Baked Stuffed Tomatoes: Tomato Tango

Roasted stuffed tomatoes are topped with asparagus and cheese

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes are the perfect dish for Valentine’s Day. They offer a balance of elegance and flavor. I love how they bring romance to the table effortlessly.

Baked stuffed tomatoes recipe

Baked stuffed tomatoes are versatile and delicious. Fresh tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of fillings. It can serve as an appetizer, side, or light main course.

Baked stuffed tomatoes recipe is perfect for romantic dinner
Simple yet elegant baked stuffed tomatoes

This Valentine dish is simple, elegant, and delicious. It features risotto stuffed into hollowed-out beef tomatoes. Cheese ribbons and asparagus on top make the tomato look like a gift. The dish combines Italian flavors with luxury ingredients like white wine and asparagus.

I made this recipe completely gluten-free and vegetarian. You can add meat, rice, or bread crumbs to customize it. There is very little washing up afterward. This ensures you can enjoy your evening without cleaning many pans. Here is how to make roasted stuffed tomatoes:

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes are a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring ripe tomatoes hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or an elegant side dish.
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Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large beef tomatoes
  • 120 g arborio risotto rice
  • 75 ml vegetable stock
  • 30 ml dry white wine
  • 2 tsp cooking oil
  • an onion
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 1 baby bell pepper
  • 50 g green beans
  • 4 asparagus spears
  • 20 g halloumi cheese You can use with cottage cheese or mozzarella
  • 20 g cream cheese
  • Dried oregano and black pepper to season

Instructions
 

  • Slice the tops off the beef tomatoes and hollow out seeds and flesh. Place on a baking tray and leave to one side. Keep the flesh for the risotto.
  • Put the cooking oil in a saucepan and put over a medium heat.
  • Finely chop the onion and add to the pan with the crushed garlic.
  • Cook gently until softened and the onion is translucent. Add the rice and stir until well-mixed. Add the white wine and allow to boil down to a simmer.
  • Add a ladleful of stock at a time, covering pan and allowing the rice to absorb each ladle of stock before adding the next.
  • Dice the bell pepper and green beans; trim asparagus to short spears and dice the remaining stem. Add the chopped veg, except asparagus heads, to the pan with the final ladleful of stock, along with the tomato flesh. Stir constantly until the stock has been absorbed.
  • Stir in the cream cheese; add dried oregano and black pepper to taste.
  • Preheat oven to 180oC.
  • Spoon the risotto into the tomatoes.
  • Slice the halloumi into thin ribbons and lay across the top. Finish with two asparagus spears on each tomato.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes, until the very top is beginning to crisp.
  • Serve straight away, with a salad garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 180mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7g
Keyword baked stuffed tomatoes, baking recipes, gluten-free recipe, homemade stuffing, Valentine’s Day recipes, vegetarian recipe
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How to pair

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes are paired with a variety of dishes and drinks.

  1. Cocktail Pairings
    • Bloody Mary complements the tomato-based dish.
    • Herb-infused cocktails reflect fresh herb flavors in tomatoes.
    • Bellini is a great choice.
    • Sparkling wine cocktails contrast savory dishes with refreshing notes.
  2. Wine Pairings
    • Chianti enhances stuffed tomatoes’ flavors.
    • Sangiovese balances stuffing richness.
    • Zinfandel pairs with cheesy or meaty stuffed tomatoes.
    • Shiraz matches heartier fillings.
    • Dry Riesling complements tomatoes’ freshness.
    • Pinot Grigio pairs with varied stuffing ingredients.
    • Sauvignon Blanc enhances burrata-stuffed tomatoes.
    • Bordeaux Blends pair with meat-stuffed tomatoes.
  3. Food Pairings
    • Soups complement the dish.
    • Vegetable sides add more color and nutrition.
    • Salads create added crunch to the meal.
    • Grilled meats make a satisfying main course.
    • Pasta dishes enhance the meal’s flavors.
    • Eggs or frittata provide a delightful vegetarian brunch.

Variations

Here are some popular variations of the baked stuffed tomatoes. You can use these ingredients to make your own recipe.

  1. Cheese Options
    • Parmesan, mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese work well.
    • Vegan cheeses are substitutes like nutritional yeast or vegan cream cheese.
  2. Grains
    • Cooked grains add nutrition and bulk to fillings.
    • Cauliflower rice is a substitute for low-carb options.
  3. Protein Additions
    • Ground meats add heartiness. They can be sausage, pork, bacon, turkey, or beef.
    • Seafood like tuna or crabs is a great option.
    • Egg is a great protein.
  4. Vegetable Add-ins
    • Sautéed vegetables enhance nutrition and flavor.
    • Bell peppers or spinach are flavorful additions.
  5. Herbs and Spices
    • Herbs improve stuffing flavor (e.g., parsley, oregano).
    • Italian seasoning can be added for a richer profile.

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