Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

Featured in: Cheesy Comfort Bites

This vibrant tomato bake combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan into a layered dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Garlic, oregano, and basil add fragrant depth, while a drizzle of olive oil enhances richness. Ready in just over half an hour, it bakes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil for a bright, satisfying dish that’s perfect for quick meals or sides. Variations include adding olives or swapping cheeses to suit preferences.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with bubbling mozzarella, ready for a delicious serving. Save
Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake with bubbling mozzarella, ready for a delicious serving. | williesnack.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 need something fast yet comforting for dinner.

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

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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 2025 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes are tender.
Step 8:
Let cool slightly. Top with fresh basil before serving.
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Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
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Product image
Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
Check price on Amazon
Golden, baked Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake featuring a medley of juicy tomatoes and melted cheese. Save
Golden, baked Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake featuring a medley of juicy tomatoes and melted cheese. | williesnack.com

This is a favorite at family gatherings where everyone appreciates a simple but flavorful dish.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a handful of sliced olives or roasted red peppers between the layers. Swap mozzarella for ricotta or goat cheese if desired still feta-free. Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.

Required Tools

Medium baking dish, chefs knife, cutting board, grater

Allergen Information

Always check cheese labels for rennet if strict vegetarian.

Fresh basil garnishes a vibrant Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, a flavorful Mediterranean side dish. Save
Fresh basil garnishes a vibrant Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake, a flavorful Mediterranean side dish. | williesnack.com
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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.
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This tomato bake is perfect for a quick wholesome meal any day of the week.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes, ricotta or goat cheese are excellent alternatives that maintain the rich texture without feta.

How do I know when the bake is done?

Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the tomatoes have softened, usually about 20–25 minutes.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the bake in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving to retain freshness and texture.

Are there recommended side dishes to serve?

This tomato bake pairs well with crusty bread or cooked pasta for a complete meal.

What herbs enhance the flavors best?

Dried oregano and basil complement the tomatoes and cheese perfectly, with fresh basil for garnish.

Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

Fast, cheesy tomato bake with fresh mozzarella and herbs, ideal for speedy dinners or a flavorful side dish.

Prep time
10 min
Time to cook
25 min
Total duration
35 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Total yield 4 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly, No gluten

What You'll Need

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

01 Fresh basil leaves, optional

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly oil a medium baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 03

Arrange First Layer: Place half of the tomato slices in a single layer in the baking dish.

Step 04

Add Onion and Garlic: Evenly sprinkle half of the sliced red onion and minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.

Step 05

Add Cheese Layer: Distribute half of the torn mozzarella evenly over the vegetables.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Top and Drizzle: Drizzle the entire dish with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Garnish and Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tools you'll need

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk (dairy).

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 11 g