Caprese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh cherry tomatoes filled with mozzarella and basil, drizzled with a simple herb oil for a refreshing appetizer that's as fun to make as it is to eat. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut a small slice off the stem end of each cherry tomato and carefully remove seeds, leaving a hollow cavity.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup diced mozzarella, 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Fill each hollowed tomato with 1 teaspoon of the mozzarella-basil mixture.
  4. Step 4: Place stuffed tomatoes on a serving plate and drizzle with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Step 5: If desired, add a small drizzle of 1 tbsp balsamic glaze over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caprese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caprese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caprese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caprese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Caprese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Basil Oil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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