Skip to main content

Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread

This comforting baked tomato dish is a celebration of simple pantry staples transformed into a warming, flavourful meal. By slowly simmering whole plum tomatoes with aromatic allspice, cloves, and caramelised onions, you create a rich and savoury base with a subtle hint of sweetness. It is a wonderful vegetarian option for those seeking a rustic, home-cooked dinner that feels both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

Traditionally served as a hearty lunch or a light evening meal, this bake is all about the contrast between the jammy, spiced tomato sauce and the crunchy, butter-soaked crusts on top. Use a good-quality loaf to ensure the bread holds its own against the juicy sauce. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a helping of steamed seasonal greens.

Poursuivre la lecture ci-dessous

Ingredients for Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread

  • 3 (800g) cans whole tomatoes in juice

  • 3/4 stick unsalted butter, divided

  • 2 medium onions, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1/8 teaspoons ground allspice

  • 1/8 teaspoons ground cloves

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar, or to taste

  • 8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices good-quality white sandwich bread such as a pullman loaf

How to make Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread

Preheat oven to 218°C with rack in middle. Butter a 3-quart baking dish (about 13 by 9 by 2 inches).

Drain tomatoes, reserving 240ml juice, then chop.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until foam subsides, then cook onions with 1/2 teaspoons salt, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, allspice, and cloves and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Stir in tomatoes with reserved juice, thyme, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper and briskly simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt remaining 60g butter and brush onto both sides of bread. Halve each slice.

Transfer tomato mixture to baking dish and top with bread, overlapping slightly. Bake until bubbling and bread is crisp and golden-brown, about 20 minutes.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 17 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
Vérification de l'éligibilité à la grippe

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets liés à la santé.

vérificateur de symptômes

Vous ne vous sentez pas bien ?

Évaluez gratuitement vos symptômes en ligne

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter destinée aux patients

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils santé clairs et fiables, rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez saisir une adresse e-mail valide.

En vous abonnant, vous acceptez notre politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.