Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb bocconcini cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the bocconcini cheese to the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the tomato and cheese mixture.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
8. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
- Bocconcini cheese can be substituted with fresh mozzarella.
Variations:
- Add sliced garlic to the tomato mixture for extra flavor.
- Top with chopped fresh parsley or oregano instead of basil.
- Add sliced black olives to the tomato mixture for a salty kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil halfway through baking.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the tomato and cheese mixture.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a green salad for a light meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh cheese and tomatoes and store leftovers properly to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Bocconcini cheese is a type of fresh mozzarella that originated in Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- The dish has a creamy, cheesy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and a fresh, herbaceous flavor from the basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or as a light meal.
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Region: Italian