Rustic, delicious, elegant, and easy to prepare… Yes, it is absolutely possible to make a fabulous dish that checks all the boxes! This Stuffed Tomatoes with Cheese Souffle recipe is inspired by a friend who was trying to find ways to use up her abundance of garden tomatoes. As it turn out, they make a marvelous vessel for stuffing and baking. The soft, moist baked tomato “bowl” holds its shape while also becoming wonderfully tender. So it is perfect to hold and steam eggs to fluffy souffle greatness.
Tomatoes Stuffed with Cheese Souffle
A proper cheese souffle has the texture of a VERY light pillow cheese omelet. The flavor is pleasantly mild, yet still incredibly rich. Just imagine how perfectly that pairs with tender tangy tomatoes! These bright, luscious, sweet, and savory baked tomatoes present and taste super fancy. However, the recipe is quite simple to prepare, and from start to finish is made in under an hour. Enjoy them warm from the oven as an impressive appetizer or side dish at dinner parties. These vegetarian stuffed tomatoes can even be served as a lighter main dish!
Ingredients You Need
Tomatoes – vine-ripened are bestOlive oil – or preferred neutral-flavored oilEggs – separated + 2 additional egg whitesButter – unsaltedAll-purpose flour – or your fave GF-friendly alternativeHalf and half – essential for the rich, luscious souffle textureSherry cooking wine – or red wine vinegarSmoked gouda cheese – shreddedParmesan cheese – shreddedDijon mustard – for just the right hint of tanginessSpices – garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepperCream of tartar – recommended to get the souffle light and fluffySliced prosciutto – optional, to garnish
How to Make Stuffed Tomatoes with Cheese Souffle
Step 1 – Prep the Tomatoes
If making the prosciutto garnish, cut each slice into four strips. Lay the prosciutto slivers on a baking sheet. Twist each piece if desired. Then broil for 1-2 minutes, until crispy. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and set out a 9 X 13-inch baking dish. Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and scoop out the seeds and liquid. Make sure to only take the very tops off and that you do not scoop too much… You want the walls of the tomato “bowl” to be nice and hearty. Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the baking dish. Set the tomatoes in the dish, open side up, and gently press down to flatten out the bottoms. This helps to ensure that they don’t roll over as the souffles rise.
Step 2 – Make the Cheese Souffle Mixture
Next, separate the eggs. Be very careful that you do not get ANY yolk in the egg whites. Place the 4 whites in a medium bowl and add a pinch of cream of tartar. (This helps to stabilize the meringue, but is not absolutely necessary.) Use an electric mixer and a whip attachment to whip the egg whites into a firm meringue. Set aside. Set a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter and flour. Whisk into a roux, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the half and half, 2 egg yolks, and sherry. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Then mix in the cheeses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne. Once all the ingredients are well incorporated and the cheese has melted, turn off the heat. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the meringue into the cheese mixture. Make sure it is well incorporated, but be careful not to deflate the meringue.
Step 3 – Stuff and Bake the Tomatoes
Now spoon the soufflé mixture into the tomatoes. Each should be generously filled, with a bit of the egg sitting above the top of the tomato. Bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese souffles are bursting out of the tomatoes and golden on top.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the tomatoes warm with a crispy prosciutto garnish on top, if you like. A few leaves of fresh basil on the side are also delightful! They are wonderful to serve as an appetizer, either by themselves or with a simple green salad… The mellow flavors pair great with bold lettuces like arugula, spinach, and watercress. As a side dish, souffle-stuffed baked tomatoes pair well with elegant mains like smoked prime rib with au jus, coulibiac of salmon, or pan-seared scallops. Or make them the star of the meal and serve as a light(ish) vegetarian main dish!
Looking for More Fabulous Sides and Starters?
Real Sweet Potato SoufflesStacked Tomato SaladSheet Pan Roasted Vegetable Polenta StacksChorizo and Cheese Stuffed MushroomsMarket Stuffed Squash Blossoms
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