Cast Iron Baked Cheese with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
So recently I posted a picture on my Instagram account of a Cast Iron Baked Cheese with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil. You. Guys... You went nuts!! And I’m not gonna say I wasn’t excited, but I wasn’t prepared for the amount of requests for the recipe!
Instagram has been a great place for me to be in the kitchen saying “Hey I think the Creme peeps will love this pic!” But never before have you guys messaged me and requested the recipe to this extent! So. Here it goes.... and let me just say as most of you know, I look in my fridge and pantry to pull things together that not only will look pretty, but will taste A-Mazing!!🙌🏼🙌🏼 I don’t write much done so here goes by memory.
Enjoy— and keep cooking in your kitchen. Love and cheers,
xoxo,
Paula
Cast Iron Baked Cheese with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
Ingredients:
2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp. Olive oil
1 tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. Black pepper
8 oz. Mozzarella, shredded
8 oz. Cream cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan
1 tbsp. Butter
1 tbsp. Olive oil
2 cloves Garlic, grated
8 oz. Mozzarella pearls
Fresh basil
Fresh oregano
Olive oil
Balsamic glaze
French bread toast points
Set oven to 375F. Marinade the tomatoes in a small bowl with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside and stir occasionally. In another bowl, combine the mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan. Set aside. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the garlic and sautee until fragrant. Add the cheese mixture and combine. Turn the heat down to0 low. Once combined and melted, add the mozzarella pearls on top. Follow with your marinated tomatoes, then transfer to your oven. Bake until melted and gooey and golden brown on top— amazing! Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil and oregano leaves. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and balsamic glaze (I use Colavita) on top and serve rustic style with some toasted French bread toast points. Don’t serve with anything else. You won’t need to. You will be too full from this awesomeness. Enjoy!