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These single serving broiled tomatoes are made with one fresh tomato topped with garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, then cooked under the oven broiler until tender and golden. Ready in about 5 minutes, this quick and easy vegetable side dish pairs well with chicken, steak, or fish.
Featured Comment
“These were perfect and delicious.”
– JB
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 5 minutes under the oven broiler.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with one tomato, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
- Perfect Side Dish: A light, flavorful addition to chicken, steak, fish, or pasta.
- Low Carb & Gluten Free: A simple vegetable side that fits many eating styles.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the cheese or add breadcrumbs or balsamic glaze for a different finish.
One ripe tomato, a little garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan are all you need to make something truly delicious. After just a few minutes under the broiler, the tomato turns tender and juicy while the cheese becomes lightly golden and fragrant. I love how such a small recipe can fill the kitchen with that warm, savory aroma.
Enjoy with a baked chicken breast, well-seasoned beef tenderloin, salmon bites, or single serving risotto.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single broiled tomatoes recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tomato: Use 1 large ripe but firm tomato. It should feel heavy for its size, smell fresh and earthy, and be free from blemishes or dark spots. Avoid overly soft tomatoes, which can become watery under the broiler. Beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes work especially well because they hold their shape and become tender without turning mushy.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the tomatoes roast evenly under the broiler and enhances their natural sweetness. You can substitute avocado oil or melted butter if needed.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor and pairs perfectly with broiled tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use a small pinch of garlic powder.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs adds classic Italian flavor. If you don’t have it, mix dried basil and oregano with a pinch of thyme.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts slightly under the broiler and creates a lightly golden, savory topping.
Recipe Variations
Broiled tomatoes are easy to customize. Try one of these simple options:
- Mozzarella: Top with shredded mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a softer, fully melted topping.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of seasoned breadcrumbs over the tomatoes before broiling for added texture and a lightly crisp finish.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the tomatoes after broiling for a slightly sweet, tangy contrast.
How To Broil Tomatoes
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to broil one tomato. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Slice the tomato in half and place the halves cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Spoon or brush the garlic oil evenly over the cut surface of each tomato half.
- Sprinkle grated or shredded Parmesan evenly over the tops.
- Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until the tomatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Expert Tips
- Use a Metal Baking Sheet: Do not use glass or ceramic under the broiler. High heat can cause them to crack. Use a rimmed metal baking sheet instead.
- Position the Rack Properly: Place the baking sheet 4 to 6 inches below the broiler element for even browning.
- Watch Closely: Broiling is fast. Stay near the oven and check at the 3 minute mark to prevent burning.
- Toaster Oven Option: A toaster oven with a broil setting works well. Broil just until the cheese melts and lightly browns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can leave off the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Choose firm tomatoes and avoid overripe ones. Broiling at high heat for a short time helps keep them tender without becoming soggy.
Broil for about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely, as broilers cook quickly and can brown the cheese fast.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried these broiled tomatoes or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Broiled Tomatoes For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe tomato
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1-ounce)
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to HIGH (500°F). Position the oven rack 6 inches below the heating element.
- Slice the tomato in half and place the halves cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Spoon the garlic oil evenly over the cut sides of the tomato halves.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until the tomatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Notes
- Use a Metal Baking Sheet: Do not use glass or ceramic under the broiler. High heat can cause them to crack. Use a rimmed metal baking sheet instead.
- Position the Rack Properly: Place the baking sheet 4 to 6 inches below the broiler element for even browning.
- Watch Closely: Broiling is fast. Stay near the oven and check at the 3 minute mark to prevent burning.
- Toaster Oven Option: A toaster oven with a broil setting works well. Broil just until the cheese melts and lightly browns.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
What is broiling?Ivy
Hi Ivy, “Broiling” is a term used in North America that means to cook something directly under a very high heat source. It is direct, hot heat on the top of what you are cooking. In the UK, it is often called “grilling”.
These were perfect and delicious. They are a great side dish with a quiche.
Thank you! I’m so happy you are enjoying our recipes.
Delicious!!!! I had some cherry tomatoes left over from a salad so I cut them in half and made this recipe. Really enjoyed it and super fast. I like cheese so next time I may use thin slices of cheese instead of grating it.
I haven’t made these in quite awhile. Thank you for re posting for a reminder. I have some grape tomatoes that I need to use up before they get too soft- yuck. These are also great with some crumbled crispy bacon on top or on some lightly toasted bread with a little mayo.