Pesto Cream Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes are a great last-minute appetizer recipe. They are so easy to make, healthy and delicious! Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
Last minute small-bites
Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize that life has gotten so busy it’s been ages since you’ve seen your friends? It recently hit me that, because of our South Africa trip and long hours at work, it had been weeks!
Because one of my only days off was after this realization, we decided to send out a quick email blast to see what all of our long lost (ok, maybe not that long) peeps were up to.
Due to the fact that everything was so last minute, I didn’t really have a chance to do the normal party-prep things like go grocery shopping or spend three days cooking to get ready. (Yes, my typical entertaining style is to prep days in advance.)
Not this time though. These cream cheese pesto stuffed cherry tomato bites were different. They were ready in minutes and made with ingredients that I already had in the fridge. Totally do-able at the last minute.
why i use Philadelphia cream cheese
Using Philadelphia Cream Cheese for this recipe was a no-brainer. It’s made with real cream and fresh milk and none of those artificial flavors or preservatives. Getting another brand at the grocery store is not even up for consideration. I love how fresh it tastes, and the addition of pesto just took things to the next level.
I really encourage you to try piping the cream cheese onto the tomatoes. It’s actually super easy – just a small squeeze of the mixture onto each tomato – and it really makes them beautiful! For about $8, you can buy a kit that has the bag and piping tip you need. No Pinterest fails here.
The pesto cream cheese recipe makes extra, which you’re going to thank me for. This stuff is completely addicting – I’ve been spreading it on everything from crackers to bagels. It keeps well in the fridge so you can enjoy it long after your friends have gone. Basically, it’s the perfect recipe–delicious and easy to make, and you can enjoy the leftovers later.
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PrintPesto Cream Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto Cream Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes are a great last-minute appetizer recipe. They are easy to make and delicious! Vegetarian and gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 5-6 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (1 package) Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread, softened
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1-pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 or 5 basil leaves, diced
Special Equipment:
- Small piping bag or sandwich baggie with the tip snipped off
- Star tip 1M (included in above piping bag set)
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat until smooth. Add the pesto and beat until thoroughly combined.
- Fit the piping tip on your piping bag, if using. Spoon the mixture into the piping bag or sandwich baggie. Pipe a dab of the cream cheese mixture onto each tomato half.
- Garnish each with a piece of basil.
Note: Makes extra pesto cream cheese. It makes a vegetable dip, and is also delicious spread on crackers or bagels!
For quick and easy entertaining, turn to Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Always have it on hand to create fun appetizers and desserts that pop. I had a great time developing my cream cheese pesto stuffed cherry tomatoes for our last-minute gathering. For more creamy, delicious recipe ideas, click here: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/
P.S. – Like this post? Check out these other recipes made with cream cheese:
Apple Cream Cheese Hand Pies
Fresh Herbed Cream Cheese Dip
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I love pesto and I love cream cheese, so when I found this recipe mixing 2 of my favorite flavors I knew I had to try it. This came out excellent and the pesto cream cheese leftovers did work out very well with crackers. Thank you!
I’m so glad you liked it Rach!
This is an absolutely awesome and delightful recipe. I’m copying the recipe down to make this coming weekend. I give thanks for sharing it.
That’s awesome! I’m sure you’ll love it!
Fabulous and easy!