Tomato Gratin

If you’ve been shying away from gratins because they tend to be heavy, you need to try our Tomato Gratin. First, sweet, plump tomato slices are layered with herby fresh basil, salt and pepper. After baking and becoming almost melty, the tomatoes are topped with nutty whole-grain breadcrumbs seasoned with briny cheese that become toasty and crisp, providing an extra layer of texture to this dish. Read on to discover tips and tricks, like what to substitute some of the ingredients with to make this dish your own.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

• Use a rimmed baking sheet for toasting the bread. For easy cleanup and keeping baking sheets in tip-top shape, always line them with foil before each use.
• You can double this recipe, but it’s best to use two smaller baking dishes rather than combining the ingredients into a large one. This ensures the middle of the gratin gets cooked while the edges don’t burn.
• You can make this recipe ahead—it’s excellent on the second day. Just heat before serving. For the best flavor and texture, we wouldn’t store it for longer than two days. 

Nutrition Notes

• Regardless of the type, tomatoes offer a wealth of nutrition. We love them for their fiber and antioxidants. Did you know they’re also loaded with vitamins A and C? All this goodness helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer—and even your skin may benefit. And cooking tomatoes can make the antioxidants in them more available for your body to use.
• Whole-grain bread has a fiber advantage over refined white bread since it’s made by grinding down the entire kernel of grain. Bread made from refined flour comes from grain that was stripped of its outer coverings, and therefore most of its nutrients, since vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber live in the outer layers of the kernel.
• If you’re looking for a small vegetable with big health benefits, garlic is where it’s at. This veggie that is used more like a seasoning has been linked to a stronger immune system and healthier blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. And of course, you can’t get that distinctive garlic flavor anywhere else!