Get ready to wow your guests with these delightful BLT Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes! They’re the perfect bite-sized appetizer, bursting with the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato, all packed into a juicy cherry tomato. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these little treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Let's dive into this fun and tasty recipe!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy mayonnaise creates a burst of fresh flavors in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: This Stuffed Tomato appetizer is quick and simple to make, perfect for any gathering or party where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Eye-catching Presentation: The vibrant colors and bite-sized nature of these stuffed tomatoes make them not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a pop of color to any appetizer spread.
🥘 Ingredients
All you need are 5 simple ingredients to make these keto party appetizers come to life. And if you have people who like to eat with their hands, even better!
If you have little ones in your family, enlist them to help make these as well! Not only are they adorable, but they're super fun to stuff! And just be ready...they might get a little bit messy from the tiny hands helping but that's just part of the fun!
- Cherry Tomatoes: These are an excellent choice for stuffing due to their sweet flavor and the firm flesh that holds up nicely when filled.
- Sour Cream: It adds a smooth, tangy base to the filling, complementing the savory notes of the bacon and balancing the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
- Mayonnaise (Hellman’s preferred): This ingredient brings creaminess and helps bind the filling together, enhancing the overall texture.
- Lettuce: Finely chopped lettuce introduces a crisp texture to the creamy filling, providing a refreshing crunch with each bite.
- Bacon Bits: These provide a smoky, salty kick, making the tomatoes irresistibly savory.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and mix diced cucumber or bell peppers with a creamy herb cheese like goat cheese or cream cheese.
- Avocado BLT: Add diced avocado to the filling mixture for a creamy texture and extra richness.
- Caprese Twist: Replace the bacon with diced mozzarella cheese and add fresh basil leaves to create a Caprese-inspired stuffed tomato.
- Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist on the classic BLT flavors.
🔪 How To Make BLT Stuffed Tomatoes
Step One: Ensure the lettuce is finely chopped to blend seamlessly with the other filling ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. To the bowl, add the finely chopped lettuce and bacon bits.
Step Two: Stir everything together until well combined.
Step Three: Use a sharp knife to carefully slice around the top of each Campari tomato. Gently remove the top and scoop out the seeds and inner membranes to create a hollow space for the filling.
Step Four: Spoon the creamy mixture into each hollowed-out tomato, filling them generously. Top each stuffed tomato with additional bacon bits for an extra savory finish. Your bacon-stuffed tomato bites are now ready to delight your guests!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Wondering how to make the best stuffed cherry tomatoes? Try these tips:
- Choose Firm, Ripe Tomatoes: Select cherry tomatoes that are firm and ripe to ensure they hold up well when stuffed and prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it's extra crispy before crumbling it into the filling. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy texture of the stuffing.
- Chill Before Serving: After assembling the stuffed tomatoes, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to handle when serving.
- Experiment with Fillings: While the classic BLT filling is delicious, you can switch it up by adding diced avocado or substituting the bacon with a different protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, for a unique twist.
💭 FAQs
You can prepare stuffed cherry tomatoes a few hours ahead of time. After assembling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, for optimal freshness, it's best to serve them on the same day they're made.
There are numerous filling options to suit different tastes. Common choices include cream cheese blended with herbs, goat cheese with basil, mozzarella with sun-dried tomatoes, or even guacamole. Experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, and proteins can yield delightful results.
To avoid sogginess, after hollowing out the tomatoes, place them upside down on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture before filling. This step helps maintain their firmness.
Yes, you can create vegan stuffed cherry tomatoes by using plant-based fillings. Options include dairy-free cream cheese mixed with herbs, hummus, or mashed avocado. These alternatives provide delicious flavors without animal products.
Place the assembled stuffed tomatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can typically be stored this way for up to 2-3 hours before serving. Cover the container with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the filling from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge. Keep in mind that refrigerated tomatoes can become slightly softer over time, so they are best served cold and relatively soon after assembly for the best texture. If possible, add any final garnishes (like fresh herbs or additional bacon crumbles) just before serving to maintain their visual appeal.
🧂What Other Veggies Can I Stuff?
- Here are some other vegetables you can stuff as Party Food Appetizers.
- Mini Cheese Stuffed Peppers: Use a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and herbs for a creamy filling. You can also add diced bacon or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuff mushrooms with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. For a twist, add spinach and feta cheese or crab meat for a seafood-inspired version.
- Stuffed Cucumber Boats: Fill cucumber boats with a mixture of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives for a Mediterranean flavor. Alternatively, use a creamy dill or Herby Ranch Dressing with shredded chicken for a heartier option.
- Stuffed Bacon Jalapeno Poppers: Fill jalapeno halves with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. For a spicy kick, add diced pineapple or wrap them in bacon before baking.
- And if you want to try a sweet treat, check out this delicious and tasty Stuffed Baked Apples recipe packe
🍽 Related Recipes
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Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Appetizer
Ingredients
- 12 Cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup lettuce
- ¼ cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Finely Chop the Lettuce: Ensure the lettuce is finely chopped to blend seamlessly with the other filling ingredients.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
- Add Lettuce and Bacon Bits: To the bowl, add the finely chopped lettuce and bacon bits. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Use a sharp knife to carefully slice around the top of each Campari tomato. Gently remove the top and scoop out the seeds and inner membranes to create a hollow space for the filling.
- Stuff the Tomatoes: Spoon the creamy mixture into each hollowed-out tomato, filling them generously.
- Add the Final Touch: Top each stuffed tomato with additional bacon bits for an extra savory finish.
- Serve: Your bacon-stuffed tomato bites are now ready to delight your guests!
