Fire Roasted Tomatoes - Oven or Grill

Consider swapping your regular canned tomatoes for tomatoes fire roasted! If your recipe calls for tomato sauce, simply puree your roast tomatoes. If you need diced tomatoes, then chop them after you’ve roasted them.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy fire-roasted tomatoes is by topping our bowls of brothy beans. The richness of the tomatoes is the perfect balance with the creaminess of the beans. Sooo delicious!

Fire-roasted tomatoes can be prepared on the grill or in the oven. Both methods are incredibly easy, the major difference being that roasting in the oven takes longer.

why roast tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes are typically 95% water. When we roast them, the water evaporates, leaving just the flesh, the flavor of which becomes much more intensified.

Roasting tomatoes is also a great way to reduce food waste! If you think you won’t eat a bunch of fresh tomatoes before they go off, then pop them in the oven to roast them. They are then easily stored in the freezer.

And, you know those tomatoes that you typically get at the grocery store, which seem a tad flavorless and maybe even (gasp) mealy? Roasting them really transforms mediocre tomatoes into something pretty damned delicious!

BUT…there’s just no way to make fire-roasted tomatoes look pretty! They weren’t meant to be in front of a camera; their whole purpose is to make your tastebuds happy!

fire roasted tomatoes on the grill

It really could not be easier! Tomatoes cut in half, stuffed with raw garlic (optional), drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper, are put on the grill, which does all the work.

Grilling the tomatoes over high heat gives them that bit of char that is the trademark of Fire Roasted Tomatoes. Because we turn them halfway, they get that char on both sides. Fire roasting tomatoes on the grill does result in a tomato with a more smoky flavor than in the oven.

If you want fire-roasted diced tomatoes, I’d opt for the grill and remove them while they are still firm enough to chop.

preparing fire roasted tomatoes in the oven

Hands down, this is my preferred method of roasting tomatoes. The longer time in the oven seems to melt the tomatoes to a rich, almost candy version of a tomato that the grill (in my humble opinion) can’t touch.

The preparation is the same, slice the tomatoes in half, stuff them with garlic slivers, and drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. By stuffing it inside the tomato, the garlic cooks but doesn’t burn in the oven’s high heat. The tomatoes definitely get a bit of a char on the top, but not so much on their bottoms.

I personally like my tomatoes to be almost melted, which I get after 45 minutes in a 450° oven. If you’d prefer a little more ‘structure’ to your tomatoes, pull them out after 30-ish minutes.

what tomatoes are best for roasting?

Like anything, quality in and quality out. Opting for the most flavorful tomato will produce the most flavorful fire-roasted tomato.

• Roma tomatoes – Roma’s are known for their big, bold flavor. They are more prized for the meaty flesh for cooking sauces and pastes. If you have some bland-ish Romas, I’d use the slow roast oven method to intensify their flavor even more.
• Campari – It is a trade-off. Campari’s are much more flavorful but also less meaty, with higher water content. In my mind, they essentially melt…which isn’t a bad thing. It just depends on what you want them for. Fire-roasted camparis would be difficult to dice!
• Beefsteak – Beefsteaks seem to be right in the middle. More flavor than Romas but not as watery as Campari.
• Grape and Cherry Tomatoes – Great for roasting, but I don’t bother slicing them. Just drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast.

how will you use your fire-roasted tomatoes?

I mean, the question should be, what can’t you use these little delicacies for? I probably wouldn’t want them in my chocolate chip cookies, but other than that, fire-roasted tomatoes add a delightful smoky flavor to a wide range of dishes. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate them into your culinary repertoire:

• Top your salad with these healthy tomato-candies.
• Top a bowl of your favorite beans! We absolutely love them atop our favorite Brothy Beans.
• Whip up a flavorful pasta sauce: Crush fire-roasted tomatoes and simmer them with garlic, onions, herbs, and a splash of red wine. Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta for a robust and satisfying meal.
• Create a vibrant salsa: Combine fire-roasted tomatoes with diced onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve it with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. Here’s a recipe to get you started, Fire Roasted Salsa.
• Enhance your soups and stews: Add fire-roasted tomatoes to vegetable, chicken, or beef broth for an extra layer of smoky depth. They pair particularly well with chili, lentil soups, and hearty stews.
• Make a mouthwatering bruschetta: Spread toasted baguette slices with a mixture of fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. It’s a perfect appetizer or light snack bursting with savory flavors.
• Elevate your sandwich! Try this grilled cheese sandwich: Layer fire-roasted tomatoes between slices of your favorite cheese and bread, then grill until the cheese is melted and gooey. The tomatoes add a tangy and smoky twist to this classic comfort food.
• Amp up your breakfast: Incorporate fire-roasted tomatoes into your morning omelets or frittatas. The smoky flavor pairs well with eggs, cheese, and a variety of vegetables.
• Create a flavorful marinade: Blend fire-roasted tomatoes with herbs, spices, and a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to make a versatile marinade for chicken, seafood, or tofu. Let the ingredients mingle for a while before grilling or roasting.

Remember, fire-roasted tomatoes can be used in numerous ways to add a unique twist to your favorite recipes. Get creative and let their smoky essence inspire your culinary adventures!

how to store your fire-roasted tomatoes

It is a rare day that I don’t have a stash of these little tomato treats in my freezer. I freeze them in 1/2 cup portions using these PrepWorks Freezer Pods and then store them in an airtight container in my freezer. I use them frequently, so they don’t stay too long. Like anything, the flavor will degrade over time, so I’d use them up within several months, though I recently found some that were six months old and were fine.