Tomato Slices: Best Cheese Pairing Options

There are many types of cheese that go well with tomato slices. A classic combination is fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and basil, otherwise known as a caprese salad. Baked tomatoes with mozzarella, fresh herbs, and a balsamic glaze is another popular option. Other cheeses that can be paired with tomatoes include ricotta, parmesan, provolone, feta, and goat cheese.

Mozzarella, olive oil and basil

For a simple yet mouthwatering appetiser, try drizzling olive oil and adding basil leaves to thick slices of fresh tomato and mozzarella. You can also add a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavour of the tomatoes. If you want to make more of a meal out of it, try adding some sourdough toast or turning it into a sandwich.

For a warm option, try baking the tomatoes with mozzarella, olive oil and basil. This can be done by creating a sauce with olive oil, garlic and parsley, spreading it on tomato slices, and adding the cheese and basil before baking. This dish can be served as a side or an appetiser, and pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon or lamb burgers.

For a more substantial meal, you could also add some protein like chicken, salmon or lamb, or serve it on a bed of leafy greens with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Parmesan, olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Parmesan, Olive Oil, and Balsamic Vinegar

A classic Italian combination, the salty and nutty notes of Parmesan, the fruity and peppery notes of olive oil, and the sweet and tangy notes of balsamic vinegar all complement the flavours of tomato slices.

Preparation

For a simple dish, slice some ripe tomatoes and top them with shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This dish can be served as a refreshing summer salad or a side dish.

For a heartier meal, try baking the tomatoes with the toppings. Start by creating a sauce with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. Spread this mixture onto tomato slices, add a slice of Parmesan, and bake until the tomatoes are caramelised and juicy. Top with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for added flavour.

Variations

This combination of flavours can be enhanced with various herbs such as basil, oregano, or rosemary. For a more substantial dish, serve the tomatoes and toppings on toasted bread or an English muffin.

Ricotta and tomatoes

Grilled Tomatoes with Ricotta

This dish is a delightful summer appetizer or side dish. To prepare, grill halved or quartered tomatoes until lightly charred, then pile them on top of creamy ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve with slices of toasted baguette for a tasty treat.

Soufflé Omelet with Roasted Tomatoes and Whipped Ricotta

For a more indulgent breakfast or brunch option, try making a soufflé omelet. Whip the ricotta for extra creaminess and smoothness, and pair it with roasted tomatoes for a tasty combination.

Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta

This pasta dish is a wonderful way to enjoy the combination of ricotta and tomatoes. Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and prosciutto, then puree them with ricotta cheese until smooth. Cook your choice of pasta, melt in some butter and thyme, then add the tomato puree, gouda cheese, and pasta. Toss everything together, and top with prosciutto and fresh basil for a mouthwatering meal.

Pizza with Marinated Tomatoes and Ricotta

For a unique pizza experience, top your pizza base with marinated tomatoes and ricotta cheese. You can also add other ingredients like basil or arugula for an extra flavour boost.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the versatility of ricotta and tomatoes means you can experiment with different dishes and create your own signature recipes. Enjoy exploring the delicious world of ricotta and tomatoes!

Goat's cheese and tomatoes

One simple yet mouthwatering recipe that brings these two ingredients together is oven-roasted tomatoes and goat's cheese on sourdough toast. To make this dish, ripe plum tomatoes are halved, drizzled with olive oil, seasoned, and roasted in the oven with thyme leaves. The tomatoes are then topped with crumbled goat's cheese and baked for a few more minutes until the cheese softens and starts to brown. This combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy goat's cheese is then served on charred sourdough bread, creating a flavourful and indulgent brunch treat.

For a more substantial meal, you can create a goat's cheese-stuffed tomato dish. This recipe involves hollowing out cherry tomatoes, stuffing them with a mixture of goat's cheese, single cream, toasted pine nuts, and basil, and then topping them with small basil leaves. These bite-sized canapes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for entertaining or as a fancy appetiser.

If you're looking for a warm and comforting dish, try baking tomatoes with goat's cheese. This recipe combines sliced tomatoes with a mixture of garlic, parsley, and olive oil, topped with goat's cheese and baked until melted and golden brown. The result is a heavenly combination of flavours and textures, with the juicy, caramelised tomatoes complementing the creamy, tangy cheese.

Whether you enjoy them as a simple bruschetta, a stuffed appetiser, or a warm and comforting bake, goat's cheese and tomatoes make for a delightful pairing that's sure to impress your taste buds.

Provolone and tomatoes

To make this tasty treat, start by slicing some ripe tomatoes and arranging them on a platter. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. For the provolone cheese, buy a high-quality slab or disk about half an inch thick from a local deli or quesería. Place the cheese in a small frying pan on low heat until the bottom starts to form a crust. Be careful not to let the cheese melt completely, as you want it to retain its shape.

Once the cheese is ready, invert it over the tomato slices with the toasted side up. Garnish with more herbs if desired, and serve with fresh bread. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of hearty red wine, which perfectly complements the fattiness of the cheese.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can also turn this into a delicious sandwich. Slice a panini or French baguette lengthwise and spread pesto on both sides. Add sliced tomatoes, seasoning them with salt and pepper to taste. Place the provolone cheese on top, and you're ready to enjoy a mouthwatering tomato and provolone sandwich!

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