Tomato Party Puffs
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
These Tomato Party Puffs are a delightful and low-calorie appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Inspired by a recipe from my mom’s Lean and Luscious and Meatless cookbook, these puffs are made with simple ingredients that are both healthy and flavorful. Each serving has just 108 calories and only 1 gram of fat, making them a guilt-free treat for your guests. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute soy parmesan. Quick and easy, these puffs are ideal for those who need an appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Under 30 Minutes, Oven, Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 16 slices |
| Cream of Tartar | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Parmesan Cheese | 2 tablespoons (or soy parmesan for dairy-free) |
| Egg Whites | 4 large eggs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 108.7 kcal |
| Fat | 1.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 2.2 mg |
| Sodium | 255.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17.4 g |
| Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 3.6 g |
| Protein | 5.9 g |
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully heated before placing the puffs inside to ensure they bake evenly.
- Prepare the baking sheet. Use a large, ungreased baking sheet for this recipe to ensure the puffs don’t stick during baking.
- Prepare the bread base. Lay the bread slices flat on the baking sheet. For best results, use whole-grain or another bread of your choice, but ensure that each slice is large enough to hold the tomato and egg mixture.
- Add the tomato slices. Place one slice of fresh tomato on each piece of bread, ensuring that the tomato covers the surface of the bread evenly. This will form the base layer of your puff.
- Beat the egg whites. In a medium-sized bowl, place the egg whites and beat them at medium speed using an electric mixer until they become frothy. This process should take a minute or so.
- Add the cream of tartar. Once the egg whites are frothy, add the cream of tartar to the mixture and beat at high speed until the egg whites form stiff peaks. This will ensure the egg whites hold their shape when spread over the tomatoes.
- Fold in the parmesan cheese. Gently fold the parmesan cheese into the stiff egg whites. Be sure to mix thoroughly but carefully so as not to deflate the egg whites. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with soy parmesan, which will give a similar flavor and texture.
- Top the tomatoes. Using a spoon, place a heaping tablespoon of the egg white mixture on top of each tomato slice. Using a table knife, gently spread the egg mixture, covering the tomato and edges of the bread. Make sure each puff is evenly topped.
- Bake the puffs. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the puffs are nicely browned on top. You’ll notice the egg whites will crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Serve hot. Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and serve immediately while hot. They make a wonderful appetizer or snack that is sure to impress!
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. If tomatoes are out of season, try using high-quality canned tomatoes that are drained well.
- Experiment with bread options. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute with gluten-free bread, though the texture may slightly differ.
- Adjust the seasoning. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder or dried oregano into the egg white mixture before folding in the parmesan. This will enhance the overall taste of the puffs.
- Storage: These Tomato Party Puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crisp texture.
Enjoy these delicious Tomato Party Puffs as an easy, healthy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday parties. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a savory dish that’s sure to satisfy!
