Ah, stuffed tomatoes! Just the thought of them conjures up memories of summers spent at my grandma’s house, where the kitchen always smelled of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes. Whether you crave something rich and savory or light and refreshing, these versatile wonders can be tailored to any palate – it’s like a canvas, but for your taste buds.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice off the tops of the tomatoes, then carefully cut around the inside to detach the flesh from the skin. Scoop out the insides and arrange the tomatoes in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes with green chilies, bread crumbs, and 1/3 cup of the cheese. Add the sausage pieces to the mixture, blending well. Fill the hollowed-out tomatoes with this mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are heated through and the cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, partially drained
- ½ cup of dry bread crumbs
- ? cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- ¼ pound of smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1096 | Total Fat: 66g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 3730mg | Total Carbohydrate: 74g | Dietary Fiber: 10g | Total Sugars: 20g | Protein: 58g | Vitamin C: 102mg | Calcium: 756mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 1870mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
- Certainly! While the recipe calls for smoked sausage, you can substitute it with your preferred sausage variety such as spicy Italian or breakfast sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Is there an alternative to Cheddar cheese that I can use?
- Absolutely. You can replace Cheddar cheese with other varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to suit your taste preferences.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To create a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and consider adding more vegetables or a plant-based protein, such as beans or crumbled tofu, to the filling mixture.
- What can I serve alongside these stuffed tomatoes?
- These stuffed tomatoes make a great side dish and can be paired with a fresh salad, grilled chicken, or a light pasta to complete the meal.
- Can I prepare the stuffed tomatoes in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the tomatoes and filling ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking to ensure freshness.
Tips
- For an added burst of flavor, consider using hot breakfast sausage instead of smoked sausage. This can introduce a spicy kick to your stuffed tomatoes.
- If you find that your tomatoes are a bit wobbly in the baking dish, slice a small piece off the bottom to create a flat surface. This will help them stand upright while baking.
- To prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soggy, ensure you partially drain the canned diced tomatoes with green chile peppers before mixing them with the bread crumbs and cheese.
- For a more indulgent dish, try topping the baked stuffed tomatoes with a fried egg. This addition can transform the side dish into a hearty brunch option.
Equipment
- Small baking dish
- Tomato corer or scoop tool
