Stuffed Tomatoes With Basil
A flavorful and cheesy stuffed tomato dish with fresh basil, perfect as an appetizer or light main, showcasing vibrant flavors and textures for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Halve the tomatoes and spoon their pulp into a bowl.
- Place the tomato halves, cut side down, on paper towels to dry.
- In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, mozzarella, basil, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each tomato half with the mixture.
- Arrange stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes into the stuffing mixture. If you don't have Mozzarella, any mild cheese like provolone or feta can work well. To avoid soggy tomatoes, ensure they are well dried before stuffing. You can also substitute bread crumbs with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed tomatoes are wonderful served as a light main dish or as a side. Pair them with a simple green salad dressed with No Fat Salad Dressing for a refreshing contrast. They also complement pasta dishes beautifully or can be enjoyed alongside Rosemary-Garlic Roasted Potatoes for a hearty meal.
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. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power for a few minutes, but they may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Tomatoes With Basil contains roughly 306 calories, with 11g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2087mg per serving (91% 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 stuffed tomatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed tomatoes a few hours in advance. Just assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, making them even tastier when baked.
What type of tomatoes are best for stuffing?
Medium to large ripe tomatoes, like beefsteak or heirloom varieties, work best for stuffing as they have a sturdy structure and ample space for filling. Ensure they are firm yet ripe for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I freeze stuffed tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked stuffed tomatoes. Just assemble them, place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are heated through.
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).