Best of the Best Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes
Ripe heirloom tomatoes stuffed with creamy mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes, and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic reduction. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh 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 220 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium heirloom tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic reduction
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato and scoop out the seeds with a spoon, leaving a 1/2-inch shell. Season the inside of each tomato with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Slice mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place 2 slices inside each tomato shell. Add 2 small tomato slices and 3 basil leaves on top of the mozzarella.
- Step 3: Whisk balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl until emulsified. Drizzle 1/2 tbsp over each stuffed tomato.
- Step 4: Chill for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, drizzle with 1 tbsp balsamic reduction and garnish with extra basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best of the Best Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 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 Best of the Best Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes?
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 medium heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best of the Best Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes?
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 Best of the Best Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes 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 Best of the Best Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
