Grilled Tomatoes Recipe: How to Make Grilled Tomatoes

Grilled tomatoes are fresh tomatoes that cook on the grill. To prepare grilled tomatoes, cook large-sized red or green tomatoes, like heirloom tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, directly on the grill grates. Cut the tomatoes in half ahead of time, so you can grill them cut side down. Alternatively, cook small tomatoes on a baking sheet set on top of the grill grates or in a cast-iron skillet over the stove.

Grill a variety of summer tomatoes to add tomato flavor and a slight char to one or more of these dishes:

1. 1. Caprese salad: A classic Italian appetizer, a caprese salad traditionally features sliced raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and balsamic vinegar. Use grilled tomatoes in a caprese salad for a smoky, concentrated tomato flavor and softer texture.
2. 2. Crostini: Toast baguette slices and top them with ricotta cheese, grilled cherry tomatoes, coarse sea salt, and fresh herbs. The cherry tomatoes will burst during the grilling process, resulting in a slightly saucy tomato over the slices of baguette.
3. 3. Garlic breadcrumb tomatoes: For a savory side dish, cut plum or Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise, then grill them cut side down until caramelized. Top the tomato halves with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Place the tomatoes under the broiler until the topping becomes golden brown.
4. 4. Grilled tomato soup: Cook grilled tomatoes with chicken broth, fresh thyme, and fresh basil. Blend the ingredients with an immersion blender to create a smooth soup. Finish the tomato soup with heavy cream and add chopped fresh tomato, crumbled feta cheese, and croutons as garnishes.
   
5. 5. Marinara sauce: Instead of using canned or roasted tomatoes to prepare a marinara sauce, use grilled tomatoes. Cook the smoky tomatoes with Italian seasoning, tomato paste, garlic, onions, a little sugar, and water. Leave the marinara sauce chunky or blend it for a smooth pasta sauce you can pair with lasagna, spaghetti, or even pizza.
6. 6. Tomato sandwich: Toast two slices of artisan bread, then spread mayonnaise and pesto on each slice. Add the grilled tomatoes, leafy greens, and any other grilled vegetables of your choosing. Season the tomato sandwich with salt and pepper before enjoying it.