Cheesy Baked Tomatoes

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Baked tomatoes with cheese are a simple side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of summer-ripe tomatoes. We top halved tomatoes with a layer of melted mozzarella and tangy feta cheese, creating a deliciously gooey, golden crust. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh note, but any fresh herb will pair perfectly with these warm juicy tomatoes.

A recipe photo of Cheesy Baked Tomatoes.
Credit:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
  • Melty mozzarella and tangy feta form a golden crust that balances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
  • Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk.
  • Use beefsteak or Brandywine tomatoes as they hold their shape well during baking.

Super-quick and easy, these Cheesy Baked Tomatoes are an amazing side for your favorite proteins. Juicy, antioxidant-rich tomatoes are seasoned just right and become sweeter with oven roasting. Ooey-gooey mozzarella and briny feta provide the perfect balance to the tomatoes’ sweetness and complement the garlic-and-herb seasoning. Keep reading for our expert tips, including what ingredient substitutions can be made.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • While testing this recipe, we used beefsteak tomatoes due to their strong flavor and meaty texture, which holds up well during baking. A Brandywine tomato would work well, too. You can use any variety of tomato you prefer—even smaller tomatoes—just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Using freshly shredded mozzarella cheese from a block rather than preshredded cheese will yield a better, melty cheese pull.
  • If you don’t have mozzarella on hand or prefer a different cheese, feel free to use another good melting cheese. And if you’d rather not use feta, Parmesan cheese is a good swap. Just make sure to check the packaging if you are avoiding cheeses made with animal rennet.
  • If you don’t have garlic-and-herb seasoning, you can replace it with garlic powder along with one of your favorite dried herbs. Additionally, you can swap out the parsley garnish for another herb of your choice.

Nutrition Notes

  • Tomatoes are loaded with the antioxidant lycopene, which is enhanced in this recipe by roasting the tomatoes. Regularly eating tomatoes has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. Eating tomatoes may also support healthy, glowing skin. Plus, the fiber in tomatoes may help improve gut health
  • Mozzarella cheese adds some protein and calcium to the tomatoes. Mozzarella, especially fresh mozzarella, is a lower-sodium cheese, while feta tends to be higher in sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake or don’t care for feta, feel free to leave it out.
Ingredients for baked tomatoes recipe including tomatoes cheese and seasonings displayed on a tray

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 4 (8-ounce) tomatoes, halved crosswise

  • 2 teaspoons no-salt-added garlic-and-herb seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¾ cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

  • 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)

  • Fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F with rack in center position. Place tomato halves cut-side up on a large rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the tomatoes with 2 teaspoons garlic-and-herb seasoning and ¼ teaspoon pepper; drizzle with 1½ tablespoons oil.

    Halved tomatoes seasoned and arranged on a baking sheet

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

  2. Bake the tomatoes until just tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; top with ¾ cup mozzarella and the crumbled feta.

    Baking tray with tomato slices some topped with shredded cheese nearby bowls containing more cheese

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

  3. Increase oven temperature to broil. Broil the tomatoes on the center rack until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why are my cooked tomatoes mushy?

    One of the main reasons this can happen is if you cram too many tomatoes onto your baking sheet. Instead of roasting, they’ll steam. Allow plenty of space around the tomatoes so the hot air can circulate, even if you have to use two sheet pans.

  • Are there any extra toppings you can suggest?

    Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. For crunchiness, include panko breadcrumbs. You can also add bacon bits for extra flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze would be delicious, as would a spoonful of your favorite pesto, made with fresh herbs from your garden or a local farmers’ market.

  • How should I store and reheat leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can quickly reheat them in the microwave until just warmed. Check after 30 seconds and give them about 30 seconds more heat if necessary.

  • What should I serve with Cheesy Baked Tomatoes?

    As a light meal, we suggest serving the tomatoes with a side of rice or couscous to capture the flavorful juices. For a heartier meal, we’d add a protein like our Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Corn Salad, Grilled Lemon-Pepper Salmon in Foil, Panko- & Parmesan-Crusted Baked Scallops, Tofu Cutlets Marsala or One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Spinach.

EatingWell.com, August 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

206 Calories
14g Fat
11g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 2 tomato halves
Calories 206
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 7g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 10g 20%
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 31%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Vitamin A 172µg
Vitamin C 31mg 35%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 14%
Folate 47µg
Vitamin K 24µg
Sodium 337mg 15%
Calcium 282mg 22%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 37mg 9%
Potassium 604mg 13%
Zinc 2mg 16%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Carrie Myers, M.S.
Carrie Myers
Carrie Myers is a portfolio entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the health and wellness space. As a writer and editor, Carrie has worked for both consumer and trade print and online publications. She's been quoted in several articles as a health and fitness expert. Carrie is also a certified life and wellness coach and exercise physiologist, and the founder of CarrieMichele Co., a lifestyle company that helps women create lives they love where they can be authentic.
and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.