Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

Featured in: Dinner Winners

This tomato bake combines ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella layered with red onion, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan, it bakes until bubbly and golden in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, it offers a quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that pairs well with crusty bread or pasta. Optional additions like olives or roasted peppers can enhance depth. This comforting bake is vegetarian, nut-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:52:00 GMT
Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with bubbling mozzarella, golden Parmesan, ready to serve with fresh basil. Save
Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with bubbling mozzarella, golden Parmesan, ready to serve with fresh basil. | tastybattle.com

A vibrant, cheesy tomato bake that comes together quickly without feta—perfect for weeknight dinners or as a hearty side.

This recipe has become my go-to when I crave something comforting and speedy to make after work.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 700 g (1.5 lbs) ripe tomatoes sliced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Cheese: 125 g (4.5 oz) fresh mozzarella torn or sliced, 40 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Herbs & Seasoning: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F)
Step 2:
Lightly oil a medium baking dish Arrange half the tomato slices in a single layer
Step 3:
Sprinkle half the red onion and half the minced garlic over the tomatoes Season lightly with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil
Step 4:
Layer half the mozzarella over the vegetables
Step 5:
Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings, and mozzarella
Step 6:
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top
Step 7:
Bake for 20 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender
Step 8:
Let cool slightly Top with fresh basil before serving
Enjoy a comforting Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake: juicy tomatoes baked until tender, cheese melted and bubbly. Save
Enjoy a comforting Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake: juicy tomatoes baked until tender, cheese melted and bubbly. | tastybattle.com

My family loves gathering around this dish especially when served with crusty bread or pasta for a full meal

Required Tools

Medium baking dish, chefs knife, cutting board, grater

Allergen Information

Contains milk (dairy) Vegetarian, nut-free, gluten-free Always check cheese labels for rennet if strict vegetarian

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210 Total Fat: 13 g Carbohydrates: 11 g Protein: 11 g per serving

Warm and golden Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, a flavorful, cheesy vegetarian side dish with herbs. Save
Warm and golden Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, a flavorful, cheesy vegetarian side dish with herbs. | tastybattle.com

This tomato bake is a quick flavorful addition to any dinner and perfect for sharing with loved ones

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?

Yes, you can swap mozzarella with ricotta or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor while keeping it feta-free.

What herbs work best in this bake?

Dried oregano and basil bring Mediterranean fragrance, but fresh basil garnish adds a bright finish after baking.

How can I add more flavor layers?

Incorporate sliced olives or roasted red peppers between the layers to deepen the taste and add variety.

Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight meal?

Absolutely, the bake requires only 10 minutes prep and about 25 minutes cooking, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can assemble the bake and refrigerate it before cooking; just add fresh basil after baking for best flavor.

Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

A vibrant tomato and mozzarella bake with herbs, ready in under 35 minutes for a flavorful meal or side.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mediterranean-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 1.5 lbs ripe tomatoes, sliced
02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

01 4.5 oz fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced
02 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Seasoning

01 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh basil leaves

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Phase 02

Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a medium baking dish with oil.

Phase 03

Layer First Half of Vegetables: Arrange half of the tomato slices in a single layer in the dish. Evenly sprinkle half of the red onion and minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.

Phase 04

Add First Cheese Layer: Distribute half of the fresh mozzarella slices over the vegetable layer.

Phase 05

Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining tomatoes, red onion, garlic, seasonings, and mozzarella.

Phase 06

Finish with Oil and Parmesan: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly.

Phase 07

Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly and tomatoes are tender.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves and serving.

Necessary tools

  • Medium baking dish
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (dairy).

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 11 g