Herb-Stuffed Roasted Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Drizzle
Elevate your palate with these herb-stuffed roasted tomatoes filled with creamy goat cheese, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. This dish is a delightful harmony of flavors that perfectly balances the sweetness of the slow-roasted tomatoes with the tangy, rich taste of goat cheese. A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a bright finish, making these tomatoes an irresistible appetizer or a stunning side dish for any meal. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, they are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium tomatoes
12 (tops cut off and cores/seds removed)
fresh goat cheese
1 2/3 lbs (softened)
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
basil
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (divided)
balsamic vinegar
1-2 tablespoons (good quality, for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Carefully slice off the top 1/2 inch of each tomato and set the tops aside. Use a spoon to scoop out the cores and seeds, creating space for the filling. To help the tomatoes stand upright, cut a very thin slice off the bottom of each one.
3
Arrange the hollowed tomatoes in a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish, ensuring they are secure.
4
In a mixing bowl, blend together the fresh goat cheese, lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, finely chopped basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
5
Generously spoon the goat cheese mixture into each tomato, mounding it slightly above the rim. Cover each stuffed tomato with the reserved tops to keep in the flavors.
6
Drizzle the assembled tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, ensuring an even coating.
7
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for about 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and showing brown spots, and the cheese is heated through.
8
Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the tomatoes stand for about 15 minutes. Before serving, drizzle a small amount of the good-quality balsamic vinegar over each tomato for an extra touch of flavor.
9
Serve these delicious stuffed tomatoes warm or allow them to come to room temperature for a lovely presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Herb-Stuffed Roasted Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Drizzle.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
How many tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 medium tomatoes.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for stuffing?
Slice off the top 1/2 inch, scoop out the cores and seeds, and cut a very thin slice off the bottom so they stand upright.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
What are the ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of softened goat cheese, a lightly beaten egg, minced garlic, finely chopped basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much goat cheese is required?
You will need 1 2/3 lbs of softened fresh goat cheese.
Why is an egg included in the goat cheese mixture?
The lightly beaten egg helps bind the cheese mixture together so it holds its shape during roasting.
How many garlic cloves are used in the stuffing?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much fresh basil should I chop?
Use 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil.
What is the suggested amount of salt and pepper?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, or to taste.
How should I fill the tomatoes?
Generously spoon the mixture into each tomato, mounding it slightly above the rim, then cover with the reserved tops.
How much olive oil should be drizzled over the tomatoes before roasting?
Drizzle the assembled tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long do the tomatoes need to roast?
Roast the tomatoes for about 35 minutes.
How can I tell when the roasted tomatoes are finished?
They are done when the tomatoes are tender and showing brown spots, and the cheese is heated through.
Should I serve the tomatoes immediately after roasting?
No, let the tomatoes stand for about 15 minutes after removing them from the oven.
When do I add the balsamic vinegar?
Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over each tomato just before serving.
What kind of balsamic vinegar is recommended?
The recipe recommends using a good-quality balsamic vinegar.
Can these tomatoes be served at room temperature?
Yes, they can be served warm or allowed to come to room temperature.
Is this dish considered an appetizer or a side dish?
It can be served as both an irresistible appetizer or a stunning side dish.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
It is a harmony of sweet slow-roasted tomatoes, tangy goat cheese, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs with a bright balsamic finish.
How much total extra virgin olive oil is listed in the ingredients?
The ingredients list 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, divided.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed for the drizzle?
Use 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, vegetable dish, appetizer, side dish, herbs, balsamic, oven-roasted, and healthy recipes.
Can I use a metal baking dish?
The recipe specifically recommends a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish for best results.
Is the goat cheese supposed to be softened before mixing?
Yes, the goat cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth and well-combined filling.
What do I do with the tomato tops?
The tops are set aside initially and then placed back on the stuffed tomatoes before roasting to keep in the flavors.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 12 tomatoes, which typically serves 6 to 12 people depending on if it is an appetizer or side.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-based dish containing cheese and egg.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients listed.