Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

Featured in: One-Pot & Quick Meals

This colorful tomato bake combines ripe tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, layered with red onions, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Prepared quickly and baked to golden bubbly perfection, it offers a fresh, flavorful dish ready in just over half an hour. The olive oil and herbs enhance the savory taste, while fresh basil adds brightness as a garnish. Ideal for simple, comforting meals or as an appetizing side.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:40:00 GMT
Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with bubbling mozzarella, golden Parmesan, and fresh basil garnish. Save
Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with bubbling mozzarella, golden Parmesan, and fresh basil garnish. | bakozy.com

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

This bake has become a favorite in my household for busy evenings when I want something comforting yet uncomplicated.

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

Christmas Kitchen Gift
🎄 My Go-To Christmas Gift This Year
🎅 Christmas Deal — Almost Gone
I’d buy this **again without hesitation**. Practical, high-quality, and something people actually use — **perfect last-minute Christmas gift**.
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Preheat:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Prepare dish:
Lightly oil a medium baking dish. Arrange half the tomato slices in a single layer.
Layer vegetables:
Sprinkle half the red onion and half the minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Add cheese:
Layer half the mozzarella over the vegetables.
Repeat layers:
Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings, and mozzarella.
Top cheese:
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake for 2025 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender.
Finish:
Let cool slightly. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Christmas Kitchen Gift
🎄 My Go-To Christmas Gift This Year
🎅 Christmas Deal — Almost Gone
I’d buy this **again without hesitation**. Practical, high-quality, and something people actually use — **perfect last-minute Christmas gift**.
🎁 Check Today’s Price
⏰ Prices usually jump closer to Christmas
Christmas Kitchen Gift
🎄 My Go-To Christmas Gift This Year
🎅 Christmas Deal — Almost Gone
I’d buy this **again without hesitation**. Practical, high-quality, and something people actually use — **perfect last-minute Christmas gift**.
🎁 Check Today’s Price
⏰ Prices usually jump closer to Christmas
Warm, cheesy Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with soft tomatoes, perfect for a hearty vegetarian side. Save
Warm, cheesy Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with soft tomatoes, perfect for a hearty vegetarian side. | bakozy.com

This dish brings the whole family together as we enjoy its fresh vibrant flavors right at the dinner table.

Required Tools

Medium baking dish, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Grater

Allergen Information

Contains milk (dairy). Vegetarian, nut-free, gluten-free. Always check cheese labels for rennet if strict vegetarian.

Nutritional Information

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

A Mediterranean-inspired Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, bursting with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. Save
A Mediterranean-inspired Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, bursting with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. | bakozy.com

This speedy bake offers loads of flavor without fuss making it a reliable weeknight solution.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute mozzarella with other cheeses?

Yes, you can swap mozzarella for ricotta or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor while keeping it feta-free.

How can I enhance the flavors of this tomato bake?

Adding sliced olives or roasted red peppers between layers adds complexity and a savory depth to the dish.

What is the best way to prepare the tomatoes?

Use ripe, sliced tomatoes arranged in even layers for optimal moisture and balanced cooking throughout.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it is vegetarian and nut-free, though ensure cheese labels for rennet suitability if strict vegetarian.

Can this bake be served cold or reheated?

It can be served warm for melty cheese or at room temperature; reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.

What dishes pair well with this cheesy tomato bake?

It's great alongside crusty bread, over cooked pasta, or as a hearty side to grilled vegetables or proteins.

Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

A quick, cheesy tomato dish layered with fresh mozzarella and herbs, ideal for easy dinners or sides.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage Mediterranean-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No gluten

Components

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

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Phase 02

Prepare baking dish and first layer: Lightly coat a medium baking dish with oil. Arrange half of the tomato slices in an even layer.

Phase 03

Add aromatics and seasonings: Distribute half the sliced red onion and minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season evenly with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

Phase 04

Layer cheese: Place half of the mozzarella pieces over the seasoned vegetables.

Phase 05

Repeat layering: Repeat the tomato, onion, garlic, seasoning, and mozzarella layers to complete the stack.

Phase 06

Finish with oil and Parmesan: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the assembled layers and sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top.

Phase 07

Bake until golden: Cook in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, and tomatoes are tender.

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (dairy).

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 11 g