Cheesy Baked Tomato Casserole
Our cheesy baked tomato casserole is a delicious southern casserole that combines the sweetness of summer tomatoes with spicy pickled okra. Made with a creamy and cheesy sauce and caramelized onions.
If you could say I am southern by bringing a dish to a function, this cheesy baked tomato casserole would do the trick!
Most southerners have some very distinct dishes we love in the summer and most involve tomatoes! Like our TOMATO PIE and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, this will become a classic in your home too.
Ingredients
If you have a ton of tomatoes in the summer, this casserole is a great way to use them up. Perfect for any gathering or a food gift, we use simple, whole ingredients to cook up this delicious casserole of comfort.
- Fresh Tomatoes – you can use normal tomatoes or either Roma tomatoes here.
- Avocado oil – this high heat tolerant oil works well to caramelize our onions without adding any flavor.
- Onion – we suggest a white or yellow variety or red if you prefer a little more heat.
- Pepper – black cracked pepper to add a bit of spice.
- Pickled okra – we like using the spicy kind to make it a bit spicy.
- Panko bread crumbs – to help hold things together as well as add a crispy texture.
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt – this healthy fat will add protein and a lighter creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise – we use just a small amount to add the tangy flavor without being too greasy.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – to add body and cheesiness to the cream mixture.
- Parmesan Cheese – see above and also to add a bit of salt without over salting.
- Fresh basil – tomato and basil, the perfect flavor combo.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This cheesy tomato casserole recipe is a hearty casserole that works either as a main dish or an easy side dish that accompanies most anything well. We use fresh, whole ingredients to bring you the next best thing to tomato pie!
Chop onion and tomatoes to about the same size. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brown onions until caramelized over medium heat in avocado oil.
Rough chop spicy pickled okra about the same size as tomatoes and add to large bowl with tomatoes and mix.
In a medium bowl, mix unsweetened greek yogurt with mayonnaise.
Add cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese to yogurt mixture and mix well.
Chop fresh basil.
Add to yogurt mixture and mix well.
Prepare casserole dish with a light spray of cooking spray.
Fold tomatoes and okra into the yogurt mixture to combine.
Spread half of the tomato mixture over the breadcrumbs in a single layer.
Add caramelized onions in a single layer on top.
Spoon mixture that is remaining on top. Top with the other cup of bread crumbs.
Bake 45 to 55 minutes until bread crumbs are golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
This comforting casserole will quickly become a new family favorite. Fresh ingredients make all of the difference here. Even if you don’t grow your own tomatoes, Roma tomatoes can be found at most produce sections any time of year and are perfect for this recipe.
Why Brooke loves this recipe!
Recipes are like antiques. They are meant to be handed down from one generation to another. Each one holding a special memory or nostalgic memory. Here is why we love this one!
There is no box or can product that can replace the goodness of fresh ingredients. Some people shy away from cooking fresh tomatoes and we love that this recipe shows how easy and absolutely delicious it can be!
Substitutions
While we think it is perfect on its own here are a few things you can add to or replace to make it even more delicious.
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- Spinach – adding some chopped fresh spinach adds more vegetables to it and gives it even more flavor.
- Italian seasoning – in place of the fresh basil, an Italian blend will add even more depth of flavor to this recipe.
- Zucchini – you can add to the tomatoes and make this a zucchini tomato casserole as well. A great way to use what we all end up with in our gardens!
- Bread cubes – need to use up some day old bread? Instead of panko crumbs, use cubed bread for an added texture.
- Okra – feel free to substitute bell pepper in place of okra.
- Onions – if you are not a fan of onions, you can saute and use cabbage, leeks or celery as a substitute.
Equipment
🔧 I love to share recipes that are no special equipment required but here are a few things that would definitely make this recipe easier!
Storage
Once cooled to room temperature, this can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This recipe freezes well for up to a month.
🍴 PRO TIP!
I love recipes that can be prepped in advance. This one can be done ahead of time and assembled right before cooking. Cooking the onions and making the yogurt mixture can be done ahead.
Cheesy Baked Tomato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado. oil
- 1 onion sliced
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 6 cups tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled okra chopped
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs divided
- 1 cup unsweetened greek yogurt
- 2 TBSPS mayonnaise
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil. Add onions and pepper. Cook until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.1 tbsp avocado. oil, 1 onion, 1/4 tsp pepper
- In a medium bowl, mix greek yogurt, mayo and both cheeses. Add chopped fresh basil and mix well.1 cup unsweetened greek yogurt, 2 TBSPS mayonnaise, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh basil
- Combine chopped tomatoes and okra with yogurt mixture. Fold in to mix well. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread one cup of panko on the bottom of the dish.6 cups tomatoes, 1/4 cup pickled okra, 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Layer half of the tomato mixture in one layer on top of the bread crumbs. Top with cooked onions and layer the remaining tomato mixture on top. Top with remaining cup of panko in an even layer.2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
See How To Make It!
🗹 RECIPE FAQ’S
You certainly can. Mozzarella would be a no brainer here as well as even a small amount of cream cheese to make that creamy texture even creamier.
Most southern tomato type pies or casseroles are heavy on the mayo. While mayo is a healthy fat it can tend to be greasy. We supplement a lot of traditional mayo dishes with the combo of the yogurt and smaller amount of mayo to get the same flavor result with less greasiness.
You can but fresh tomatoes are best. If you do use canned, make sure to read the ingredients list to make sure you aren’t getting anything but tomatoes and water.
🍽️ SERVING SUGGESTIONS. What goes great with this recipe? Let me tell you!
These are my favorite dishes to serve with cheesy baked tomato casserole:
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Reader Review
“I loved the freezer tips and made a double batch so we could enjoy some next week. This easy delicious recipe is a keeper.”
– Karen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a delicious recipe. Keeping it light on the mayo by using Greek yogurt is a fantastic idea. Any good southerner loves a tomato pie or casserole. I would encourage any northern friends to give it a try.
Thank you so much!