Tomato and Cheese Gratin Recipe

Tomato and Cheese Gratin Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 4 large tomatoes, sliced
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a cheese of your choice)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
– Fresh basil leaves (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prepare the Tomatoes:** Slice the tomatoes into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick. If your tomatoes are very juicy, you might want to lightly salt them and let them drain on paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.

3. **Make the Topping (optional):** In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and olive oil. Mix well until the bread crumbs are coated with the oil. This will create a crispy topping for the gratin.

4. **Assemble the Gratin:**
– Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
– Arrange a layer of tomato slices in the bottom of the dish. Season with salt and pepper.
– Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes.
– Add another layer of tomatoes, seasoning again with salt and pepper.
– Continue layering until all the tomato slices are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
– If using, sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the final cheese layer.

5. **Bake:** Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

6. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips:

– You can add a layer of sautéed onions or zucchini between the tomato layers for added flavor and texture.
– For a richer flavor, try mixing different cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or Gruyère.
– This dish pairs well with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats or fish.

Enjoy your Tomato and Cheese Gratin! Let me know if you need any other recipes or have specific preferences.