Warm Stuffed Tomatoes with Cheese, Ham & Onion

Today’s recipe is a simple yet stunning appetizer — perfect for an elegant dinner or as part of a buffet spread. These roasted stuffed tomatoes are filled with gooey cheese, savory ham, and sweet onion, all wrapped in vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🔥 Cook Time: 10 min

🍽️ Servings: 3–4 portions (makes 9 tomatoes)

🧾 Ingredients

9 medium tomatoes (with stems, if possible)
Cheese (mozzarella or a firm aged cheese)
1 thin slice of ham (Prosciutto or Serrano-style)
1 small onion
9 tsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Chili flakes or sweet paprika
Poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Prep the cheese
- If using mozzarella, drain it well and cut into rounds sized to fit inside the tomatoes.
- If using a firmer cheese, grate it coarsely.
Prepare the tomatoes
- Cut off a small lid from the top of each tomato (keep the stem for presentation).
- Slice a small bit off the bottom to help the tomato stand upright.
- Scoop out the pulp gently using a melon baller or teaspoon, taking care not to tear the sides.
Assemble the filling
- Fill each hollow tomato with cheese.
- Add a small piece of ham on top (enough to cover the cheese).
- Add a very thin slice of onion.
Season
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes or paprika.
- Optionally, dust with a pinch of poppy seeds for color and texture.
Add olive oil
- Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over each tomato.
- Place the tomato “lids” back on top.

🍴 Cooking & Serving

Oven method: Place tomatoes in a baking tray and roast at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes, until the cheese just begins to melt and brown slightly.
Serving tip: These are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven — but they can also be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.

📝 Final Thoughts

This appetizer is not only beautiful on the plate but also packs a delicious balance of textures and flavors — creamy cheese, salty ham, mellow onion, and juicy tomato. Simple, elegant, and totally crowd-pleasing!