Tomato Cheese Bites with Garlic and Dill
Tomato cheese bites are a fresh appetizer built on tomato slices rather than bread.
Tomato cheese bites are a fresh appetizer built on tomato slices rather than bread. A small layer of garlic mayonnaise holds the finely grated mozzarella in place, and dill adds a fresh finish. Choose firm Roma tomatoes with relatively little juice so the rounds can be lifted without collapsing. The cheese stays uncooked in this version. Assemble near serving time to keep the tomato surface tidy and prevent liquid from collecting across the platter.
Recipe at a glance
Yield: 6 appetizer servings; about 20 bites. Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 0 minutes. Total: 15 minutes, including 0 minutes of additional resting, cooling, chilling or draining where stated. Times are estimates; follow the doneness checks.
Equipment
Knife, fine grater, small bowl and platter
Ingredients and directions
Recipe card
Tomato Cheese Bites with Garlic and Dill
Total includes the additional waiting time stated in the directions. Appliance times are estimates.
Equipment: Knife, fine grater, small bowl and platter
Ingredients
Instructions
Slice tomatoes
Wash and dry tomatoes, trim uneven ends and cut into 8 mm rounds. Pat each cut surface gently with kitchen paper.
Mix spread
Stir mayonnaise, garlic, lemon and pepper until uniform.
Top
Arrange about 20 rounds on a platter. Spread each with a small dab of garlic mixture, divide mozzarella among them and finish with dill. Refrigerate if not serving immediately.
Doneness checks
Helpful tips
- Choose firm ripe tomatoes.
- Pat cut surfaces dry.
- Grate cheese finely.
- Use a small dab of spread.
Troubleshooting
- No. They are a cold tomato appetizer with uncooked grated cheese.
- Pat cut surfaces dry.
Serving ideas
- Serve on a chilled platter.
- Offer with crackers separately.
- Add to a cold buffet.
- Pair with grilled vegetable skewers.
Substitutions
Use finely grated cheddar for a sharper topping. Thick Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise but is tangier.
Variation
Replace dill with finely chopped parsley.
Make ahead
Mix the garlic spread and grate cheese a day ahead, refrigerating separately. Slice tomatoes at serving time.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate assembled bites up to 1 day; best texture is within a few hours. Do not freeze.
Food safety
Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).
Frequently asked questions
Are these baked tomato bites?
No. They are a cold tomato appetizer with uncooked grated cheese.
How do I keep the platter dry?
Use firm tomatoes, pat the slices and assemble close to serving.
Tips
- Choose firm ripe tomatoes.
- Pat cut surfaces dry.
- Grate cheese finely.
- Use a small dab of spread.
Troubleshooting
- No. They are a cold tomato appetizer with uncooked grated cheese.
- Pat cut surfaces dry.
Substitutions
- Use finely grated cheddar for a sharper topping. Thick Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise but is tangier.
Variations
- Replace dill with finely chopped parsley.
Serving suggestions
- Serve on a chilled platter.
- Offer with crackers separately.
- Add to a cold buffet.
- Pair with grilled vegetable skewers.
Make ahead
Mix the garlic spread and grate cheese a day ahead, refrigerating separately. Slice tomatoes at serving time.
Storage
Refrigerate assembled bites up to 1 day; best texture is within a few hours. Do not freeze.
Food safety
Use clean utensils and wash produce. Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or below. Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly, within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 32°C (90°F).
Frequently asked questions
Are these baked tomato bites?
No. They are a cold tomato appetizer with uncooked grated cheese.
How do I keep the platter dry?
Use firm tomatoes, pat the slices and assemble close to serving.
More recipes to try
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