In theory, croutons should be one of the best things in life: lightly crunchy bread that adds texture, soaks up flavorful sauces (like this Caesar Dressing), and express delivers them to my taste buds in carb form. In practice, they’re far from it. Most are dry little bread rocks that scrape the roof of my mouth and are too solid to spear with a fork. This is no proper way for food to behave and recipes (like in this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad) deserve better. Croutons, I believe in your potential, and I have found it in this comforting summer tomato casserole. Forget the hockey-puck bread scraps too brittle to be stabbed with a fork (or sink to the bottom of your bowl of Instant Pot Tomato Soup). Instead, grab a loaf of hearty bakery bread, and let’s make our own! The homemade croutons in this skillet tomato casserole are:
Lightly toasted little sponges, drenched in the fresh juices of vibrant summer tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. Combined with an addictive combination of creamy white beans, spinach, fresh basil, and a smother of Parmesan cheese.Elevated from forgettable topping to the star of this one-pot meal.
How to Make Tomato Casserole
A marriage between toasty homemade croutons and fresh, heirloom tomatoes are at the heart of this tomato casserole with white beans, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
The Ingredients
Bread. The best homemade croutons are made with GOOD bread. I like to use a crusty, whole wheat sourdough loaf from a local bakery.Tomatoes. Fresh is best (save the canned tomatoes for this Crockpot Italian Chicken). Any size, color, and shape of tomato will be absolutely lovely. Go on a spree for heirlooms at the farmers market; raid your (or your neighbor’s) garden; grab the brightest jewels you can find at the grocery store.Spinach. Adds color and a healthy dose of iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folic acid to every serving.White Beans. Great Northern beans are my favorite for this dish, but cannellini beans are also a great option. Both are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Parmesan Cheese. Adds that essential cheesy factor that makes this dish cozy and comforting.Garlic and Basil. Bring fresh Italian flavors to this dish.Salt and Sugar. When working with fresh tomatoes, salt and sugar are important ingredients for drawing out their juices and balancing their natural acidity.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Keep leftover tomato casserole leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.To Reheat. For best results, warm in a preheated 350 degree F oven until the casserole is heated through and the croutons have crisped up again. You may also reheat in a microwave. To Freeze. Prepared tomato casserole may be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above.
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Fiesta ChickenHomemade Hamburger HelperChicken StroganoffOne Pan Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Gnocchi
