Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Cream Cheese and Parmesan Recipe
Delightful stuffed cherry tomatoes filled with a creamy and flavorful mixture of cream cheese, parmesan, herbs, and spices. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a fresh, easy-to-make snack that can be served immediately or chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed cherry tomatoes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened and packed
- 4 tablespoons parmesan powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Black pepper, a generous pinch
- Paprika, for sprinkling
- 20 cherry tomatoes
Tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Rinse cherry tomatoes under running water and pat them dry thoroughly. Cut off the top where the stem was. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the center of each tomato. This step helps to loosen the flesh for easier scooping.
- Remove seeds and excess juice: Use a small spoon or a ¼ teaspoon measuring spoon to scoop out all the seeds from inside each tomato. Then, level off the bottom of each tomato by slicing a very thin piece off so they stand upright. Place them on a paper towel, open side down, to drain any excess moisture.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, parmesan powder, dried parsley, fresh dill, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Fill the tomatoes: Transfer the cheese filling into a corner of a Ziploc bag. Snip off a small hole at the tip using scissors. Pipe the filling into each hollowed-out cherry tomato, filling to the top and slightly over for a nice mound.
- Add finishing touches: Sprinkle each stuffed tomato with a pinch of paprika for color and flavor. Optionally, garnish with a small piece of fresh dill on top.
- Serve or store: Serve the stuffed cherry tomatoes immediately for best freshness, or refrigerate them in an airtight container until ready to serve. They keep well chilled and maintain their flavor for several hours.
Notes
- Softened cream cheese should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Parmesan powder adds a concentrated cheesy flavor; freshly grated parmesan can be substituted but may alter texture slightly.
- Do not overfill tomatoes as the filling may spill out.
- These appetizers are best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- For a garlic-free version, omit garlic powder.
