Description
These vibrant, bite-sized cherry tomatoes are filled with a creamy, homemade basil pesto for an easy, elegant appetizer. Quick to assemble and bursting with fresh flavor, they’re perfect for parties, brunches, or healthy snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (about 2 cups or 10 oz) cherry tomatoes, firm and ripe
- 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves (about 1 oz)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, peeled (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese (optional, for creamier filling)
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and dry cherry tomatoes. Slice a thin piece off the stem end of each tomato.
- Using a small spoon or melon baller, gently scoop out seeds and pulp. Place hollowed tomatoes upside down on a paper towel to drain for 10 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until roughly chopped.
- With the motor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth but thick. Add ricotta cheese (if using) and pulse to blend.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Transfer pesto filling to a piping bag, zip-top bag (snip the corner), or use a small spoon.
- Pipe or spoon about 1 teaspoon of pesto into each tomato, filling just to the top.
- Arrange filled tomatoes upright on a tray or platter.
- Refrigerate stuffed tomatoes for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or lemon zest if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
For vegan or dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and omit or swap ricotta for plant-based alternatives. Tomatoes can be hollowed a day ahead; fill just before serving for best texture. For a warm variation, roast hollowed tomatoes at 350°F for 10 minutes before stuffing. Garnish just before serving for freshest look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 stuffed tomatoes
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: pesto stuffed cherry tomatoes, easy appetizer, Italian finger food, party snack, vegetarian, gluten-free, summer recipe, basil pesto, healthy appetizer