Stuffed Spinach Tomatoes
Savory stuffed tomatoes filled with a flavorful spinach and bacon mixture, baked to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut a thin slice from the top of each tomato and scoop out and discard the pulp.
- Sprinkle the inside of each tomato with salt and turn upside down to drain for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Defrost the frozen chopped spinach and drain well.
- Mix the crumbled bacon, drained spinach, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, curry powder, garlic powder, and enough melted butter to moisten.
- Stuff the tomatoes with the spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a buttered baking dish and drizzle with a small amount of melted butter.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Top with sour cream and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. If you're short on time, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the stuffing an extra kick. Ensure to drain the tomatoes thoroughly to prevent a watery filling, which can affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed tomatoes make a great appetizer or side dish for a main course. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables can complement the dish well. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Grandma Scolaro's Thanksgiving Meat Stuffing for a hearty feast.
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 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Spinach Tomatoes contains roughly 212 calories, with 9g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just wash and sauté it until wilted before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will enhance the flavor and reduce moisture, resulting in a better stuffing consistency.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from becoming too watery?
To avoid watery stuffed tomatoes, make sure to sprinkle salt inside the hollowed tomatoes and let them drain upside down for at least 30 minutes before stuffing. This helps draw out excess moisture from the tomatoes.
What can I serve with stuffed spinach tomatoes?
Stuffed spinach tomatoes are versatile and pair well with various dishes. Consider serving them with a fresh garden salad or a side of roasted potatoes. They also complement grilled meats or seafood nicely, making them a perfect side for summer barbecues.
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).