Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This tomato bake combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant herbs into a vibrant dish ready in just over half an hour. Layered with garlic, red onion, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it's baked to bubbly golden perfection. The olive oil and dried oregano and basil bring out the Mediterranean flavors, while fresh basil leaves add a final fragrant touch. Perfect served as a hearty side or light main, this dish fits effortlessly into weeknight dinners.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:35:00 GMT
Golden and bubbly Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, fresh from the oven, ready to serve with basil. Pin
Golden and bubbly Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, fresh from the oven, ready to serve with basil. | quickcrav.com

A vibrant, cheesy tomato bake that comes together quickly without feta&mdashperfect for weeknight dinners or as a hearty side.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household for its simplicity and rich taste.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 700 g (1.5 lbs) ripe tomatoes, sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Cheese: 125 g (4.5 oz) fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced, 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Herbs & Seasoning: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2:
Lightly oil a medium baking dish. Arrange half the tomato slices in a single layer.
Step 3:
Sprinkle half the red onion and half the minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Step 4:
Layer half the mozzarella over the vegetables.
Step 5:
Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings, and mozzarella.
Step 6:
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 7:
Bake for 20 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender.
Step 8:
Let cool slightly. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Pin
| quickcrav.com

This dish often brings my family together for a cozy meal that everyone enjoys.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a handful of sliced olives or roasted red peppers between the layers. Swap mozzarella for ricotta or goat cheese if desired, still feta-free. Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.

Required Tools

Medium baking dish, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Grater

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 11 g per serving

Easy weeknight meal: a close-up of the flavorful Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with melted mozzarella. Pin
Easy weeknight meal: a close-up of the flavorful Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with melted mozzarella. | quickcrav.com

This speedy tomato bake is a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?

Yes, fresh mozzarella can be replaced with ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor while keeping the creamy texture.

How can I add extra flavor to this dish?

Adding sliced olives or roasted red peppers between the tomato layers enhances depth and introduces more Mediterranean notes.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate before baking to streamline meal prep on busy days.

What sides pair well with this tomato bake?

Crusty bread or cooked pasta complement the dish nicely, turning it into a more filling meal.

Can I make this dish vegan?

For a vegan option, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and ensure seasoning suits your preference.

Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

A quick, cheesy tomato dish with fresh mozzarella, herbs, and olive oil for a flavorful, easy meal.

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Preparation time
10 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
35 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin Mediterranean-Inspired

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Vegetables

01 1.5 lbs ripe tomatoes, sliced
02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

01 4.5 oz fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced
02 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Seasoning

01 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
02 1 tsp dried oregano
03 1/2 tsp dried basil
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare baking dish and first layer: Lightly oil a medium baking dish. Arrange half of the tomato slices in a single layer.

Step 03

Add onion, garlic, and seasonings: Sprinkle half of the sliced red onion and minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

Step 04

Layer mozzarella cheese: Distribute half of the mozzarella evenly over the vegetables.

Step 05

Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasoning, and mozzarella.

Step 06

Finish with oil and Parmesan: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender.

Step 08

Rest and garnish: Allow to cool slightly before topping with fresh basil leaves and serving.

Required equipment

  • Medium baking dish
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and seek advice from a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk).

Nutritional values (per serving)

These details are offered as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbs: 11 g
  • Protein: 11 g