Filled Tomatoes
Hearty tomato boats stuffed with buttery bread and aromatics, perfect for a comforting lunch or light dinner. Bright tomato, savory bread, and fresh herbs mingle in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the pulp, leaving a hollow shell.
- In a bowl, mix diced bread, melted butter, chopped onion, celery seed, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill each tomato shell with the bread mixture, pressing gently.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the bread topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley. If you don't have bread, cooked quinoa or rice can be a great substitute. To enhance the dish, a dash of balsamic vinegar can elevate the taste as well. Always taste the filling before stuffing to adjust seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these filled tomatoes warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish. They pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a light pasta dish like Penne With Ricotta And Spinach Sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Filled Tomatoes contains roughly 515 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% 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 use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While large tomatoes are ideal for stuffing, you can also use medium-sized ones or heirloom varieties for a unique presentation. Just adjust the baking time if the tomatoes are smaller, checking for doneness sooner.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based bread. You can also omit any cheese if included in your filling mix, ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
What can I do with the tomato pulp I scooped out?
Don't throw away the tomato pulp! You can blend it into a sauce, add it to soups, or mix it into a salad for extra flavor. It can also be used as a base for a homemade marinara sauce, enhancing your Italian recipes.
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).