Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe

There is nothing quite like the taste of ripe and juicy tomatoes paired with aromatic fresh basil. This Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe is a true celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients.

If you want to know how to make Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes, you are in the right place. This dish is warm, comforting and perfect for any family dinner.

Let’s explore the essential ingredients for Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes and get cooking!

My Story With This Comforting Basil Scalloped Tomatoes

I first discovered this dish during a busy summer when my garden was overflowing with tomatoes. I needed a way to use them that felt special but did not require hours of work.

When I tried this Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe, I was instantly hooked by the flavors. The combination of toasted bread cubes and sweet tomatoes creates a texture that is simply divine.

I remember serving this at a backyard barbecue for a group of very close friends. Everyone reached for seconds and the bowl was scraped clean within minutes.

It has since become a staple in my kitchen for both casual and formal meals. The smell of the basil and garlic roasting in the oven always makes my home feel cozy.

I hope this recipe becomes a favorite memory-maker in your home just like it has in mine.

Equipment List

• Large sauté pan
• 10-inch glass or ceramic baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American / French-inspired
• Calories: 245 kcal per serving

Ingredients for Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 2 cups 1-inch diced bread cubes (French bread or sourdough)
• 2 pounds plum tomatoes, cut in 1/2-inch dice (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instruction for Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes

1. Toast the Bread Cubes

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and cook for 5 minutes until browned and crunchy.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes

Wash the plum tomatoes carefully and cut them into small, even cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl for the next step.

3. Season the Mixture

Add the minced garlic, sugar, salt and black pepper to the bowl of tomatoes. Toss everything gently so the flavors combine well.

4. Incorporate the Basil

Add the chopped fresh basil leaves to the tomato mixture. Stir lightly to ensure the basil is distributed evenly throughout the bowl.

5. Combine with Bread

Pour the toasted bread cubes and the olive oil from the pan into the tomato mixture. Mix everything until the bread starts to soak up juice.

6. Transfer to Dish

Pour the entire mixture into a 10-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Spread it out so the surface is relatively flat and even.

7. Add Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the tomatoes. This will create a salty, golden crust as it bakes.

8. Bake the Dish

Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is very golden.

9. Rest and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle before you serve it warm.

Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations

• Use high-quality olive oil because it adds a lot of flavor to the bread.
• Plum tomatoes work best because they have fewer seeds and more “meat” than other types.
• If you don’t have French bread, try using thick-cut white bread or even focaccia.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a tiny bit of heat.
• Make sure your Parmesan is freshly grated rather than from a green can for better melting.
• You can substitute the basil with fresh oregano for a more earthy, herbal profile.

Little History Behind This Comfort Food

Scalloped dishes traditionally involve layering ingredients and baking them with a crusty topping. While many people think of potatoes and scalloped tomatoes are a classic American heritage side dish.

Ina Garten refined this old-fashioned favorite by adding fresh basil and nutty Parmesan cheese. It bridges the gap between a rustic vegetable gratin and a savory bread pudding.

This recipe is a perfect example of her “Barefoot Contessa” philosophy: simple food done perfectly. It celebrates the peak of the harvest season with elegance and ease.

What to Serve With This Dish

This side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled steak. It is also a fantastic companion for a simple piece of baked fish like salmon.

If you want a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some quinoa. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through rich meats perfectly. It also works well at a brunch table next to some fluffy scrambled eggs.

Occasion or Event Ideas

• Summer Garden Parties: The bright flavors are perfect for outdoor dining in the sunshine.
• Holiday Side Dish: It provides a colorful and light alternative to heavy potato casseroles.
• Potluck Dinners: This dish travels well and stays delicious even as it cools slightly.
• Cozy Sunday Roast: It adds a burst of summer flavor to a traditional family lunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• The bread cubes will soften over time, but the flavor will remain excellent.
• To reheat, place it in the oven at 325 degrees F until it is warmed through.
• Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent the bread from becoming too rubbery.
• This dish does not freeze well because the tomatoes will lose their firm texture.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	245 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	650mg
Total Carbohydrates	28g
Sugars	9g
Protein	8g

Is This Dish Good for You?

This recipe is packed with cooked tomatoes, which are a great source of lycopene and vitamin C. Lycopene is an antioxidant that is actually more easily absorbed by the body after tomatoes are cooked.

Using fresh basil adds a boost of nutrients and a beautiful natural aroma. While it contains cheese and bread, it is a vegetable-forward dish that fits into a healthy lifestyle.

Making it at home allows you to control the salt and sugar levels perfectly. It is a satisfying way to eat more fresh produce throughout the year.

• Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Recipe
• Mary Berry Celeriac Puree Recipe

FAQs about Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes

Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the tomatoes and bread cubes separately a few hours early. However, do not combine them until you are ready to bake to keep the bread crunchy.

What if my tomatoes are not very sweet? If your tomatoes are out of season, you can add an extra teaspoon of sugar. This helps mimic the natural sweetness of summer-ripe tomatoes.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Fresh basil is much better for this specific recipe’s flavor profile. If you must use dried, use only two teaspoons and mix it into the juices well.

How do I prevent the dish from being too watery? Plum tomatoes are naturally less watery, but you can gently squeeze out some seeds before dicing. This ensures the bread stays toasty rather than soggy.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes Recipe is a wonderful way to treat your family to something special. It is a dish that looks sophisticated but is actually very easy to put together.

The contrast between the soft, juicy tomatoes and the crunchy and cheesy bread cubes is a winner. I hope this guide on how to make Ina Garten Basil Scalloped Tomatoes gives you confidence.

You will love how the fresh basil perfumes your entire kitchen while it bakes. Enjoy every savory, comforting bite of this classic dish at your next meal!