Oven baked fresh tomatoes with caramelized onions and fresh herbs

3-4 medium tomatoes sliced into 1/2″ rings

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1 medium onion sliced into rings

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

small bunch fresh herbs – basil, parsley, rosemary, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese

1/4 to 1/2 cup cubed fresh mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350F.  Place the tomato slices on a baking sheet covered with paper towels.  Sprinkle with salt and let stand for about 15 minutes to “sweat” out excess moisture.

Meanwhile in a fry pan, melt the butter and add the olive oil.  Add the onions and sauté on medium heat until glossy and softened.  Sprinkle the sugar over the onions evenly and continue to sauté until golden in color.  Add the vinegar and cook until moisture is absorbed.  In a 9″ round baking dish sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly.  Layer the tomato slices as shown.

Spread the onions over the tomatoes.

Sprinkle over the chopped herbs, then the parmesan and mozzarella cheese.  Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.  Remove and serve.

Can also be served at room temperature with crusty baguette slices!