Anabelle Mclean Ina Garten’s Tomato Gratin is a simple yet stunning dish that combines the bright, juicy flavors of ripe tomatoes with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s an elegant side dish that works perfectly for casual dinners or as part of a holiday feast. Packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this gratin is as flavorful as it is easy to make.
What is Ina Garten Tomato Gratin?
Tomato Gratin is a baked dish featuring layers of fresh tomatoes, herbed breadcrumbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The gratin is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a dish that’s bursting with fresh, summery flavors while maintaining a satisfying crunch on top.
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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Tomato Gratin
- Celebrates Fresh Ingredients: A fantastic way to showcase ripe tomatoes.
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in under an hour with minimal effort.
- Elegant Presentation: Perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Versatile Side Dish: Complements a variety of main courses.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Tomato Gratin
- Ripe tomatoes – 2 pounds, sliced ¼-inch thick
- Fresh breadcrumbs – 1 ½ cups (use crusty bread for the best texture)
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Fresh thyme – 1 tsp, chopped
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tomato Gratin
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a shallow baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them in rows or a circular pattern. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Breadcrumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and olive oil. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly moist.
- Assemble the Gratin: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tomatoes, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the tomatoes are bubbling underneath.
- Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and allow the gratin to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Tomato Gratin
- Grilled Meats or Fish: Complements grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Pasta Dishes: A flavorful side for creamy or tomato-based pasta.
- Fresh Green Salads: Balances the richness of the gratin with light, crisp greens.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pairs beautifully with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Tomato Gratin
- Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes: The dish relies on the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh tomatoes.
- Make Fresh Breadcrumbs: Use day-old crusty bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake Until Golden: Ensure the topping is crisp and golden for the perfect texture.
- Let It Rest: Resting the dish for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Tomato Gratin
- Add Mozzarella: Layer fresh mozzarella slices between the tomatoes for a Caprese-inspired gratin.
- Include Veggies: Add thin slices of zucchini or eggplant for extra layers.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
- Herb Swap: Use basil or oregano in place of thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Vegan: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil exclusively.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Tomato Gratin
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.
- Avoid Freezing: The tomatoes may become watery when thawed.
Nutrition Value
- Calories: ~180 per serving
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: ~25% of the daily value
- Calcium: ~10% of the daily value
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Tomato Gratin is a simple yet sophisticated dish that highlights the natural beauty of fresh tomatoes. With its crispy topping and juicy interior, this gratin is a delicious way to elevate any meal.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Ina’s effortless elegance!
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PrintIna Garten Tomato Gratin Recipe
Tomato Gratin is a baked dish featuring layers of fresh tomatoes, herbed breadcrumbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The gratin is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a dish that’s bursting with fresh, summery flavors while maintaining a satisfying crunch on top.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes – 2 pounds, sliced ¼-inch thick
- Fresh breadcrumbs – 1 ½ cups (use crusty bread for the best texture)
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Fresh thyme – 1 tsp, chopped
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a shallow baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them in rows or a circular pattern. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Make the Breadcrumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and olive oil. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly moist.
- Assemble the Gratin: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the tomatoes, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the tomatoes are bubbling underneath.
- Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and allow the gratin to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.
