Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes

Name: Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); ¼ cup panko bread crumbs; 1 pound campari tomatoes; 4 ounces goat cheese (at room temperature); ½ cup ricotta cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (to garnish)

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Creamy and bursting with flavor, these Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes are juicy and filled to the brim with velvety tangy cheese and the best crunchy breadcrumb topping. They take no time to make and combine different textures for an irresistible bite. A stuffed tomato appetizer is elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a casual gathering.

Tomatoes topped with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh basil on a serving dish.

I love using Campari tomatoes – they are smaller than a Roma tomato but larger than a cherry tomato. The size makes it perfect for stuffing because the core comes out easily and creates the most adorable bite-sized appetizers sure to please a crowd!

why you’ll love these Stuffed Tomatoes with Cheese

Easy appetizer. There are a few steps to make this starter, such as preparing the tomatoes, whipping up the cheese filling, and toasting the breadcrumbs, but these are EASY. You can also prep each the three steps separately in advance and then assemble right before serving.
Layers of flavor. It starts with a crisp, juicy, refreshing bite-sized tomato followed by tangy, creamy cheese filling finishing with the slight crunchy addition of toasted panko breadcrumbs for a mouthwatering bite.
Perfect appetizer for any occasion. Because all the ingredients are available year-round, you can make this for any seasonal event where tasty appetizers are welcomed. Include in a summer cookout for a refreshing bite, add a pop of color to a Christmas dinner with the bright red tomatoes, white cream filling, and green basil garnish, or serve as part of an elegant spread for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Ingredients to make Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes

Tomatoes – Campari is my favorite choice for cheese-stuffed tomato appetizers, but you could also use Sapori tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. Depending on the size, you’ll add more or less cheese filling and may make more than the recipe notes.
Toasted bread crumbs – This is just oil and panko toasted in a hot skillet for the best toasty flavor. Italian breadcrumbs would also work. You could also toast in extra Parmesan to sprinkle on top of the tomatoes before serving.
Cheese filling – The stuffing consists of goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan cheese combined with honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This blend of cheeses is tangy and rich, and compliments the bright, juicy tomato flavor.
Fresh Basil (optional) – Garnish with fresh herbs like basil for a refreshing herby bite or a pop of color.

Ingredient for recipe: honey, goat cheese, parmesan, seasoning, tomatoes, panko bread crumbs, ricotta cheese, and oil.

How to make No-Bake Stuffed Tomatoes

There are essentially three parts to the recipe. First you’ll prepare the topping (toasted breadcrumbs), second you’ll prepare the cheese filling, and third you’ll assemble with the tomatoes. You’ll want to devour these cheesy stuffed tomatoes as soon as they’re ready, so be prepared to make extra!

Prepare Topping and Filling

Toast the bread crumbs until golden brown.
Add goat cheese, ricotta, parmesan, honey, and seasonings to the bowl of a food processor.
Process until the cheese mixture is velvety smooth. You can then spoon this filling into the tomatoes or transfer to a piping or heavy-duty zip-top bag to pipe into the tomatoes (which looks neater!)

3 image collage toasting breadcrumbs and the filling before and after being mixed.

Scoop and Fill Tomatoes

Cut the tops off the tomatoes and remove the seeds and membranes from the tomatoes.
Use a bag to fill each tomato with the cheese mixture.
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top and they’re ready to go!

3 image collage preparing tomatoes by scooping out the insides, filling with soft cheeses, and topping with toasted panko.

Tips for making this Goat CHeese Stuffed Tomato Recipe

Pat the tomatoes dry. Before filling, use a paper towel to blot the insides of the prepared tomatoes dry. It will keep the cheese filling from getting watered down.
Don’t skip the piping step. You might be tempted to just spoon the mixture inside the tomatoes, but the bag makes the process faster and much less messy.
Make the filling ahead of time. If you’re in a pinch for time, mix the cheese filling and store it in the piping bag until ready to fill your tomatoes. You can make it a day or two beforehand for quick assembly when ready to serve.
Chill the stuffed tomatoes. These are good to go as soon as you fill them, but a quick pop in the fridge would chill the cheese mixture and tomatoes for a refreshing bite.
Wait to add the panko topping. If not serving right away, hold off on adding the topping so it stays crunchy. The best part of adding toasted bread crumbs on top is the texture difference; adding them too soon may cause them to become soggy before enjoying them.

popular substitutions & additions

Switch up the Cheese. If you are not a fan of goat cheese, replace the 4 ounces of goat cheese with cream cheese.
Try it with Sapori sweet cocktail tomatoes. If you can’t find compari tomatoes, this is the next size down, and I recommend it over using something larger like a Roma tomato. It’s easy to stuff like compari and pretty available in most grocery stories.
Add toasted nuts. While toasting the panko, you can toast some pine nuts, finely chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to add to the panko mixture and sprinkle on top of the stuffed tomatoes.
Mix in some fresh chopped spinach. When mixing the filling ingredients, toss in a handful of chopped spinach to the mix. It’ll add a splash of color and earthy greens are always a welcome addition.

how to store Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes

Store cheese-filled tomatoes with the panko tomato in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you have had them out for over 2 hours, check leftovers for freshness before storing them because of the cheese filling. Store the toasted breadcrumb topping in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How do you cut Campari tomatoes for stuffing?

Cut off the top of each tomato and run a pairing knife inside in a circular motion to release the seeds. Use a spoon to scoop out the interior of the tomato and the core.

What tomatoes are best to stuff for appetizers?

You want to use more petite, bite-sized tomatoes for appetizers filled with cheese. Campari and Sapori are the best for goat cheese stuffed tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes would also work for a smaller bite.

What’s the best cheese for no-bake stuffed tomatoes?

I like to use a combination of goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses whipped together for a smooth and light filling. You could also use cream cheese for these cold stuffed tomatoes.

Stuffed tomatoes with fresh basil on plate with focus on one.

Each bite of these creamy cheese-filled tomatoes is bursting with flavor and a combination of crisp, creamy, toasty textures. They’re an irresistible appetizer to serve and take minimal effort to make. Serve these for special occasion gatherings or cookouts because either way, they are so cute, festive and delicious!

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This Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes recipe was originally published on June 26, 2017. The recipe has been slightly modified, and the post now includes new step-by-step photos for how to make this stuffed tomato recipe.