Description
Delicious Ricotta Stuffed Tomatoes offer a delightful Italian-inspired appetizer or side dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy Roma tomatoes are scooped and filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta and Parmesan cheese seasoned with Italian herbs, then topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes
- 4 whole Roma Tomatoes
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (or Pecorino for a bolder taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or fresh basil or oregano)
Topping & Finishing
- 1 cup Ritz Crackers, crushed (or gluten-free crackers)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or melted butter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing it for roasting the stuffed tomatoes to a perfect golden finish.
- Prepare tomatoes: Slice the Roma tomatoes in half and carefully scoop out the seeds and flesh, creating hollow vessels ideal for stuffing.
- Drain tomatoes: Sprinkle the insides of the tomato halves with salt, then place them upside down on a paper towel to drain excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Mix filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and evenly blended.
- Stuff tomatoes: Generously spoon the cheese mixture into each tomato half, filling them completely.
- Add topping: Dip the filled tomato halves into crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring the tops are well coated with a crunchy layer.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the stuffed tomatoes in a greased baking dish and drizzle the tops with olive oil to encourage browning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is hot, bubbly, and the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
Notes
- Choosing Roma tomatoes is ideal because their firm flesh holds the filling well.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor if Italian seasoning is unavailable.
- The olive oil drizzle helps achieve a crisp, golden topping but melted butter can be used for a richer flavor.
- Allow the tomatoes to cool slightly before serving to let fillings set.
