Grilled Mozzarella & Herb Stuffed Tomatoes
Delightfully vibrant and flavorful, these Grilled Mozzarella & Herb Stuffed Tomatoes make for a perfect summer appetizer or side dish. Ideal for outdoor gatherings, these bright bites can be served warm right off the grill or enjoyed cold at picnics the next day. Using fresh, seasonal tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, each bite bursts with taste, complemented by a light breadcrumb and herb stuffing. Plus, for minimal cleanup, grill them on a disposable aluminum pan, making disassembly a breeze! Bring a taste of summer to your table with this irresistible dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large tomatoes
8 (halved and insides scooped out)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (cubed)
Soft breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (preferably homemade or panko)
Dry basil
2 tablespoons
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to a medium heat. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
2
Carefully slice 8 large tomatoes in half horizontally, or if using plum tomatoes, cut 16 of them in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, creating a shell about 1/2 inch thick. Set the tomato shells aside.
3
Chop the scooped-out tomato pulp and reserve it for later.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the soft breadcrumbs, melted butter, dry basil, fresh ground pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well until combined.
5
Fold in the cubed fresh mozzarella cheese and the reserved tomato pulp, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
6
Generously fill each tomato half with the mozzarella and breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to pack it in.
7
Lightly spray the bottom of the disposable aluminum pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in the pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
8
Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during cooking.
9
If grilling, place the pan on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. For oven-baking, place the covered pan in the oven for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
10
Remove from the grill or oven, uncover, and serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Mozzarella & Herb Stuffed Tomatoes?
They are a vibrant summer appetizer or side dish featuring fresh tomatoes stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, melted butter, herbs, and cubed fresh mozzarella cheese.
How many large tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 large tomatoes, which should be halved horizontally.
Can I use plum tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?
Yes, you can use 16 plum tomatoes cut in half as an alternative to the 8 large tomatoes.
How thick should the tomato shells be after scooping?
You should aim to create a tomato shell that is approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What should I do with the scooped-out tomato pulp?
The tomato pulp should be chopped and reserved to be mixed back into the stuffing mixture.
What kind of mozzarella is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 16 ounces of cubed fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture.
What herbs are used in the stuffing?
The stuffing uses 2 tablespoons of dry basil and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb mixture?
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs with melted butter, dry basil, ground pepper, and chopped parsley.
When do I add the mozzarella to the stuffing?
The cubed mozzarella and reserved tomato pulp should be folded into the breadcrumb mixture after the dry ingredients and butter are combined.
How do I ensure the tomatoes don't stick to the pan?
Lightly spray the bottom of your disposable aluminum pan with cooking spray before arranging the stuffed tomatoes.
Why is a disposable aluminum pan suggested?
A disposable aluminum pan makes cleanup much easier and is perfect for grilling outdoors.
What is the grill temperature setting for this recipe?
You should preheat your grill to a medium heat.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook on the grill?
Grill the tomatoes for about 10-12 minutes until they are tender and the cheese has melted.
What is the oven temperature if I choose to bake them?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you prefer baking over grilling.
How long should the tomatoes bake in the oven?
Bake them covered for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Should I cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, the pan should be covered loosely with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the cooking process.
What is the purpose of broiling the tomatoes at the end?
Broiling helps to ensure the cheese becomes browned and bubbly for a perfect finish.
Can these tomatoes be served cold?
Yes, while they are delicious warm, they can also be enjoyed cold, making them great for picnics the next day.
What is a recommended garnish for this dish?
You can garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley sprigs before serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it consists of vegetables, cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs are an excellent alternative to homemade soft breadcrumbs for this recipe.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 7 main ingredients: tomatoes, butter, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, dry basil, pepper, and fresh parsley.
How should I pack the stuffing into the tomatoes?
Generously fill each tomato half and press slightly to pack the mixture in so it stays secure during cooking.
Can I prepare these for a picnic?
Absolutely, these are described as ideal bright bites for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Is there any specific seasoning for the breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumbs are seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper and 2 tablespoons of dry basil.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Should I salt the tomatoes?
The recipe doesn't specifically call for extra salt, as the mozzarella and butter often provide enough sodium, but you can adjust to taste.
How do I know when the tomatoes are done on the grill?
The tomatoes are ready when they feel tender to the touch and the mozzarella cheese is fully melted.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dry?
While the recipe calls for dry basil in the stuffing, you can substitute with fresh basil, though you may need to increase the amount for the same flavor intensity.
What makes this a good summer dish?
It uses fresh seasonal tomatoes and is designed for outdoor grilling, making it light and perfect for warm weather.