Let’s look into the delightful world of Herb and Garlic Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes, a perfect appetizer for any gathering or a simple snack for yourself. This dish is not only vibrant in color but also packed with flavors that are sure to impress your friends and family. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this tantalizing dish in no time.
To get started, I always recommend gathering all the ingredients you’ll need. For this recipe, you will require:
- 20-25 cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, and chives, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to prepare your cherry tomatoes. Begin by rinsing them thoroughly under cool water. Once clean, slice the tops off each cherry tomato gently using a sharp knife and scoop out the seeds and pulp with a small spoon or melon baller. I find that a careful hand helps prevent any damage to the tomato skin, ensuring they hold their shape during the stuffing process.
Next, I move on to preparing the stuffing. In a medium-size bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Use a spatula or fork to mix everything until it’s well incorporated. At this stage, you may want to add a dash of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the mixture. Don’t hesitate to taste it; adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Once the filling is ready, I proceed to stuff each cherry tomato. Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each hollowed tomato with the herb and garlic mixture. Fill them generously, but avoid overstuffing to ensure they look appealing. Once all the tomatoes are filled, I like to arrange them on a serving platter.
If you fancy a little extra flavor, drizzle some olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes before serving. This step is optional but adds a lovely richness. You can also garnish them with a few more fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.
Your Herb and Garlic Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes are now ready to be enjoyed! These can be served immediately, or you can refrigerate them for a short time if you prefer them chilled. They are best enjoyed fresh, and I often find that they disappear quickly during gatherings.
In a nutshell, I hope you find this recipe as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and creamy filling brings together a burst of flavors in every bite. Happy cooking!
Herb and Garlic Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh chives, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 12-15 cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Cut the tops off the cherry tomatoes and scoop out the seeds using a small spoon or a melon baller.
- Stuff each cherry tomato with the herb and garlic cream cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is warmed through.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
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