Tomatoes Provencal is the very definition of rustic French comfort—ripe, juicy tomatoes brimming with a fragrant, golden breadcrumb topping, just waiting to steal the spotlight on your dinner table. If you’ve ever wanted to capture a bit of the sunny South of France in your own kitchen, this irresistible dish will have you hooked at first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Summery Flavor: Every bite combines sweet, tangy tomato with a crunchy herb-infused topping that tastes like a Provençal garden in bloom.
- Ridiculously Simple: Nine basic ingredients, minimal prep, and a forgiving process—seriously, anyone can make this!
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a side, starter, or light main—Tomatoes Provencal fits beautifully into all kinds of meals and menu themes.
- Elevates Humble Ingredients: A clever way to make even basic tomatoes shine, while using up bits of leftover bread and herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is a celebration of simplicity—every ingredient is there for a reason! From ripe tomatoes providing juicy depth to the herby, crunchy topping, you’ll see how each little detail plays a part in making Tomatoes Provencal such a star on the table.
- 4 large tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and structure—they hold the topping beautifully while baking.
- 2 garlic cloves: Finely chopped for that Provencal punch of aromatic, earthy flavor.
- 1 small shallot: Adds a gentle, sweet bite that plays perfectly with garlic and herbs.
- 1 ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs: Homemade breadcrumbs make all the difference—texture galore and serious comfort!
- ¼ cup chopped parsley: Brings bright color and vibrant, fresh flavor (feel free to swap in other tender herbs for a twist).
- ½ teaspoon herbes de provence: This classic French herb blend supplies the signature floral, savory taste.
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and deeply savory—just a touch makes everything extra delicious.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to balance all those flavors and wake up the tomatoes.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Offers a gentle edge that brightens the topping.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Binds everything together and ensures a crisp, golden topping.
Variations
One of the best things about Tomatoes Provencal is how beautifully you can make it your own. Just a quick tweak here or a clever swap there, and you’ll have a version that’s perfectly tailored to your kitchen and cravings!
- Go Vegan: Omit the parmesan or substitute with your favorite plant-based cheese to keep things wonderfully dairy-free.
- Herb Adventure: Try swapping in chives, thyme, or even a bit of rosemary for parsley, or combine a few herbs for extra depth.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free bread for the breadcrumbs—deliciously crisp, with all the right flavors.
- Panko Power: Love super crunchy toppings? Use panko breadcrumbs instead of homemade for extra crunch (or mix the two!).
How to Make Tomatoes Provencal
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Core each tomato and slice it in half horizontally. Now, here’s a little trick: stand over the sink and gently use your fingers to scoop out the seeds—this makes room for all that scrumptious filling and keeps the tomatoes from getting watery. Trim off any overly pointy ends so the halves sit flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle a touch of salt and pepper over the cut sides to season from the very start.
Step 2: Make the Savory Topping
Finely chop the garlic cloves and shallot for the best distribution through your breadcrumb mixture. In a roomy bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, garlic, shallot, parsley, herbes de provence, parmesan, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss until everything looks evenly coated and the breadcrumbs glisten with oil and are fully infused with those Mediterranean aromas.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Take each tomato half and scoop a generous mound of filling right into the hollowed-out center (don’t be shy—the more, the merrier!). Gently press down to help the crumbs stay put. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is gloriously golden but the tomatoes still hold their shape. Your kitchen will smell like a French summer holiday!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Let the Tomatoes Provencal cool for just a few minutes before serving. The topping will firm up as it sits, but the contrast of warm, juicy tomato with crisp-topped breadcrumbs is absolutely irresistible served straight from the oven.
Pro Tips for Making Tomatoes Provencal
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Firm, ripe tomatoes (but not overripe) hold up best in the oven and soak up the flavors perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Breadcrumb Upgrade: For unbeatable flavor and texture, make fresh breadcrumbs from day-old bread—baguette or sourdough are especially dreamy here.
- Don’t Skip the Drain: Removing seeds, and a bit of tomato juice, keeps your topping crisp instead of soggy—worth the extra minute, promise!
- Bake Just Until Golden: Keep a close eye in the last few minutes—the difference between “just right” and “too dry” is quick, and that lush tomato texture is the magic of Tomatoes Provencal.
How to Serve Tomatoes Provencal
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a fresh grate of parmesan, or even a few flecks of lemon zest can take your Tomatoes Provencal from “ooh, pretty” to “absolutely stunning.” If you’re feeling playful, add a drizzle of top-quality olive oil or a scatter of chive blossoms as a finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or your favorite pasta for the ultimate French-inspired meal. They’re also divine with a simply dressed green salad and a big hunk of crusty bread to soak up those tomatoey, herby juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual Tomatoes Provencal on a beautiful platter, or nestle them atop a bed of greens for an elegant starter. For a rustic picnic or potluck, arrange them in a baking dish straight from the oven and let everyone help themselves—the aroma alone guarantees smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tomatoes Provencal can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep in mind that the topping will soften as it chills, but the flavors only get deeper and more savory as they rest.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this is one dish that just doesn’t love the freezer—the tomatoes can collapse, and the beautiful crisp crumb gets soggy. It’s truly worth making and enjoying fresh or within a day or two.
Reheating
Rescue that lovely crunch by reheating Tomatoes Provencal in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 8–10 minutes, until the topping is toasty again. The microwave will make the crumb a little soft, so the oven is your best friend here.
FAQs
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What are herbes de provence, and can I make my own?
Herbes de provence is a classic blend of dried herbs from the South of France, often including thyme, rosemary, oregano, savory, marjoram, and sometimes lavender. If you don’t have the blend, just use a mix of the herbs you have on hand—homemade tastes totally authentic and works beautifully in Tomatoes Provencal.
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Can I prepare Tomatoes Provencal in advance for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the tomatoes (up to the breadcrumb topping stage) a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Pop them in the oven right before serving for that craveable fresh-baked crunch guests adore.
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What’s the best bread for making homemade breadcrumbs?
Slightly stale baguette, rustic sourdough, or any hearty country loaf makes great breadcrumbs for Tomatoes Provencal. The texture adds so much character compared to store-bought, and it’s a brilliant way to use up leftover bread.
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Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free bread for the fresh breadcrumbs, and check that any cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The flavor and texture will still shine.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll invite Tomatoes Provencal into your kitchen and let them work their Provençal magic on your next meal. They’re sunshine on a plate and are sure to win over family, friends, and every tomato lover in your life. Give it a try and enjoy every golden, juicy, herb-perfumed bite!
Print
Tomatoes Provencal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tomatoes Provencal is a delightful French dish featuring ripe tomatoes filled with a savory mixture of fresh breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection. This recipe combines the essence of Provence with the juicy sweetness of tomatoes for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Tomatoes:
- 4 large tomatoes
Breadcrumb Mixture:
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 small shallot
- 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon herbes de provence
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare tomatoes: Core the tomatoes and slice them in half horizontally. Remove the seeds and place the halves on a baking sheet, skin-side down.
- Season tomatoes: Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper.
- Prepare breadcrumb mixture: Combine garlic, shallot, breadcrumbs, parsley, herbes de provence, parmesan, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Fill tomatoes: Fill each tomato half with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- To make fresh breadcrumbs, use slightly stale bread for better texture.
- Herb substitutions can include thyme, chives, or rosemary.
- For a vegan version, omit or substitute the Parmesan cheese.
- Best served fresh; leftovers can be refrigerated for a couple of days but may lose crunchiness.
- Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tomato half
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
