Cherry Tomato Bites with Basil and Feta

Cherry Tomato Bites are a delightful appetizer that brings the freshness of the garden to your table. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a harmonious blend of juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy feta cheese. Easy to prepare, they require minimal ingredients yet deliver maximum flavor. The ripe tomatoes complement the salty feta perfectly, while the basil adds a burst of aromatic freshness. These can be served as a starter, a side dish, or even as a fun snack at your next party. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also provide a healthy option for guests. You can whip them up in no time, making them ideal for both planned gatherings and spontaneous visits. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of these Cherry Tomato Bites!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

20 cherry tomatoes
20 fresh basil leaves
100 g feta cheese in oil

Spices

Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly, then gently dry them with a clean towel.
Prepare the Feta Cheese: Drain the oil from the feta cheese using a sieve. After draining, cut the feta into small cubes around 5 mm in size. Place these cubes into a mixing bowl.
Mix Basil with Feta: Finely chop the basil leaves and add them to the bowl with the feta cheese. Gently mix the ingredients together, ensuring the feta cubes remain intact.
Seasoning: Lightly season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper. Remember, there's no need to add salt since feta cheese is already salty.
Prepare the Tomatoes: Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice off the top of each cherry tomato. Set the tops aside as these will be used as caps later.
Hollow Out the Tomatoes: Use the tip of the knife or a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside each tomato. Make sure the interior is clean for stuffing.
Stuff the Tomatoes: Fill each hollowed-out tomato with the feta and basil mixture using a small spoon.
Close the Tomatoes: Place the reserved tops back on each tomato, creating a little "cap."
Final Touches: Arrange the stuffed cherry tomatoes on a serving platter for an appetizing display.
Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the stuffed tomatoes for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

Substitute Options: If you prefer a different herb, consider using fresh mint or oregano instead of basil.
Cheese Alternatives: Goat cheese can serve as an excellent substitute for feta.
Make in Advance: These can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
Protein: 5g
Fats: 12g
Carbs: 3g

Variations

Vegan Option: Substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the feta mixture for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cherry tomato bites with crusty bread or alongside a fresh green salad.
They pair beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Best Places

Taverna Kipo - Known for its fresh ingredients and inviting ambiance. Location: 123 Olive Street, Athens, Greece.
Cafe Basilico - Offers a wide variety of basil-based dishes. Location: 67 Green Lane, Florence, Italy.
Tomatina Kitchen - A celebration of tomato-based recipes. Location: 45 Tomato Road, Valencia, Spain.
Feta Delight - Specializes in feta cheese creations. Location: 89 Cheese Avenue, Mykonos, Greece.
Herb Haven - Famous for its herb-infused culinary offerings. Location: 12 Spice Alley, Marrakech, Morocco.
Bistro Fresh - Emphasizes on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Location: 34 Market Street, Paris, France.
The Garden Table - Focuses on organic, garden-fresh ingredients. Location: 28 Nature Drive, Sydney, Australia.
Savory Bites - Offers an extensive menu of bite-sized treats. Location: 77 Savory Street, London, UK.
Gourmet Gatherings - Known for its gourmet appetizers and starters. Location: 55 Gourmet Road, New York, USA.
Culinary Creations - Celebrated for its innovative culinary creativity. Location: 90 Cuisine Blvd, Hong Kong, China.