Summer is Here! Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes With Mozzarella

What is an heirloom tomato, you might ask?

Basically it’s a tomato that’s been passed down through several generations because of its valued characteristics. A tomato variety that has been in circulation for 50 years.

Every heirloom tomato is genetically unique. They are so beautiful. So many colors and fun patterns. Oh, and flavors!

Turn your oven on to broil. If you have an oven that says High Broil or Low Broil, put it on Low. But if you don’t, that’s okay too.

Oh, and make sure your baking rack is set to the medium level. We don’t want it up really close to the broiler element. That would not be good.

For this recipe, I selected a nice round heirloom that will make two thick slices. If you get a really large heirloom (there are many), you might be able to get three nice thick slices out of it.

Cut them into thick beef-steak type slices. Place your slices on a greased cookie sheet. Drizzle the top with olive oil. Be generous.

Now, sprinkle the top with kosher salt. Then sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. On top of the Parmesan, place a slice of fresh mozzarella.

I like to buy fresh mozzarella in little medallions. This size is perfect for topping things with. But if you can’t find the medallions (slightly larger than the size of a silver dollar) then just get fresh mozzarella and slice it.

Now you can put one of these medallions on top, or two. I like to put two on top. Just because it’s that kind of day today.

Now pop your baking sheet into the oven. Remember to have your rack set to the middle level. We don’t want to have these delicate things too close to the broiler element.

Keep an eye on them. Make sure your oven light is on and keep checking them. It should take about 6 minutes or so., depending on whether or not you have a High or Low Broil setting on your oven.

You basically want to be sure the cheese is all melty and has a couple of brown bubbles on top.

Serving suggestions:
These are wonderful as a side item paired with a nice piece of fish and some roasted asparagus.
Great placed right on top of a juicy burger.
Incredible as a pizza topping. Oh my.
Utterly wonderful as an appetizer with a glass of white wine.