Grilled Tomatoes with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

This Grilled Tomatoes with Mozzarella Cheese recipe transforms fresh, ripe tomatoes into a warm, cheesy barbecue side dish bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. Featured on Licence to Grill and created by Rob Rainford, this easy grilled tomato recipe combines juicy tomatoes with creamy mozzarella, fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and oregano before grilling until perfectly tender.

Whether you’re looking for an elegant appetizer, a colorful barbecue side dish, or a light vegetarian option, these grilled stuffed tomatoes are simple to prepare and full of fresh summer flavor. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and crusty bread, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor meal.

The Inspiration

Italian cuisine is celebrated for turning simple, high-quality ingredients into unforgettable dishes. Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic herbs, and olive oil have long been staples of Mediterranean cooking, offering vibrant flavors that require very little preparation.

In Licence to Grill, Rob Rainford demonstrates that the barbecue isn’t just for steaks and burgers. By placing stuffed tomatoes directly on the grill, their natural sweetness intensifies while the mozzarella melts into a rich, creamy filling. Fresh garlic infuses every bite with savory depth, and oregano adds a fragrant herbal finish that complements the smoky notes from the barbecue.

This recipe is inspired by the classic pairing of tomatoes and mozzarella, often found in Caprese-style dishes, but with a grilled twist that makes it ideal for outdoor entertaining. It’s proof that vegetables can become one of the most memorable dishes on the barbecue.

Whether you’re serving these alongside grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or a perfectly cooked steak, these stuffed tomatoes bring freshness, color, and Mediterranean charm to the table.

Ingredients

• 8 medium tomatoes
• 4 cloves of thinly sliced garlic cloves
• 8 tablespoons of shredded or small chunks of mozzarella cheese (1 tablespoon pre tomato) (120 ml)
• 8 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil – (40ml)
• Salt and fresh-ground black pepper
• 10 tablespoons of minced fresh oregano – (155ml)

Method

• Preheat grill for 10 to 15 minutes, with all burners on high.
• Remove and save the top 3/8 of each tomato. Remove ½ of the core from each tomato and discard leaving a hollowed out tomato with the base in tact.
• Place ½ of a garlic slice and 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese into each tomato cavity. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Replace tomato tops and grill the tomatoes in a grill plate/basket or on a tray with the cut side of the tomato up.
• BBQ for 10 minutes or until tomatoes are soft to touch.
• Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Tomatoes with Mozzarella Cheese make an excellent appetizer, side dish, or light vegetarian entrée for summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining. Pair them with grilled steaks, cedar planked salmon, barbecue chicken, pork chops, or lamb for a colorful Mediterranean-inspired meal.

For a lighter menu, serve the tomatoes alongside grilled asparagus, rosemary baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Their fresh flavors also complement toasted artisan bread, garlic crostini, or grilled focaccia, allowing guests to enjoy every bit of the melted cheese and flavorful juices.

If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, arrange the grilled tomatoes on a large serving platter garnished with extra oregano, basil leaves, or a drizzle of premium extra virgin olive oil. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a touch of balsamic glaze can also add extra richness without overwhelming the recipe’s fresh ingredients.

These tomatoes are equally delicious as part of a brunch spread or served with pasta dishes, making them a versatile recipe you’ll enjoy throughout the grilling season.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Tomatoes with Mozzarella Cheese recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Rob Rainford’s recipe from Licence to Grill celebrates fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and the subtle smoky character that only barbecue cooking can provide.

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