Skip to main content

Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread

This comforting baked tomato dish is a celebration of simple pantry staples transformed into a warming, flavourful meal. By slowly simmering whole plum tomatoes with aromatic allspice, cloves, and caramelised onions, you create a rich and savoury base with a subtle hint of sweetness. It is a wonderful vegetarian option for those seeking a rustic, home-cooked dinner that feels both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

Traditionally served as a hearty lunch or a light evening meal, this bake is all about the contrast between the jammy, spiced tomato sauce and the crunchy, butter-soaked crusts on top. Use a good-quality loaf to ensure the bread holds its own against the juicy sauce. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a helping of steamed seasonal greens.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread

  • 3 (800g) cans whole tomatoes in juice

  • 3/4 stick unsalted butter, divided

  • 2 medium onions, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1/8 teaspoons ground allspice

  • 1/8 teaspoons ground cloves

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar, or to taste

  • 8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices good-quality white sandwich bread such as a pullman loaf

How to make Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread

Preheat oven to 218°C with rack in middle. Butter a 3-quart baking dish (about 13 by 9 by 2 inches).

Drain tomatoes, reserving 240ml juice, then chop.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until foam subsides, then cook onions with 1/2 teaspoons salt, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, allspice, and cloves and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Stir in tomatoes with reserved juice, thyme, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper and briskly simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt remaining 60g butter and brush onto both sides of bread. Halve each slice.

Transfer tomato mixture to baking dish and top with bread, overlapping slightly. Bake until bubbling and bread is crisp and golden-brown, about 20 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.