Heart-Healthy Herb and Cheese Baked Tomatoes

Brighten up your dinner table with these Heart-Healthy Herb and Cheese Baked Tomatoes, a flavorful and nutritious side dish or appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Juicy ripe tomatoes are halved and topped with a fragrant blend of fresh basil, parsley, garlic, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and low-fat mozzarella, delivering a perfect balance of savory richness and texture. A hint of lemon zest adds a burst of freshness, while extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano tie the dish together with Mediterranean-inspired charm. Baked to tender perfection in just 25 minutes, these cheesy stuffed tomatoes are low in saturated fat and packed with heart-healthy ingredients, making them a wholesome delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm as a standout side or alongside a crisp salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 units large ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 2 units garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash and core the tomatoes, then cut them in half horizontally. If necessary, trim a small slice from the bottom of each half to create a stable base.

Step 3

Arrange the tomato halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 4

In a small bowl, finely chop the basil and parsley. Mince the garlic cloves. Combine the herbs and garlic with the bread crumbs, mozzarella cheese, black pepper, sea salt, lemon zest, and dried oregano.

Step 5

Evenly distribute the herb and cheese mixture over each tomato half, pressing down lightly to adhere.

Step 6

Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the tomatoes.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(936.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	756.2

Total Fat 41.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 33mg	0%
Sodium 2039.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 74.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 23.4g
Protein 34.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 564.2mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 2244.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.5%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 36.6%