Creole Tomatoes
Creole Tomatoes is a flavorful dish featuring stuffed tomatoes filled with a savory mixture of eggs, bacon, onions, and herbs. Baked until golden and heated through, it offers a delightful combination of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavors, perfect as a hearty appetizer or side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, chop and set aside.
- In a skillet, leave just enough bacon grease to saute onions until transparent.
- Add to this the pulp, scooped carefully with a teaspoon, from the tomatoes, without scraping shells too thin.
- Add the mashed eggs and enough bread crumbs to make a firm mixture.
- Season with butter, salt, pepper, and parsley. If necessary, add a little canned tomato juice.
- Add bacon last and stuff the tomatoes with the mixture.
- Sprinkle the tops with buttered bread crumbs.
- Place stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake at 350°F until thoroughly heated and bread crumbs are browned.
- Do not cook long enough for tomatoes to lose their shape.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of hot sauce to the filling. If you want a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or use a plant-based bacon alternative. To save time, you can use store-bought bread crumbs or make your own from leftover bread. Make sure to choose firm tomatoes to prevent them from collapsing during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Creole Tomatoes make a delightful main dish and pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving them alongside Hoecakes for a Southern twist or a side of Creole Black-Eyed Peas And Rice for a flavorful complement. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it may cause the tomatoes to become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Tomatoes contains roughly 417 calories, with 12g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
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 the stuffed tomatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing and stuff the tomatoes a few hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, making for an even tastier dish when baked.
What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Large firm tomatoes, such as beefsteak or heirloom varieties, are ideal for stuffing. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a good balance of flavor and texture.
Can I freeze stuffed tomatoes?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the tomatoes. However, you can freeze the stuffing mixture separately and then stuff and bake the tomatoes fresh when ready to serve.
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).