Savory Grilled Blue Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
This delightful recipe features ripe, juicy tomatoes stuffed with creamy blue cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Ideal for summer barbecues, these Grilled Blue Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes are an elegant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled steaks or chicken. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they will impress your guests while taking minimal time and effort to make. Enjoy the combination of the warm, melted cheese contrasted with the fresh, vibrant taste of the tomatoes. Perfect for gatherings, these tomatoes are sure to become a staple at your summer cookouts!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
fine dry breadcrumb
1/2 cup (none)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
medium tomatoes
12 (tops cut off (1/4 inch))
crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your gas or charcoal grill. For gas grills, set one side to high heat and leave the opposite side unlit. For charcoal grills, create a two-zone fire with hot coals on one side.
2
In a small bowl, combine the fine dry breadcrumbs and olive oil, mixing well until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
3
Prepare the tomatoes by cutting off the top 1/4 inch from each tomato and gently hollowing out a little bit of the inside, if desired. This will help hold more filling. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper.
4
Fill each tomato with 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese, allowing some cheese to peek out. Top each with an even layer of the breadcrumb mixture.
5
Place the tomatoes on the unlit side of the grill, making sure they are facing upward to avoid spillage. Cover the grill and cook for about 13 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese has melted.
6
Remove from the grill and serve immediately while warm, garnishing with herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Grilled Blue Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes?
They are a summer side dish consisting of medium tomatoes filled with crumbled blue cheese and topped with olive-oil-moistened breadcrumbs, then grilled to perfection.
How many tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 medium-sized tomatoes.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
This recipe uses 3/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
How long does it take to grill the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be grilled for approximately 13 minutes.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for stuffing?
Cut off the top 1/4 inch of each tomato and gently hollow out the center to make room for the filling.
Should the tomatoes be cooked over direct or indirect heat?
They should be cooked over indirect heat on the unlit side of the grill.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Mix 1/2 cup of fine dry breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until evenly coated.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use a charcoal grill for this recipe?
Yes, create a two-zone fire with hot coals on one side and cook the tomatoes on the side without coals.
What should I season the tomatoes with?
The tomatoes should be seasoned with salt and pepper before adding the cheese filling.
How much cheese goes into each tomato?
Each tomato is filled with approximately 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese.
Should the grill be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the grill to ensure the cheese melts and the tomatoes become tender.
What is the best way to serve these tomatoes?
Serve them immediately while warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Can I use a gas grill?
Yes, set one side to high heat and leave the opposite side unlit for indirect cooking.
What food pairs well with blue cheese stuffed tomatoes?
They pair perfectly with grilled steaks or chicken.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the dry breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The tomatoes become tender and juicy, while the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are crispy.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the skin helps the tomato maintain its structure while grilling.
Can I use larger tomatoes?
Yes, but you may need to increase the amount of filling and adjust the grilling time.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best?
The recipe calls for fine dry breadcrumbs for an even, crispy coating.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from tipping over?
Make sure they are placed upward on the unlit side of the grill; if needed, you can trim a tiny bit off the bottom to level them.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
You can customize the filling with herbs, garlic, or even small bits of cooked bacon.
Is olive oil necessary for the topping?
Yes, the olive oil helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up during the grilling process.
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
While possible, medium tomatoes are preferred as they are easier to stuff and grill without falling through the grates.
What happens if I cook them over direct heat?
The bottoms of the tomatoes may burn before the cheese has a chance to melt properly.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can prep the tomatoes and filling ahead of time, but it is best to grill them just before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: breadcrumbs, olive oil, tomatoes, and blue cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare dish that requires minimal effort.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish features a contrast between the fresh, vibrant taste of tomatoes and the pungent, creamy flavor of blue cheese.