Imagine biting into a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy – that's exactly what these Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Mozzarella Basil will do! These bite-sized delights are not just an appetizer; they're a culinary experience that will wow your guests and elevate your entertaining game. Perfectly balanced between creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this recipe is so simple yet so sophisticated that you'll want to make it again and again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 24 cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice off the top of each cherry tomato to create a small opening.
- Gently scoop out the seeds and inner flesh of the tomatoes using a small spoon or melon baller, creating a hollow cavity. Be careful not to puncture the tomato walls.
- Dice the fresh mozzarella into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size.
- Finely chop the fresh basil leaves, ensuring they are evenly cut to release their aromatic oils.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Using a small spoon, carefully fill each hollowed cherry tomato with the mozzarella-basil mixture, pressing gently to ensure a compact fill.
- Arrange the stuffed cherry tomatoes on a serving platter, ensuring they are positioned upright.
- Optional: Drizzle additional olive oil and sprinkle fresh ground black pepper over the stuffed tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately at room temperature as an appetizer or light antipasto.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best presentation and flavor.
- Use a sharp, small paring knife and a gentle touch when hollowing out the tomatoes to maintain their structural integrity.
- Pat the tomatoes completely dry after washing to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
- Dice the mozzarella into uniform, small cubes to ensure even distribution and easy filling.
- For the most intense flavor, use fresh, high-quality basil and extra virgin olive oil.
- Prepare the stuffed tomatoes just before serving to keep the texture crisp and prevent sogginess.
- If preparing in advance, store the hollowed tomatoes and filling separately and assemble just before serving.
- Experiment with adding a tiny bit of minced garlic or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
