Baked Spinach Tomatoes
A savory baked dish featuring hollowed tomatoes filled with a creamy spinach mixture, perfect for a light lunch or elegant dinner. Rich, flavorful, and adaptable.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the top quarter off each tomato and scoop out the insides.
- Sprinkle the insides with salt and sugar, then invert tomatoes to drain.
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach briefly, then press out excess water.
- Sauté chopped onion in butter until translucent.
- Add flour to the sautéed onion and stir until blended.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Add the cooked spinach, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Fill each tomato with the spinach mixture.
- Optionally sprinkle the tops with buttered crumbs or Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare ahead without baking for up to 24 hours.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Let stand for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the spinach mixture. If you're short on time, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted. You can also swap the butter for olive oil to make this dish dairy-free. For a heartier filling, mix in some cooked quinoa or rice.
Serving Suggestions
These baked spinach tomatoes make a wonderful appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or as a part of a vegetarian meal. Serve alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious filling. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Round Steak Supper.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tomatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to retain the tomato's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spinach Tomatoes contains roughly 403 calories, with 11g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these tomatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed tomatoes a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just follow the recipe up to filling the tomatoes, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free option. This will still provide a rich flavor to the sautéed onions and spinach mixture without compromising the dish's integrity.
Can I freeze baked spinach tomatoes?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stuffed tomatoes before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Note that the texture may slightly change.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).