Pesto Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
In the culinary world, miniaturization is often a sign of preciousness and extravagance, like the tiny, painstakingly assembled appetisers served at fancy cocktail parties. But when it comes to cherry tomatoes, the diminutive size is anything but a luxury tax. Indeed, their pint-sized profile and thin skins make them the ideal vessel for all manner of fillings, both hot and cold, savoury and sweet. In this recipe, we stuff cherry tomatoes with a vibrant basil pesto, creating a bite-sized burst of flavour that's perfect for any occasion.
For years, I have searched high and low for the perfect stuffed cherry tomato recipe. I've tried dozens of variations, each with its own unique take on the classic dish. Some were too bland, others too salty or sweet, and still others were simply too complicated to make. But finally, after years of experimentation, I've stumbled upon the perfect recipe - one that is packed with flavor, yet simple to prepare. This recipe is the result of years of culinary exploration, and I'm excited to finally share it with you.
Pesto Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Pesto Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Pesto Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Pesto Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
  2. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half crosswise and place them cut-side up in a single layer in a baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  4. Spoon the pesto mixture into the center of each tomato half.
  5. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the pesto is bubbly.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.
Why It Works
  • The small size of the cherry tomatoes makes them the perfect vessel for stuffing, as they can be easily filled with a variety of fillings without becoming overstuffed.
  • The thin skins of the cherry tomatoes allow the filling to easily penetrate the fruit, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
  • The combination of basil, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil creates a flavorful pesto that is both rich and herbaceous.
  • The addition of chopped walnuts adds a nutty crunch to the filling, providing a contrasting texture to the soft tomatoes.