Ina Garten’s Tomato Gratin Recipe: Fancy Comfort in Every Bite

When summer’s bounty bursts with ripe tomatoes, Ina Garten’s tomato gratin emerges as the ultimate celebration of seasonal flavors.

Fresh herbs dance alongside juicy tomato slices, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that sings with simplicity.

The golden, crispy topping adds a delightful crunch that makes this dish irresistible.

Layers of rich, melted cheese meld perfectly with the sweet tomatoes, promising a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and robust Mediterranean-inspired taste.

This gratin brings elegance to your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Let’s dive into a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Tomato Gratin

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes with vibrant color and no soft spots for the best flavor and texture.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring a bright, aromatic touch that complements the tomatoes perfectly.

• Bread, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, golden topping that adds rich, savory crunch to the gratin.
• Garlic: Infuses the breadcrumb mixture with a deep, aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps bind the breadcrumb mixture and adds a smooth, rich Mediterranean essence to the gratin.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasoning agents that intensify the natural flavors of tomatoes and enhance overall taste profile.

Kitchen Tools to Make Ina Garten’s Tomato Gratin

• Food Processor: Essential for quickly creating coarse breadcrumbs and mixing ingredients.
• Baking Dish: 2-quart narrow dish for layering and baking tomatoes.
• Baking Sheet: Used to toast breadcrumbs in the oven.
• Chef's Knife: For slicing tomatoes evenly.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for slicing tomatoes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing breadcrumb mixture.

How to Prepare Ina Garten’s Tomato Gratin Step by Step

• Sunny Kitchen Prep

Create a warm, inviting cooking space with a preheated oven at 450 degrees. Grab a cozy baking dish ready for delicious transformation.

• Crispy Breadcrumb Magic

Pulse bread in the food processor into rustic crumbs. Mix in sharp cheese, aromatic garlic, and smooth olive oil. Spread these golden treasures on a baking sheet and toast until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

• Tomato Layer Celebration

Arrange fresh tomato slices in your prepared dish. Sprinkle fragrant basil, a whisper of pepper, and a touch of salt between each vibrant layer. First, let the tomatoes roast for a short while, then crown them with the crunchy breadcrumbs. Return to the oven for a final dance of flavors. Serve immediately while the dish is still singing with warmth and excitement.

Flavor Twists for Your Ina Garten Tomato Gratin

• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to create a unique taste profile that complements the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
• Replace Parmesan with gruyère, pecorino, or aged cheddar to add depth and personalize the dish's richness while maintaining the crispy breadcrumb texture.
• Mix in zucchini, eggplant, or bell pepper slices alongside tomatoes for a colorful, nutritious twist that adds interesting layers and helps use up garden produce.
• Toast breadcrumbs longer for extra crunchiness, or add a dash of smoked paprika during toasting to introduce a subtle smoky undertone that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare the tomato layers and breadcrumb mixture separately up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to save time and enhance flavor melding.

Ways to Serve Up Ina Garten’s Tomato Gratin

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or additional fresh basil on top to add a bright, vibrant color and enhance the herbal notes of the dish.
• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or a simple roasted pork tenderloin to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Wine Companion: Match the tomato gratin with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's rich, tangy flavors.
• Side Dish Delight: Present as a stunning side dish for summer barbecues, dinner parties, or casual family meals, showcasing the beautiful roasted tomatoes and crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Storage Advice for Leftover Ina Garten Tomato Gratin

• Maximize Freshness
• Store leftover tomato gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish tastes best when enjoyed within 24 hours of baking.
• Reheat Smartly
• Warm individual portions in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to maintain the crispy breadcrumb texture. Microwave heating can make the topping soggy, so avoid this method.
• Prepare Ahead
• Slice tomatoes and toast breadcrumbs up to 4 hours before baking. Keep breadcrumbs at room temperature and refrigerate sliced tomatoes until ready to assemble the dish.
• Freeze with Caution
• Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as tomatoes become watery and breadcrumbs lose their crunch when thawed. Fresh preparation ensures the best flavor and texture.

Rustic Ina Garten Tomato Gratin Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Summer’s bounty shines in Ina Garten’s tomato gratin, combining ripe garden tomatoes with herbs and crisp breadcrumbs. Creamy cheese and golden-brown topping make this Mediterranean-inspired dish irresistible for hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 slices whole-grain bread
• 4 medium tomatoes
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) pecorino romano or parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) fresh basil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and generously coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Breadcrumb Creation: Pulse bread chunks in a food processor until coarse, then incorporate grated cheese, minced garlic, and olive oil to form a unified, fragrant mixture.
3. Crumb Toasting: Spread breadcrumb mixture on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 4-6 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden, crisp texture without burning.
4. Tomato Layering: Arrange tomato slices in an elegant, overlapping pattern within the prepared baking dish, creating a visually appealing base.
5. Seasoning: Liberally sprinkle chopped basil, ground black pepper, and kosher salt across the tomato surface, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
6. Initial Roasting: Bake tomatoes for 10 minutes to intensify their natural sweetness and release concentrated juices.
7. Breadcrumb Topping: Remove dish from oven and generously scatter the toasted breadcrumb mixture across the tomato layer, creating a crisp, golden crown.
8. Final Baking: Return to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until breadcrumbs transform into a deep golden color and tomatoes reach perfect tenderness.
9. Serving: Present immediately while piping hot, allowing the contrast between crisp breadcrumbs and succulent roasted tomatoes to delight the palate.

Notes

• Select Peak Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes at the height of summer for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Toast Breadcrumbs Carefully: Watch breadcrumbs closely during toasting to prevent burning, which can create bitter taste.
• Layer Tomatoes Strategically: Overlap tomato slices in a single, even layer to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Enjoy the gratin right after baking to maintain the crispy breadcrumb topping and capture the intense tomato flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 5mg