Scalloped tomatoes with garlic, basil and toasted croutons

Again, there’s something comforting but light about this recipe.

This is another Ina Garten recipe from  “How easy is that?”

5 tbsp good olive oil, divided
2 cups (1/2 inch dice) diced bread from a round, rustic loaf, crusts removed
3 lbs plum tomatoes, 1/2 inch diced (14 to 16 tomatoes)
1 tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
1 heaped cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Heat 3 tbsp of the olive oil in a large (12 inch) saute pan over medium heat. Add the bread cubes and stir well to coat with the oil.
Cook over medium to medium high heat for 5 minutes, stirring often until the cubes are evenly browned.
Meanwhile, combine the tomatoes, garlic,sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Add the tomato mixture to the bread cubes and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
Off the heat, stir in the basil.
Pour the tomato mixture into a shallow (6 to 8 cup) baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the parmesan cheese and drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is browned and the tomatoes are bubble.
Serve hot or warm.