Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread

Name: Baked Tomatoes with Crusty Bread
Total time: 1 h 6 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 cans whole tomatoes in juice; ¾ stick unsalted butter; 2 medium onions; 2 cloves garlic; ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar; 8 slices white sandwich bread

A comforting casserole of seasoned tomatoes topped with buttery toasted bread. This rustic dish combines the rich flavors of stewed tomatoes with aromatic spices and herbs, finished with a golden-brown bread topping.

8 servings

1 hr 6 min

Published October 4, 2025

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Ingredients

•3 cans whole tomatoes in juice
•¾ stick unsalted butter
•2 medium onions
•2 cloves garlic
•⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
•⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
•1 teaspoon dried thyme
•1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
•8 slices white sandwich bread

Cooking Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle. Butter a 3-quart baking dish (about 13 by 9 by 2 inches).
5 min
2.
Drain tomatoes, reserving 1 cup juice, then chop.
5 min
3.
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 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, allspice, and cloves and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
11 min
4.
Stir in tomatoes with reserved juice, thyme, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and briskly simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
20 min
5.
Meanwhile, melt remaining 1/2 stick butter and brush onto both sides of bread. Halve each slice.
5 min
6.
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.
20 min