Baked Stuffed Tomatoes are a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh tomatoes. Popular in both American home kitchens and Mediterranean-inspired cooking, this recipe fills hollowed tomato halves with a savory bread stuffing seasoned with onions, parsley, mustard, and herbs. The mixture is sautéed lightly in butter before being baked, giving the tomatoes a soft, fork-tender texture while maintaining their bright, fresh flavor. These stuffed tomatoes make a delightful side dish for roasted meats, grilled fish, or vegetarian meals. Their combination of rustic charm and light preparation has made them a timeless choice for summer gatherings, family dinners, and comfort cooking alike.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter ( or margarine)
- ¼ cup onion (chopped )
- 2 cups bread cubes (diced )
- ½ tsp sweet basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp prepared mustard
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped )
- 4 tomatoes (medium, halved)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook onions
- In a medium skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Step 3: Make stuffing
- Stir in bread cubes, basil, salt, pepper, mustard, and parsley. Mix well.
Step 4: Fill tomatoes
- Scoop out a little pulp from the tomato halves. Fill each half generously with the bread mixture.
Step 5: Bake
- Place stuffed tomatoes in a shallow baking dish. Bake about 20 minutes, or until tomatoes are fork-tender.
Tips
- Use whole-wheat bread cubes for extra fiber and a heartier texture.
- Add minced garlic to the sautéed onion for more savory depth.
- Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or cheddar on top before baking for a cheesy version.
- Replace butter with olive oil to make it lighter and add a Mediterranean flavor.
- Add finely chopped celery or bell pepper to the stuffing for extra vegetables and crunch.
- For a crisper top, broil the tomatoes for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Make ahead as suggested on the card: prepare completely, cover, and bake just before serving.
- Swap dried basil for Italian seasoning if basil is not available.
- Serve over rice or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal.
- Use large tomatoes for entrée-size portions and adjust baking time slightly longer.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.9gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg