Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This vibrant tomato bake blends layers of ripe tomato slices, red onion, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese with aromatic oregano and basil. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, it bakes into a golden, bubbling dish in just 25 minutes—perfect for weeknight meals or as a hearty side. The feta-free preparation makes it versatile, easily swapped with goat or ricotta cheese. Serve warm, topped with fresh basil for a simple yet flavorful Mediterranean-inspired delight.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:44:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake topped with fresh basil, ready to serve with crusty bread. Pin it
Golden, bubbling Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake topped with fresh basil, ready to serve with crusty bread. | fungeniusrecipe.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 a favorite at my house because it's so easy and versatile to make.

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
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| fungeniusrecipe.com

My family loves gathering around this dish and sharing stories while enjoying the comforting meal.

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

Nutritional Information

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

Oven-baked Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake showcasing melted mozzarella with tender, roasted tomatoes and herbs. Pin it
Oven-baked Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake showcasing melted mozzarella with tender, roasted tomatoes and herbs. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This tomato bake is perfect for a quick wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute mozzarella with other cheeses?

Yes, soft cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese work well as alternatives, maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavor.

What herbs enhance the tomato bake’s flavor?

Dried oregano and basil complement the tomatoes and cheese, adding classic Mediterranean aromas and depth.

How can I add extra flavor layers?

Incorporate sliced olives or roasted red peppers between layers for additional savory notes and texture.

What side dishes pair well with this bake?

Crusty bread or cooked pasta make excellent companions, soaking up the flavorful juices of the bake.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets?

Yes, it contains dairy but no nuts or gluten, fitting vegetarian and gluten-free dietary preferences.

Speedy Feta-Free Tomato Bake

A quick, cheesy bake layering ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and savory herbs for a flavorful vegetarian dish.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Complete time
35 minutes
Created by Fungeniusrecipe Chloe Anderson

Recipe category Smart Weeknight Meals

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mediterranean-Inspired

Portions 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Meatless, Free from gluten

What You 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 (optional)

01 Fresh basil leaves

How to Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.

Step 02

Prepare Baking Dish and Layer Tomatoes: Lightly grease a medium baking dish. Arrange half of the tomato slices in a single layer evenly across the dish.

Step 03

Add Onions, Garlic, and Seasonings: Scatter half of the sliced red onion and minced garlic over the tomatoes. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.

Step 04

Layer Cheese: Distribute half of the torn or sliced mozzarella over the layered vegetables.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Olive Oil and Parmesan: Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Finish and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Don’t forget to check each item for allergens. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Vegetarian, nut-free, gluten-free.
  • Check cheese labels for rennet if adhering to strict vegetarian diet.

Nutrition (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. Always consult an expert for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Fat content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Protein content: 11 g