These little tomato mozzarella bakes are the sort of simple party food that disappears faster than anything else on the table. Around here, recipes like this are treasured because they make good use of a few fresh ingredients and turn them into something warm, juicy, and full of flavor with hardly any fuss at all. The melted mozzarella settles over the tomatoes like a cozy blanket, and that touch of balsamic gives them just enough tang to make folks come back for another bite.
Serve these hot from the oven as an appetizer, or set them alongside grilled chicken, burgers without the bun, or a big green salad for a light supper. They also fit nicely on a snack board with olives, sliced cucumbers, and roasted nuts, and if you are feeding a crowd, they pair especially well with other finger foods that can be picked up straight from the tray.
Low Carb 3-Ingredient Tomato Mozzarella Bakes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
24 cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or thick balsamic vinegar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray or sheet pan with tin foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the tomato halves cut side up on the prepared tray so they sit steady and close together.
3. Spoon or pinch a small mound of shredded mozzarella onto each tomato half, covering the cut surface.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tomatoes have softened without collapsing completely.
5. Drizzle the baked tomatoes lightly with balsamic glaze and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Use fresh mozzarella: If you prefer a softer, creamier finish, use very small cubes of fresh mozzarella instead of shredded cheese. Just be sure to pat it dry well so the tomatoes do not get watery.
Choose firm tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes that are firm and not overripe hold their shape best in the oven. Softer tomatoes still taste good, but they can slump and release more liquid on the pan.
Make them a little crisper: For more browned cheese, slide the tray under the broiler for 30 to 60 seconds at the end. Watch closely, because the cheese can go from golden to too dark in a hurry.
Serve for company: These are best warm, but you can halve and arrange the tomatoes ahead of time, then top and bake just before guests arrive. That way they come out bubbling and pretty, just right for setting on the table.