3-Ingredient Baked Tomatoes: The best recipe for your summer tomatoes

I’m growing my own tomatoes (er, tomato) for the first time this year. Just one plant in a pot by my back door. I can’t wait to see if it actually produces any fruit! Have you ever had a warm sun-ripened tomato right off the vine? There’s nothing quite like a fresh summer tomato—the heady, sweet smell, the intoxicating, succulent flavor, and of course the acidic juices to beat the heat.

And tomatoes don’t just taste great; they’re also really good for you. They’re a terrific source of vitamin C, with a touch of vitamin A, potassium and fiber thrown in for good measure. On top of all that goodness, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may be beneficial against cancer and heart disease and may keep your skin smooth and even protect it from sunburn.

Related:
19 Foods That Are Great for Your Skin
Tomato-Corn Pie & More Lycopene-Rich Recipes to Protect Your Skin from Sunburn

So what’s the best way to enjoy a sun-ripened summer tomato? Some may say fresh off the vine or in a simple salad. But there are other fantastic ways to let tomatoes shine beyond salad. Try this mouthwatering recipe for Baked Parmesan Tomatoes for a new way to enjoy one of summer’s best foods!

More Amazing Summer Recipes:
23 Luscious Summer Tomato Recipes
Summer Dinners Packed with Produce
Simple Summer Fruit Desserts

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
Active time: 5 minutes | Total: 20 minutes

A sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil transform tomatoes into the perfect side dish. Or try sandwiching them between slices of your favorite whole-wheat country bread.

4 tomatoes, halved horizontally
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet. Top with Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil. Bake until the tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 91 calories; 6 g fat (2 g sat, 4 g mono); 4 mg cholesterol; 6 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 375 mg sodium; 363 mg potassium.

What's your favorite way to enjoy fresh summer tomatoes?

Penelope is a web producer and writer for social & interactive media at EatingWell.com. When she's not busy geeking out at the computer, she loves cooking and trying new recipes on her friends. Some of her favorite foods are dark chocolate, coffee, apples, sweet potatoes and cheese.

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