Zesty Spicy Tomato Cups
These Zesty Spicy Tomato Cups are a delightful appetizer that combines the perfect balance of crispy biscuit crust and a savory, spicy filling. Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise, gooey melted cheese, and cheeky tomatoes with green chilies, sprinkled with crunchy bacon and fresh green onions. Ideal for parties or as an everyday snack, these cups are sure to tantalize your taste buds with just the right amount of heat. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Refrigerated biscuits
16 ounces (Flaky large biscuits, separated into layers)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheddar blend cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Canned tomatoes and green chilies
10 ounces (Drained well (preferably Ro-tel))
Green onion
1 (Chopped)
Bacon
10 slices (Cooked and crumbled)
Seasoning salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
Fresh ground pepper
To taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Lightly grease the cups of a 12-cup muffin tin or line them with cupcake liners for easy removal.
3
Carefully separate each refrigerated biscuit into two layers to create thin disks.
4
Place one biscuit layer into each muffin cup and gently press to form a cup shape, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
5
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded cheese, drained tomatoes and green chilies, chopped green onion, crumbled bacon, seasoning salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix until well combined.
6
Spoon the flavorful filling generously into each biscuit cup, filling them to the top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuit cups are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious bites warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Spicy Tomato Cups?
They are a savory appetizer featuring a crispy biscuit base filled with a creamy, spicy mixture of cheese, tomatoes, green chilies, and bacon.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the muffin tin?
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or use cupcake liners to ensure the cups can be easily removed.
What type of biscuits should I buy?
Use a 16-ounce package of refrigerated flaky large biscuits for the best results.
How do I prepare the biscuit dough?
Carefully separate each biscuit into two layers to create thin disks before pressing them into the muffin cups.
What is in the filling mixture?
The filling consists of mayonnaise, shredded cheese, drained tomatoes and green chilies, green onions, bacon, seasoning salt, and pepper.
Which cheese is best for this recipe?
Shredded cheddar cheese or a mozzarella cheddar blend is recommended.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
Yes, it is crucial to drain the canned tomatoes and green chilies well to prevent the biscuit cups from becoming soggy.
How long do the cups need to bake?
Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the biscuits are golden brown.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, you can use 10 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon or a similar amount of high-quality bacon bits.
Are these appetizers very spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the green chilies; you can adjust the spice by adding more or less chili.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon from the filling.
How should I serve the tomato cups?
They are best served warm, shortly after they come out of the oven.
Can the filling be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the filling ingredients in advance and store the mixture in the refrigerator.
What size muffin tin is required?
A standard 12-cup muffin tin is used for this recipe.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
While canned tomatoes with chilies like Ro-tel are preferred for flavor, you can use fresh tomatoes if you add diced chilies separately.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheat them in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes to help the biscuit base stay crispy.
Can I use a mini-muffin tin?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the biscuit size and reduce the baking time significantly.
What kind of green onion should I use?
Use one whole green onion, chopped, including both the white and green parts.
Is seasoning salt necessary?
Seasoning salt adds specific flavor, but you can use a mix of salt, garlic powder, and paprika if you do not have it.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are excellent alternatives if you want a different flavor profile.
How many cups does this recipe make?
Since each of the 8-10 biscuits in a package is split in two, it usually yields 16 to 20 cups.
Can these be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based filling may separate or change texture when thawed.
Can I add extra heat to the filling?
To increase the spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Should the filling be filled to the top?
Yes, spoon the filling generously into each biscuit cup until it reaches the top.
How do I ensure the biscuits are cooked through?
Ensure the oven is fully preheated and look for a deep golden brown color on the biscuit edges.
Are these good for parties?
Yes, they are ideal finger foods for parties, game days, and potlucks.
What should I do if the biscuits are hard to separate?
Make sure the biscuits are cold when you start, as they are easier to layer when chilled.