Pesto Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Basil

Name: Pesto Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced thick); 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought); 200 grams fresh mozzarella (sliced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); Handful fresh basil leaves (torn)

40 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Savoury roasted pesto tomatoes topped with mozzarella, perfect as a side or appetizer.

Prep

15 min

Cook

25 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Pesto tomatoes are a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, bringing together the rich flavours of pesto with the juicy sweetness of tomatoes. This version is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of fresh and savoury tastes. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness while the pesto adds a herby richness. Topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is a crowd-pleaser whether served warm or at room temperature. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a comforting side dish, pesto tomatoes are versatile and simple to prepare, making them suitable for cooks of all skill levels.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Pro tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the tomatoes inside.

Prepare the baking dish

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Arrange the tomato slices

Place the tomato slices in a single layer in the baking dish.

Pro tip: Avoid overlapping to ensure even roasting.

Add pesto and seasoning

Spread pesto evenly over each tomato slice and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: Use a spoon to evenly distribute the pesto.

Add mozzarella

Top each tomato slice with a slice of mozzarella cheese.

Pro tip: Tear the mozzarella to fit smaller tomato slices if necessary.

Roast the tomatoes

Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro tip: Check after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Garnish and serve

Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Pro tip: Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture.
Homemade pesto elevates the flavour but store-bought works too.
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully for a creamy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pesto tomatoes?

Pesto tomatoes are sliced tomatoes topped with pesto sauce and often mozzarella cheese, then roasted or baked until the flavours meld.

How many calories are in pesto tomatoes?

This recipe for pesto tomatoes contains approximately 220 calories per serving.

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works well for this recipe, though homemade pesto can offer a fresher flavour.

How do I store leftover pesto tomatoes?

Store leftover pesto tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Can pesto tomatoes be served cold?

Yes, pesto tomatoes can be served warm or at room temperature, but they are also delicious when served cold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pesto tomatoes warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavour. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or as part of an antipasto platter. These tomatoes can be prepared in advance; simply assemble them and keep refrigerated until ready to roast. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrition per serving

220

Calories

Protein

18g

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