10+ Large Tomato Recipes to Savor This Season
Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether you enjoy them fresh, cooked, or in sauces, you can create flavorful meals that highlight their juicy goodness. You’ll find plenty of tasty recipes that showcase their rich flavor and vibrant texture.
In this article, you’ll discover various recipes that make the most of large tomatoes. From hearty salads to comforting sauces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the beauty of tomatoes and get ready to delight your taste buds with these simple yet satisfying ideas.
1) Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese
Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese is a delicious and simple salad. It features ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This dish is perfect as a side or light lunch.
Start by choosing large, juicy tomatoes. Slice them thickly and layer with fresh mozzarella slices. Add whole basil leaves for extra flavor. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty finish.
Feel free to sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper to taste. The combination of flavors is refreshing and vibrant. Enjoy this salad chilled for the best experience.
Ingredients
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into thick pieces.
- Layer the tomato slices and mozzarella on a serving plate.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
2) Classic Tomato Sauce for Pasta
Making a classic tomato sauce for pasta is easy and rewarding. You’ll start with simple ingredients that create a flavorful dish.
First, heat some olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
Next, stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs like basil and oregano for extra flavor.
Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and oregano (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add herbs if desired, then serve over pasta.
3) Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
Homemade tomato basil soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. Using fresh tomatoes and basil, this soup bursts with flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a warm starter.
To start, you’ll need some ripe tomatoes. Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness. Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and taste.
This soup can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You can blend it for a smooth texture or keep it chunky if you prefer more texture.
Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss tomatoes, onion, and garlic in olive oil. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a pot. Add broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in fresh basil and blend until smooth.
- Add heavy cream if desired, and season with salt and pepper.
4) Oven-Roasted Tomato Bruschetta
Oven-roasted tomato bruschetta is a delicious and easy appetizer. You’ll love the burst of flavors from the roasted tomatoes paired with crunchy bread.
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
Cut your large tomatoes into wedges and place them on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, add salt, and pepper. Bake for about 30 minutes until they are soft and starting to caramelize.
Toast slices of your favorite bread until golden. Top the bread with the roasted tomatoes. You can add fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- Large tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Bread (your choice)
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut large tomatoes into wedges.
- Place tomatoes on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 30 minutes.
- Toast slices of bread until golden.
- Top toasted bread with roasted tomatoes and optional toppings.
5) Savory Tomato Tart with Cheese
A savory tomato tart with cheese is a delicious way to showcase juicy tomatoes. You can use puff pastry for a flaky crust that perfectly pairs with the filling.
Start by layering tomatoes and your choice of cheese. Cheddar or Gruyère work great in this dish. Add some herbs for extra flavor.
Bake it until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. This tart makes a lovely appetizer or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
- 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- Fresh herbs (like basil or thyme)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and place it in a tart pan.
- Spread mayonnaise on the pastry.
- Layer the tomato slices and cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
6) Garden Tomato Pie
Garden Tomato Pie is a delicious way to enjoy fresh tomatoes. This savory dish combines layers of tomatoes with cheese and herbs, all baked in a flaky crust. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a tasty side dish.
You’ll need ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Slicing them and layering them with a mix of cheese gives you that creamy goodness. The addition of fresh basil or herbs enhances the taste.
Your kitchen will smell amazing as the pie bakes until golden brown. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust
- 5–7 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- ½ cup onion, diced
- Fresh basil or herbs, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pie crust in a pie dish.
- Layer the sliced tomatoes and onions in the crust.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cheese, and herbs.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
7) Tomato and Herb Frittata
A Tomato and Herb Frittata is a delicious way to enjoy fresh tomatoes. This dish is light, fluffy, and packed with flavor from herbs. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
To make this frittata, you will need ripe tomatoes and your choice of fresh herbs. The combination of eggs and these ingredients creates a tasty meal that is easy to prepare.
You can enhance the flavor by adding cheese like goat cheese or feta.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or chives)
- Cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped herbs.
- Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet.
- Cook on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes until edges set.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
8) Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice and Herbs
Stuffed tomatoes are a delicious way to enjoy large tomatoes. You can fill them with a mixture of rice and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect as a side or a light main course.
Start by preparing the tomatoes by cutting off the tops and scooping out the insides.
Mix cooked rice with garlic, parsley, basil, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill each tomato with the rice mixture. Place them in a baking dish and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are tender.
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 6 basil leaves, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the insides.
- Mix cooked rice, garlic, parsley, and basil in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each tomato with the rice mixture.
- Place stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.
9) Tomato Gazpacho
Tomato gazpacho is a refreshing chilled soup perfect for warm days. It’s simple to make and brings out the bright flavors of tomatoes. You can enjoy it as a light meal or appetizer.
To make it, blend ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions until smooth.
Season with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and a dash of pepper to enhance the taste.
Chill it for a couple of hours before serving for the best flavor.
Serve your gazpacho with fresh herbs or diced vegetables on top for a nice finishing touch. It’s a great way to use those large tomatoes you have!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved and cored
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cored
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion in a blender.
- Add olive oil and vinegar.
- Blend until smooth.
- Then, season with salt and pepper.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
10) Shakshuka with Poached Eggs in Tomato Sauce
Shakshuka is a delicious and hearty dish that features poached eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
To make shakshuka, you’ll need fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and simple spices. This dish is not only tasty but also a great way to use large tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and bell pepper. Cook until they become soft.
- Stir in garlic, paprika, and cumin for another minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Make wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into each well.
- Cover and cook until the eggs are set, about 5-8 minutes.
- Garnish with herbs, if desired. Then serve warm.