How do I know when the tofu is done before adding cheese?

After 20 minutes of baking, the tofu edges should look dry, golden, and slightly curled. The surface will feel firm to the touch but still tender inside.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the tofu slabs and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese and broil just before serving for best results.

My cheese burned under the broiler—what went wrong?

The broiler heats quickly; place the sheet on the middle rack and watch constantly. If your broiler is very strong, reduce time to 1-2 minutes.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, but double the quantity (2 tsp each of fresh oregano and basil, finely chopped) and add them to the marinade just before coating to avoid wilting.

What can I serve with this baked tofu?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa or crusty bread to soak up the herby pan juices.

Home / Recipes / american / Herb and Cheese Baked Tofu

americanEasygluten freenut freelow carbhigh protein

Herb and Cheese Baked Tofu

RATING

4.4/5(63)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Firm tofu slabs marinated in a bright, herby dressing, then baked until hot and topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. The edges turn satisfyingly crisp while the inside stays tender. A simple, protein-packed main dish that tastes comforting and fresh, ready in under 40 minutes.

PREP

15m

COOK

25m

SERVES

100 G

265 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep · ~10 min
Press and slice the tofu.
1.Drain the tofu block and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
2.Place a flat plate or small baking sheet on top and weigh it down with a few cans.
3.Press for 10 minutes to extract as much water as possible.
4.Unwrap, pat dry, and slice into 8 even slabs about 1/2 inch thick.
TIPThe dryer the tofu, the crispier it gets. A full 10-minute press makes all the difference.
prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and make the herb marinade.
1.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
3.In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
prep · ~5 min
Coat the tofu slabs.
1.Arrange the tofu slabs on the lined baking sheet in a single layer.
2.Spoon the herb mixture evenly over the top of each slab.
3.Use the back of the spoon to spread it gently so each piece is fully coated.
4.Flip each slab and repeat on the second side. Let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
bake · ~20 min
Bake the tofu until golden at the edges.
1.Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven on the middle rack.
2.Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each slab with a thin spatula.
3.Continue baking for another 5 minutes until the edges look dry and golden.
TIPFlip gently—the tofu will still be a little soft at this stage but will firm up as it bakes.
bake · ~3 min
Top with cheese and finish baking.
1.Remove the baking sheet from the oven and switch the oven to broil on high.
2.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the tofu slabs.
3.Follow with the grated parmesan over the top.
4.Return the sheet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and spotted golden brown.
TIPKeep the oven light on and don't walk away—broilers can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
garnish
Garnish and serve warm.
Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the cheesy tofu and serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and soft.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pressing the tofu for a full 10 minutes removes excess water, ensuring the edges turn crisp in the oven.
2
Let the coated tofu rest for 5 minutes before baking so the herb marinade sinks in for more flavor.
3
Use a thin, flexible spatula to flip the tofu slabs after the first bake—they're still tender and can break easily.
4
Broil the cheese-topped tofu on the middle rack, not too close to the element, to avoid burning before the cheese fully melts.
5
Serve immediately after broiling; the cheese crust stays bubbly and soft, and the tofu loses its crispness as it cools.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

vegan

Vegan

Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with a vegan mozzarella shred and nutritional yeast (2 tbsp) mixed with a pinch of garlic powder for a dairy-free, plant-based version.

spicy herb