Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready to impress with an appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Today, we’re taking fresh tomatoes and elevating them into a symphony of flavors with our Candied Bacon Elevated Stuffed Tomatoes Boursin Brilliance. Imagine sweet and savory candied bacon nestled inside tender, roasted tomatoes, crowned with a luscious, herbed Boursin cheese. It’s an elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple dish perfect for entertaining or a special weeknight side.

Why I Love This Recipe

I truly adore this recipe because it combines contrasting flavors and textures in the most harmonious way. The richness of the candied bacon perfectly complements the bright, slightly acidic tomatoes. The creamy, garlic-and-herb infused Boursin cheese adds a layer of sophistication and incredible flavor that ties everything together. It feels incredibly gourmet, yet the steps are straightforward, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. If you love appetizers that look fancy but are easy to make, you’ll also appreciate my Baked Brie Appetizer that’s an effortless way to impress guests!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these truly brilliant stuffed tomatoes:

• 6 large tomatoes (ripe but firm, like beefsteak or large Roma)
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 8 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor is perfect)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and basil, or a mix of your favorites)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Swaps and Notes

• Tomatoes: Use ripe, firm tomatoes that are large enough to hold the stuffing. Roma tomatoes work well if you’re making individual servings, or larger beefsteaks for a heartier portion.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is ideal as it provides a good “meatiness” when candied. Regular bacon will work too, just adjust cooking times.
• Brown Sugar: You can adjust the amount of brown sugar for the bacon to your preference. For extra sticky bacon, you can lightly coat the bacon in brown sugar before the first bake, then add more with maple syrup (optional) for the final caramelization.
• Boursin Cheese: The Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor of Boursin cheese is truly fantastic here, but feel free to experiment with other Boursin flavors, or even a soft goat cheese mixed with cream cheese and herbs.
• Fresh Herbs: The suggested mix of parsley, chives, and basil is wonderful, but feel free to use dill, oregano, or thyme based on your preference. Fresh is key for the best flavor.
• Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper. Tomatoes particularly benefit from a good pinch of salt.

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Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the 6 large tomatoes. Carefully slice off the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of each tomato (the stem end). Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seeds and most of the inner flesh, leaving a sturdy shell with about 1/4 inch of flesh. Be careful not to pierce the bottom. Place the hollowed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly sprinkle the inside of each tomato shell with a little salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the thick-cut bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
3. Candied Bacon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and the chopped crispy bacon. Mix thoroughly so the bacon pieces are coated with the brown sugar.
4. Stuff and Bake Tomatoes: Evenly fill each hollowed tomato with the bacon and brown sugar mixture. Don’t overfill, but make sure they’re generously stuffed.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender but still hold their shape. The bacon mixture inside will warm and the brown sugar will melt slightly.
6. Prepare the Boursin Mixture: While the tomatoes are baking, in a separate small bowl, gently mix the 8 oz Boursin cheese with the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined and creamy.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the baked tomatoes from the oven. Immediately, top each warm tomato with a generous dollop of the Boursin cheese mixture. The warmth of the tomato will slightly soften the Boursin, creating a beautiful “cascade.”
8. Serve the Candied Bacon Elevated Stuffed Tomatoes Boursin Brilliance hot as a delicious and elevated appetizer or side dish. Enjoy this incredible combination of flavors!

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Tips for Success

• Choose Firm Tomatoes: Ripe but firm tomatoes are essential. Overripe tomatoes will become too mushy when baked.
• Don’t Overbake Tomatoes: You want them tender but not collapsing. Keep an eye on them.
• Crispy Bacon: The texture of crispy bacon is crucial against the soft tomato and creamy cheese. Cook it well!
• Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs for the Boursin mixture makes a huge difference in flavor and aroma.
• Serve Warm: These are best served warm so the Boursin slightly melts and the flavors meld beautifully.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Candied Bacon Elevated Stuffed Tomatoes are a show-stopping appetizer on their own, perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a sophisticated brunch. They pair wonderfully with a light salad, grilled chicken, or fish. For a spread of impressive appetizers, consider serving them alongside my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or my Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears for a variety of crowd-pleasers. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or even sparkling water with a lemon twist, would complement the flavors beautifully.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

These stuffed tomatoes are truly best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after the Boursin has been added. The textures and temperatures are at their peak. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, gently warm the tomato portion in the oven or microwave, then add fresh Boursin cheese mixture before serving, as the Boursin texture can change if reheated.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the sophisticated yet approachable nature of these Stuffed Tomatoes, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!

• For another fantastic crowd-pleasing appetizer, be sure to check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
• And if you’re looking for an indulgent sweet treat that’s also “bombs” of flavor, try my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs!

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Final Thoughts

The Candied Bacon Elevated Stuffed Tomatoes Boursin Brilliance are a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can be combined to create something truly extraordinary. They’re bursting with flavor, visually appealing, and sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.

I hope you give this elegant recipe a try and experience its brilliance for yourself! What are your favorite ways to use fresh tomatoes in savory dishes? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy cooking!