A Touch of Summer Stuffed Tomatoes brings the ripe healthy fruits and flavors of the season to your vegetable side. These little stuffed beauties are easy to make and ideal for making ahead of time -- especially when you're expecting guests for dinner.
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Discovering the recipe
In fact, the first time I made these stuffed tomatoes we were expecting guests, my dear mother and father-in-law, Helen and Hank.
It was a hot Saturday in August. Our garden was filled with ripe vegetables, green beans, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, green peppers, hot peppers, and potatoes. I needed to get out there and get some gardening done even though we were expecting guests.
Originally, for part of the meal, I had planned to cook green beans with ham hocks and potatoes -- one of Helen and Hank's favorite recipes. My Honey was in charge of the meat, he was going to grill their favorite -- Lemon-Butter Basted Chicken.
Sometimes the best plans go awry
Time got away from me.
The green beans needed to cook for several hours. Yes, I know that's a long time. The beans do end up looking grey-green and having a very limp structure, but they along with the potatoes act like a sponge absorbing the salty smokey flavor from the pork hocks.
The fat from the hocks paints a shiny coat on the beans -- that was the way they liked them -- very German. But unfortunately, it was too late to start on the beans.
So, it was plan "B" -- Taste of Summer Stuffed Tomatoes.
An easy stuffed tomato recipe
The inspiration for the recipe came from an early Emeril TV episode. By early, I mean quite a few years ago, the early days when the Food Network actually had a lot of exciting cooking shows.
I'd been wanting to make stuffed tomatoes and Emeril's recipe looked quite easy with no last minute fussy preparations.
Easy and not fussy was just what I needed.
Who doesn't like to make an easy dinner and be able to make ahead as much as possible?
We know we do!
Fretting over last minute details means you can't relax and enjoy your guests.
Making the pomodori ripieni (stuffed tomatoes)
Basically, all you do for this recipe is hollow out the tomatoes, lightly salt the inside and then turn them upside down over paper towels to remove some of the moisture.
The squash is diced, the onions chopped, and the garlic is minced. You flavor the filling with salt, pepper, basil, and thyme.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese finished the stuffed tomatoes. About ten minutes before you're ready to eat you pop the tomatoes in the upper portion of your heated oven.
Ecco! That's it!!
Very easy but very, very tasty! Fresh ingredients are all it takes.
And if you enjoy stuffed vegetables as much as we do, you must try our Baked Italian Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe. The squash is delicious as a meal or a fabulous side.
Another recipe I know you'll enjoy is our Quick and Easy Classic Corn Succotash. It's a tasty way to use up those summer veggies and a healthy choice to give the family.
Serving suggestion
This time along with our stuffed tomatoes we enjoyed BBQ Baby Back Ribs and Brown Rice.
A very delicious and satisfying meal!
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima!
📖 Recipe
Taste of Summer Stuffed Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 small zucchini diced
- 1 small yellow squash diced
- 3 teaspoons chopped basil -- 1 of the teaspoons will be for sprinkling on top.
- ½ teaspoon chopped thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 F.
- Cut the top ½-inch off tomatoes and reserve. Remove seeds, juice and pulp from tomatoes, leaving ½-inch thick shells. Finely chop tomato tops. Lightly salt the insides of the tomatoes. Let the tomatoes rest, cut sides down, on a plate lines with paper towels until ready to assemble and bake.
- In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the chopped tomato tops, zucchini and squash. Saute until the vegetables just soften and most of the juice has evaporated, about 4 minutes. Stir in 2 teaspoons basil and the thyme. Season, to taste, with salt and freshy ground black pepper. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. **
- Place the tomato shells in an oiled baking dish. Put 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese in the bottom of each tomato. Spoon the vegetable mixture into the tomatoes, allowing any extra to spill over into the pan. Sprinkle the top of each tomato with 1 tablespoon of cheese. Bake on the upper rack fo the oven until heated through, the tomatoes are tender, and the cheese begins to turn golden brown, about 8- 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and garnish each with ½ teaspoon of the remaining basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- ** You can pause here and when ready to bake stuff the tomatoes with the filling then bake in the preheated oven.
- This recipe is easily doubled, tripled or made into however many tomatoes you need and want.
- You can also use grated mozzarella cheese instead of the Parmesan. We've done it both ways.
- Inspired by an Emeril TV episode.
Nutrition
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Richard D Schinella
These look and sound delicious, I love the idea of Parmigiano cheese on the bottom & top. I will make these later today as I have all of the ingredients in my garden.
I usually stuff tomatoes with spinach cooked in olive oil, butter & garlic, then covered with a large mushroom cap so that it looks like a porcini (boletus edulis). I serve this with prime rib.
Susie
Hi Marisa, Yes, it’s that time of year to take advantage of the garden veggies. You’re recipe sounds a lot like mine but different approach....Here’s how I do my tomato squash for a quick side dish.
I take chopped onion, garlic and sauté in pan. Add grape tomatoes that are no longer plump for salad. I add seasonings.....Italian, basil, oregano, heal of pecorino Romano and whatever else meets my fancy. Simmer........add chopped zucchini and squash 15 to 20 minutes before serving.....At very end, I toss in cubed bread. It’s quick and one our favorites.
Tell all hi and send our love......Send some rain our way
Lin gustafson
Can these stuffed tomatoes be stuffed and refrigerated the night before ?
Iam looking for do ahead recipes (appetizers) for a large party 30 people
Marisa Franca
Hi Lin, I've never tried it the night before but I don't see why not. The tomatoes aren't cooked -- just make sure you follow the directions for preparing the tomatoes. I would gently saute the squash and not overcoook. Then fill them and refriderate. Take them out of the fridge before sticking them in the oven so they come to room temp and then pop them in the oven. Let me know how they turn out. Ours have always been good and I would make them several hours ahead and refrigerate.
Oana Iancu
Your stuffed tomatoes recipe is just perfect celebration of fresh seasonal produce. I love that you've loaded them up with veggies and fresh herbs 🙂 I usually have mine stuffed with cheese but have to give your recipe a try soon!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Oana! You don't miss lots of cheese in them. We try to get them light and they are full of flavor.
Natalie
Wow Marisa. This is one delicious recipe. I love all the flavors of these summer veggies. Looks really amazing. I can't wait to make these for weekend as a side dish.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Natalie! Hope you enjoy them!
Catherine
Marisa, I love this idea of stuffed tomatoes...perfect summer dish. The filling looks and sounds so good. I have to make these for my family this summer.
Veena Azmanov
There is so much you can do with fresh seasonal produce. I love making stuffed tomatoes when they are in season too. This looks so refreshing and light. Reminds me of my mom.. we called her the queen of stuffed veggies, she loved to stuff all kinds of veggies. Saving for later.
Adriana Lopez Martin
Nice easy dinner and then with fresh tomatoes my kind of food. Summertime is all about easy fresh recipes so this suggestion is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Love the bright colors so good!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Adriana! This is one of our favorites vegetable side.
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites
I used to not like tomatoes (except in ketchup and tomato juice lol) but now I can't get enough! Can't wait to try this recipe as soon as my tomato plants are ripe!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Lauren! We always have loved our tomatoes and in the summer they are the best.
Claudia Lamascolo
I stuff tomatoes all the time with tuna never tried it with zucchini that is an awesome idea I really need to try this I printed the recipe off last time but now I must make this week!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Claudia! Tomatoes are amazing stuffed with summer squash. Hope you give it a try.
Pooja Nadkarni
These stuffed tomatoes are really fun to make for any parties.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Pooja! They are easy to make ahead then just warm up.
Natalie
Oh my... these stuffed tomatoes sounds soooo good. It's perfect summer dish to make for a family. I love all the spices and flavors. Plus it's so easy to make. I'll be baking this very soon.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Natalie! This is one of our favorite recipes. Make ahead and then heat up before serving.
Calleigh
My family loves tomatoes and these stuffed tomatoes are perfect for summer bbq gatherings. I love the colors, best paired with some grilled salmon and pasta.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Calleigh! We love having our tomatoes like this in the summer time.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
This is just so awesome and exactly what I need to use up my garden produce for the summer. I have planted everything that you have used in the stuffed tomatoes and this recipe is just perfect. Can't wait for the harvesting season 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hello, Sandhya! It's quite a tasty veggie side.
swathi
Your stuffed tomatoes are perfect summer treat, that too with veggies and cheese, who can resist this awesome combo. I like this kind of simple yet flavorful dish for dinner or get together.
Catherine
Dear Marisa, such a perfect dish for summer! I love the stuffing...I can't wait to make these with my own garden vegetables too! Pinning for later. xo
Gloria
Now don't these look like the perfect BBQ side dish. What a great presentation. ALL the wonderful flavours happening here are delicious for sure. You could almost make a meal of these. Perfect way to use lots of summer veggies.
Veena Azmanov
Oh I'm a big fan of stuffed veggies. I love stuffed tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms. This one sounds so refreshing Marisa. I must try it soon. Saving for later.
Claudia Lamascolo
I am always looking for a fresh stuffing for tomatoes I am pretty sick of the old tuna and olive oil this sounds yummy and cant wait to try it!
Pavani
Wow, love these delicious veggie stuffed tomatoes. They look so inviting and will be perfect for summer parties.
Lynn | The Road to Honey
Such spectacular looking tomatoes Marisa. I bet Helen & Hank were thrilled to see these show up at the meal. I absolutely adore how fresh and vibrant all the veggies look stuffed inside. So very summer!
Noel Lizotte
Oh this is perfect! We always end up with a bumper crop of tomatoes and I'm in dire need of new recipes. This one is chock full of garden goodness!
Maren
Marisa this sounds absolutely perfect! And it came from Emril thats so funny! I'm going to make these once the summer tomato crop comes up! yum.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Maren! Thank you! I know, when we think of Emeril you think of bacon fat but this recipe is so light and good! Can't wait for our ripe tomatoes.
Sarah
We have so little to look forward to in Arizona during the summer but squash is definitely on the list! These sound delicious!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Sarah! My sweet sister-in-law lives in Arizona. I believe you have some great Farmer's Markets -- get some squash and make stuffed tomatoes. They taste great!
Pooja
Wow . This sounds healthy recipe. Totally of my type. Sure gonna try it.
Marisa Franca
Very low calorie, Pooja! You may add as much or as little cheese as you want.
Jessica (Swanky Recipes)
I have seen these all over pinterest and facebook and just thought I'd visit to get the recipe. I love making a version similar to this but to be honest, mine doesn't have much flavor. I cannot wait to try these with a side of grilled steak or chicken next, yum!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Jessica! The trick is making sure the filling is well seasoned. The cheese also gives the stuffed tomatoes flavor.
Deepika
These stuffed tomatoes are so tempting. Perfect to go with a summer meal.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Deepika! They are perfect for a summer meal.
Molly Kumar
Oh My Goodness !! I wish I could eat some of this deliciousness out of the screen. The stuffed tomatoes look so pretty and yummm. I don't eat ribs but I'd swap that with chicken and this all would be a delicious weekday meal. I've also never stuffed tomatoes with zucchini but what a fab idea and would try this soon - Yummmmm!!!
Catherine
Dear Marisa, these look absolutely divine! I love the idea of stuffed tomatoes...saving this!
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Catherine! It seems like we have something in common -- we both like to cook and eat Italian food. Buona giornata!
chei
Oh! That taste of stuffed tomatoes, bbq baby back ribs and brown rice is breaking my diet rules. What shall I do then except to get all the ingredients and do it. My stomach can't wait lol.
Veena Azmanov
I love the sound of summer on a plate and that's exactly what this looks like. I how colorful and vibrant the dish looks. Summer summer squash and tomatoes so this is definitely my kinda dish. Can't wait to try.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! Yes, it does taste like summer and very low calorie.
Adriana Lopez Martn
I love stuffed tomatoes as a side dish, such a perfect addition and then stuffed with seasonal veggies event better lovely recipe!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Adriana! We love stuffing tomatoes and this is our favorite.
Stephanie
Oh yum! These look absolutely delicious! Any meal would be impressive, with these served as the side!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Stephanie! Hope you have a great week.
Pam Wattenbarger
I have had tomatoes stuffed with chicken salad before, but not stuffed tomatoes like this! What a perfect summer recipe.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Pam! It's a great side and it is low calorie. Fix it ahead of time and just warm and melt cheese right before serving.
Thistle
Such a great recipe! It all looks so delicious! Even if the tomatoes were from the grocery 🙂
Marisa Franca
I thought I'd fess up on the tomatoes. Any gardener worth a hill of "beans" would know I didn't grow those 🙂
Jovina Coughlin
Such a wonderful time of year for vegetables and there is no better way to serve them than stuffed. I loved your tomato stuffing.
Marisa Franca
Thank you -- it is really good. It's a recipe we always come back to.
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen
Hi Marisa, how I love stuffed tomatoes, and these look so good. What a great summer meal. Great recipe, thanks.
Marisa Franca
Thank you. What is amazing is how many stuffings you can make for tomatoes. We've done couscous, spinach, etc.
Ciao Chow Linda
Wow, how come you already have such luscious looking tomatoes? I love the idea of stuffing them with all those garden goodies. I'll take that any day over green beans cooked for hours.
Marisa Franca
*sigh* I have a confession to make -- those tomatoes were from the grocery store. It's still too early for our tomatoes here in Indiana. And would you believe yesterday hubby made green beans a la Helen and Hank. 🙂 The beans were good but I'm with you -- I prefer fresh tasting veggies.
Simply Suzannes at Home
YUM, Marisa!
Your stuffed tomatoes are gorgeous! I love all the bright colors . . . and yes, it looks like Summer on a plate!
I can see those pretty stuffed tomatoes sitting on top of a shallow bowl of Spaghetti Al Limone, too . . . and even paired with grilled lemon garlic chicken. You've inspired me, sweet Lady!
I can't wait to try your recipe!
I might even have the ingredients in my fridge from yesterday's Farmer's Market visit. Perhaps for a light lunch?!
I hope you're enjoying your weekend!
Sending big hugs,
Suzanne
Marisa Franca
Thank you for the hug!! It's a good start to the week. Any time you add lemon to anything it's bound to be a winner -- pasta included!!