Tomato Cups
Bright and savory tomato cups filled with a spinach, egg, and cheese mixture, perfect for brunch or light appetizers, appealing to vegetable lovers and those seeking flavorful bites.
Ingredients
- 3 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sliced green onions ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a bowl.
- Add cooked and drained spinach, chopped celery, and sliced green onions; mix well.
- Cut tomatoes in half crosswise and scoop out the centers, leaving ¼ inch thick shells.
- Spoon the spinach mixture into the tomato shells.
- Sprinkle with additional bread crumbs on top.
- Place in a greased 10 x 6 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake, covered, at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped bell peppers or using different cheese varieties like feta or mozzarella. If you're short on time, pre-made bread crumbs are a quick substitute. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid a watery filling. This recipe is a great way to use leftover vegetables too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tomato cups warm as a delightful appetizer or a light lunch option. They pair beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to complement the flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables or as part of a vegetarian spread featuring dishes like Quick And Easy Spinach Balls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tomato cups in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tomatoes soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Cups contains roughly 114 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% 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?
Absolutely! You can use fresh spinach; just sauté it until wilted, then chop and drain it well before adding it to the mixture. This will give a fresher taste to the dish.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative. Both will still provide a nice cheesy taste to the filling.
Can these tomato cups be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the tomatoes a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a convenient option for entertaining or meal prep.
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).