Tomato Casserole

We're starting to see good tomatoes in the stores and farmer's markets, plus soon it will be time pick our own homegrown tomatoes. This Tomato Casserole is another way to use those delicious tomatoes we enjoy during the summer. Tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil and Parmesan- you can't go wrong with these ingredients!

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cups cubed French or Italian bread, cut ½” cubes
  • 6 cups tomatoes, cut ½” dice
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup julienned basil leaves
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and stir to coat with the oil. Cook over medium high heat stirring often until the cubes are evenly browned, for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl combine the tomatoes, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. When the bread cubes are done, add the tomato mixture to the sauté pan and continue to cook for 5 minutes stirring often. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the basil. Pour the tomato mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the Parmesan cheese and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is browned and the tomatoes are bubbly. Serve hot or warm. Serves eight.