Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes
Juicy tomatoes filled with a fresh mixture of mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian, low-carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs large tomatoes, diced mozzarella cheese, torn 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 160 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 6 large tomatoes
- 1 cup, diced mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the tops off 6 large tomatoes and scoop out the centers, leaving a 1/2-inch shell.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup diced mozzarella, 1/4 cup torn basil, and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Stuff each tomato with the mixture, pressing gently to pack. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Drizzle with 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp olive oil before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 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 large tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Tomatoes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
