream or a dairy-free version if you need a vegan substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps maintain the crispness of the croutons!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish a day ahead by assembling it and then covering it tightly in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven—it may need an extra few minutes of baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
