Imagine transforming ordinary ripe tomatoes into a flavor-packed delicacy that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Our Oven Dried Tomatoes with Fresh Mozzarella recipe is not just a dish, it's a gourmet experience that elevates simple ingredients into a stunning Italian-inspired masterpiece. With just a few easy steps, you'll create a show-stopping appetizer that looks like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen, but can be crafted right in your own home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ripe tomatoes
- 250g fresh mozzarella
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F), which is a low temperature essential for slow drying tomatoes while preserving their flavor.
- Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry completely with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
- Slice tomatoes into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring consistent thickness for even drying. Remove any tough stem areas.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange tomato slices in a single layer without overlapping, ensuring maximum air circulation during the drying process.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over tomato slices, then sprinkle sea salt to enhance natural tomato sweetness.
- Place baking sheet in preheated oven and dry tomatoes for approximately 2 hours, checking periodically to prevent burning.
- Tomatoes are done when they've shrunk, become slightly leathery, and edges are slightly crisp but not completely dehydrated.
- Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange dried tomato slices alternately with mozzarella on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with additional olive oil if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best results - Roma or San Marzano varieties work exceptionally well.
- Use a low, consistent oven temperature to ensure even drying without burning.
- Pat tomatoes completely dry to speed up the drying process and concentrate flavors.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each tomato slice space to breathe.
- Check tomatoes periodically during cooking to prevent over-drying.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme before baking.
- Store any leftover dried tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
