Zesty Tomato Cups
Zesty Tomato Cups are flavorful baked appetizers featuring a savory spinach and cheese filling, perfectly suited for entertaining or light snacks with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 3 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- several dashes hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach cooked and well drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Add cooked and well-drained chopped spinach, chopped celery, and sliced green onions to the mixture. Mix well.
- Cut tomatoes crosswise and scoop out the centers, leaving 1/4-inch thick shells.
- Using a sharp knife, make a sawtooth cut around the edges of the tomato shells.
- Spoon the spinach and egg mixture into the tomato shells.
- Sprinkle the filled shells with bread crumbs.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes in a 10 x 6 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake, covered, in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the filling. If you're out of Parmesan, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to prevent a watery mixture. You can also mix in some diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Zesty Tomato Cups as a delightful appetizer or a light lunch. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a bowl of Creamy Coconut soup. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. They can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Tomato Cups contains roughly 123 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg 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?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, you'll need about 1 pound. Sauté it in a little olive oil until wilted, then chop and drain well before adding it to the mixture. Just be sure to remove excess moisture to keep the filling from becoming soggy.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Medium-sized tomatoes like beefsteak or vine-ripened work best for stuffing since they are firm and hold their shape. Avoid overripe tomatoes as they may collapse during baking. If desired, you can also use bell peppers or zucchini as an alternative vessel for the filling.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the tomatoes just before baking. Store the filling in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply fill the tomato shells and bake as directed for a quick and delicious dish.
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).