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Experience the transformation of the humble tomato with our single serve Broiled Tomato recipe. With just olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, you can transform a juicy tomato into a dish that’s warm, filled with garlic flavor, and slightly crispy on the edges. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for anyone from busy parents to college students or simply anyone who appreciates delicious food.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Minimal Ingredients: You only need five simple ingredients.
  • Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just a few minutes under the broiler.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a main or a side dish.
  • Healthy: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
  • Customizable: Easily switch up the seasonings or cheese for a new flavor profile.

Ingredients

a tomato, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and italian seasoning on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen.

How To Pick The Best Tomato For Broiling

  • Skip the Flaws: Avoid choosing tomatoes with blemishes or dark spots, as these can negatively impact both the texture and flavor.
  • Weight Matters: Go for tomatoes that feel substantial when held, indicating that they’re likely juicy and flavorful.
  • Follow Your Nose: Opt for tomatoes with a noticeable, earthy aroma. A stronger scent often means the tomato will be more flavorful.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this broiled tomatoes recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

  • Tomato: Choose a ripe yet firm tomato to ensure the best texture and flavor. Beefsteak or heirloom varieties are excellent choices.
  • Olive Oil: This liquid gold is crucial for enhancing the tomato and herbs, creating a flavorful dish. Avocado oil or even melted butter can be used as a substitute.
  • Garlic: Nothing beats the zing of fresh garlic. If fresh isn’t available, a small dash of garlic powder can be used as a last-minute alternative.
  • Italian Seasoning: Missing Italian seasoning in your pantry? No worries. Whip up your own blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
  • Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a complex, nutty layer to the dish. If Parmesan isn’t in your fridge, other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar can be used instead.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is extremely flexible, and here are a few variations you might enjoy:

  • Vegan: Swap out the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Spicy: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Herbed: Experiment with different herbs such as fresh basil, parsley or dill for a new flavor profile.
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How To Broil Tomatoes

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to broil a tomato. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Cut the tomato into two halves and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Evenly spoon or brush the garlic-oil mixture over each tomato half.
  4. Generously top each tomato half with either shredded or grated Parmesan cheese.
one tomato sliced in half and topped with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
  1. Broil the tomatoes for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they are fully heated and the cheese turns a light golden brown.
two broiled tomatoes topped with melted cheese on a baking sheet.

Expert Tips

  • Avoid Glass Bakeware: Steer clear of glass or ceramic dishes for broiling, as they can shatter due to high heat.
  • Choose the Right Tomato: Opt for tomatoes that are ripe but firm. If you encounter an especially large tomato, consider slicing it into thirds instead of halves.
  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will offer more flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the tomatoes while they are under the broiler to prevent them from burning.
  • Toaster Oven Option: If you don’t have a conventional oven, a toaster oven with a broil setting can be used effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eating Tomatoes Good For Your Health?

Absolutely, tomatoes are packed with health-boosting antioxidants like lycopene, which has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Plus, they offer a hearty serving of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

Can This Dish Be Prepared Ahead Of Time?

Sure thing! You can whip up this broiled tomatoes recipe in advance. After following the cooking steps, let the tomatoes cool off entirely before storing them in the fridge. When you’re ready for a tasty treat, reheat them in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until thoroughly warm.

Is This Recipe Scalable For Multiple Servings?

Absolutely, it’s a breeze to scale this recipe up for multiple people. All you need to do is double or triple the amounts of each ingredient, and you’re set.

two broiled tomatoes in a white oval baking dish next to a fork and fresh basil.

Serving Suggestions

Broiled tomatoes can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Pasta: These broiled tomatoes pair excellently with spaghetti or a creamy fettuccine.
  • Baked Meats: Serve alongside baked chicken or steak for a balanced meal.
  • Salads: Add broiled tomatoes to a fresh salad for a warm, hearty element.

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.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Broiled Tomatoes For One

5 from 3 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Broiled tomatoes are a wonderful way to enjoy fresh tomatoes. Topped with garlic and Parmesan cheese, they're incredibly delicious and can be ready in minutes!

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 large ripe tomato
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1-ounce)

Instructions 

  • Preheat your broiler on HIGH (500°F/260°C). Position an oven rack 6-inches below the heating element.
  • Cut the tomato into two halves and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
  • Spoon the garlic mixture over each of the tomato halves.
  • Top with Parmesan cheese.
  • Broil for 3-4 minutes, until heated through and cheese is lightly browned.

Notes

  • Avoid Glass Bakeware: Steer clear of glass or ceramic dishes for broiling, as they can shatter due to high heat.
  • Choose the Right Tomato: Opt for tomatoes that are ripe but firm. If you encounter an especially large tomato, consider slicing it into thirds instead of halves.
  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will offer more flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the tomatoes while they are under the broiler to prevent them from burning.
  • Toaster Oven Option: If you don’t have a conventional oven, a toaster oven with a broil setting can be used effectively.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 191kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 459mg, Potassium: 485mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1805IU, Vitamin C: 26mg, Calcium: 393mg, Iron: 1mg

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.

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6 Comments

    1. 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”.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.