Savory Tomato and Sourdough Gratin
Indulge in this delightful Savory Tomato and Sourdough Gratin, featuring layers of toasted sourdough bread, succulent ripe tomatoes, and creamy goat or feta cheese. This dish is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, with the crunch of bread harmonizing with the juicy tomatoes and the tanginess of cheese. Perfect as a satisfying lunch or a light snack, it can be prepared fresh and baked immediately, or assembled beforehand and refrigerated overnight for an effortless meal prep. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh chives for an extra burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sourdough bread
8 (slices, toasted)
large ripe tomatoes
2 1/2 (lbs, cut into 1/4 inch slices)
fresh garlic
1/2 (teaspoon, minced)
fresh chives
1/4 (cup, snipped)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
soft fresh goat cheese
4 (ounces, crumbled (or crumbled feta cheese))
olive oil
1 (tablespoon plus 1.5 teaspoons)
parmesan cheese
2 1/2 (tablespoons, grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a shallow 2-quart baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Begin layering the dish by arranging 4 slices of toasted sourdough bread at the bottom. Tear the bread as needed to fit snugly.
3
Place half of the sliced tomatoes evenly over the bread, creating a colorful layer. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the tomatoes, followed by half of the snipped chives.
4
Season this layer with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Crumble the goat cheese or feta cheese generously over the tomatoes and drizzle half of the olive oil for added richness.
6
Press the remaining 4 slices of sourdough bread on top, ensuring they’re packed in firmly.
7
Layer the remaining tomato slices on top, followed by the rest of the chives, freshly ground black pepper, and the grated parmesan cheese for a crispy finish.
8
Drizzle the remaining 1.5 teaspoons of olive oil on top to enhance browning during baking.
9
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the tomatoes are soft and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tomato and Sourdough Gratin?
It is a baked dish featuring layers of toasted sourdough bread, ripe tomatoes, and creamy goat or feta cheese, perfect for lunch or a snack.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should I bake the gratin?
Bake the dish for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the tomatoes are soft and bubbly.
Can I use feta cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, you can use either 4 ounces of crumbled goat cheese or crumbled feta cheese for this recipe.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 2 and a half pounds of large ripe tomatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices.
What kind of bread is used in this gratin?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of sourdough bread that have been toasted.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish containing bread, vegetables, and cheese.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the gratin beforehand and refrigerate it overnight for easy meal prep.
How many layers of bread are in the gratin?
There are two main layers of bread: 4 slices at the bottom and 4 slices in the middle.
What size baking dish should I use?
A shallow 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the sourdough bread be fresh or toasted?
The slices should be toasted before you begin layering them in the dish.
How do I prevent the gratin from sticking to the dish?
Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
What herbs are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of fresh snipped chives for flavor and garnish.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need half a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon plus 1.5 teaspoons of olive oil in total.
What kind of cheese is used for the crispy topping?
Grated parmesan cheese is used on the top layer to create a crispy finish.
How should I cut the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be cut into 1/4 inch thick slices.
Is salt and pepper included in the measurements?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Should I serve the gratin immediately?
It is best to let it sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh chives?
While fresh chives provide the best burst of flavor, you could use dried, but the taste may vary.
How do I fit the bread if it doesn't fit the dish perfectly?
You can tear the bread slices as needed to ensure they fit snugly in the baking dish.
What is the purpose of drizzling olive oil on the top layer?
The oil on top helps enhance the browning of the bread and cheese during baking.
What are the suggested tags for this dish?
Tags include tomato, gratin, sourdough, goat cheese, vegetarian, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as a satisfying lunch or a light snack.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes first?
No, the recipe instructions do not mention peeling; simply slice them.
What texture can I expect from the bread?
The bread provides a crunch that harmonizes with the juicy texture of the cooked tomatoes.
Does this dish contain any meat?
No, this is a meat-free, savory vegetarian gratin.
How many slices of bread go on the top layer?
The second set of 4 slices (out of 8 total) is pressed on top of the first cheese and tomato layer.
Where do the garlic and chives go during assembly?
They are sprinkled evenly across the tomato layers before adding the cheese.
Can I use any type of tomato?
The recipe recommends large, succulent ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.