Cheesy Roasted Tomato Toast
This cheesy roasted tomato toast recipe features sweet Campari tomatoes baked with garlic, olive oil, basil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan. Served over crisp bread and burrata, it’s the ultimate toast recipe for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cheesy Roasted Tomato Toast
If you’ve ever had a tomato straight off the vine in the heat of summer – still warm from the sun – you already know there’s no comparison. That juicy, sweet, vibrant flavor just can’t be found in a store-bought tomato in February. This recipe celebrates that peak tomato moment, even when summer feels far away.
This cheesy roasted tomato toast is my personal take on a deeply nostalgic flavor, turned into an easy, satisfying, and visually gorgeous dish. Campari tomatoes get roasted until jammy and golden, flavored with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then piled onto crisp toast with a swipe of burrata. Every bite is warm, creamy, and savory with just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes.
This isn’t just tomato toast – it’s a comforting little ritual. Whether you serve it for brunch, as a light lunch, or a late afternoon snack, it always hits the spot.
Growing Up with Summer Tomatoes in Ukraine
I didn’t grow up with year-round tomatoes. In Ukraine, tomatoes were a seasonal treat – something you waited for all year and then practically lived on during the summer. My family didn’t have a garden, but we had something just as magical: the street market.
Every week, we’d walk to the open-air market down the street, where rows of women sold freshly picked produce from nearby villages. Their tables overflowed with fragrant tomatoes—plump, red, slightly dusty, and still warm from the sun. You could smell them before you even reached the stall. Sometimes, we’d taste one right there on the spot – biting into it like an apple, juice dripping down our hands, faces lit up with that sweet, earthy flavor.
We didn’t do much to those tomatoes at home. A quick rinse, a sprinkle of salt, maybe a little fragrant sunflower oil – and that was it. They were already perfect. What I remember most is the simplicity: my grandmother and I sitting at the table with slices of dark rye bread, a couple of tomatoes, and not much else. It was enough. It was everything.
Now, years later and miles away, I still crave that pure tomato flavor. And while I can’t always get those Ukrainian summer tomatoes, roasting Campari tomatoes brings out that same sweetness and warmth. It’s my way of holding onto that memory and turning it into something new – something comforting, easy, and perfect for today.
This tomato toast is my grown-up version of those childhood summer bites—now warm, creamy, and packed with all the flavors I love.
What Makes This Cheesy Roasted Tomato Toast So Good?
This isn’t just “tomato on toast.” We’re talking about:
- Campari tomatoes, which are sweet, juicy, and perfect for roasting.
- Garlic slices that mellow as they roast, infusing everything with flavor.
- Olive oil that bubbles in the oven and transforms into a rich, savory drizzle.
- Red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Dried basil, which blooms beautifully in hot oil.
- Parmesan cheese, which crisps slightly on top and gives that nutty, salty edge.
- And if you’re feeling indulgent: burrata, with its creamy center, melting into the toast like a dream.
This is easy food that still feels luxurious. It’s something you can make in 20 minutes, but it tastes like you spent all afternoon on it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down:
- Campari tomatoes – Small but mighty. Super flavorful and roast beautifully. Vine or cocktail tomatoes work too.
- Garlic – Thinly sliced to avoid burning. You want golden edges, not bitterness.
- Red pepper flakes – Optional, but they add a subtle warmth.
- Dried basil – Or swap with oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Olive oil – Use the good stuff – it’s one of the main flavor components.
- Salt – Sea salt or flaky salt works best.
- Parmesan cheese – Or mozzarella, aged Gouda, or even feta.
- Burrata – Optional, but recommended. That creamy interior is magic.
- Rustic or sourdough bread – You need a sturdy slice to hold all that goodness.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Tomato Toast
1. Preheat your oven
Set it to 400°F (200°C). Use a small baking dish (not a sheet pan – you want those juices!).
2. Prep your tomatoes
Halve the Campari tomatoes and place them cut-side up in the baking dish. Nestle in the thin garlic slices.
3. Add the seasonings
Sprinkle red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and Parmesan over the tomatoes. Drizzle generously with olive oil.
4. Roast
Bake for 15 minutes. The tomatoes should be soft and golden around the edges, the garlic just beginning to brown, and the cheese bubbling.
5. Toast the bread
While the tomatoes roast, toast thick slices of bread. For extra crunch, brush with olive oil and toast in a skillet.
6. Assemble
Spoon the roasted tomatoes (and all their glorious juices) onto the toast. If using burrata, spread it on first, then top with the tomatoes and a drizzle of the tomato-infused oil from the pan.
7. Finish and serve
Top with extra salt, a little black pepper, or fresh herbs. Serve immediately. Grab a napkin – this will get deliciously messy! 😊
Customize Your Tomato Toast
The base recipe is endlessly flexible. Try these:
- Make it vegan: Skip the cheese or use plant-based versions.
- Add protein: A poached egg or a few slices of prosciutto turn it into a meal.
- Try new cheeses: Goat cheese, ricotta, feta, or shredded mozzarella all work.
- Switch the herbs: Use thyme, rosemary, or za’atar for a twist.
- Add toppings: Arugula, pickled onions, or a balsamic glaze are lovely additions.
When to Serve This Dish
Honestly? Anytime. But here are ideas:
- Weekend brunch: Pair with coffee and a soft egg.
- Quick lunch: Serve with salad or soup.
- Light dinner: Add a glass of wine and relax.
- Girls night in: Perfect on a snack board or shared platter.
Tips for the Best Roasted Tomato Toast
- Use a baking dish, not a sheet pan: The juices are the best part – don’t lose them!
- Don’t skimp on olive oil: It helps everything caramelize and makes the perfect drizzle.
- Use thick-sliced bread: You want structure beneath all that juiciness.
- Watch the garlic closely: It can go from golden to burnt fast.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! Roast the tomatoes in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, toast fresh bread, and you’ll have a fancy snack or lunch in 5 minutes flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find Campari tomatoes?
Use vine-ripened or cocktail tomatoes. Just go for ones that are sweet and juicy.
Is burrata essential?
Not at all – but it adds a dreamy, creamy finish. You can also use ricotta or goat cheese.
Can I serve this cold?
Yes! It’s lovely at room temp – perfect for a picnic or packed lunch.
What kind of bread works best?
Anything sturdy: sourdough, ciabatta, multigrain, or a hearty rustic loaf.
Final Thoughts
This tomato toast is a little nod to childhood summers, reimagined for grown-up cravings. It’s quick, comforting, and just the right mix of rustic and elegant. I love how it balances bold, savory flavors with creamy, melty textures – and it’s indulgent without being fussy.
If you’ve got 20 minutes, a handful of tomatoes, and a slice of bread – you can make this. I hope it brings warmth and nostalgia to your table, just like it does to mine.
Looking for more tomato recipes? Try these:
- Pesto Burrata Toast With Blistered Rosemary Tomatoes
- Garlic & Tomato Confit Burrata Toast
- Roasted Tomato And Labneh Toast With Garlic & Oregano
- Toast With Pesto And Tomato Confit
- Burrata With Warm Tomatoes And Prosciutto
Cheesy Roasted Tomatoes Toast with Burrata
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tomato halves cut-side up in a small baking dish.
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, and olive oil.
- Top with Parmesan or other cheese.
- Roast for 15 minutes, until tomatoes soften and cheese bubbles.
- Toast your bread while the tomatoes roast.
- Spread burrata on toast (if using), then spoon on the roasted tomatoes and pan juices. Top with fresh basil, if using.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
