Grilled Tomatoes {Juicy & Full of Flavor}

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There’s nothing quite like the taste of a grilled tomato. The smoky flavor and juicy texture are perfect for summertime meals. In this post, I will show you the best way to grill tomatoes so you can enjoy them all season long!

Large white rectangle plate with halved grilled tomatoes and serving fork, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Grilled tomatoes make a great addition to any summertime meal. They are perfect for burgers and salads or as a side to grilled steak or chicken. The best way to grill tomatoes is to start with ripe, juicy tomatoes. You also want to choose tomatoes that are firm but not too hard, and make sure they are evenly ripe. Now, let’s get to the fun part – grilling them!

why you’ll love these bbq tomatoes

Smoky & juicy. Grilled tomatoes are the perfect balance of smoky and juicy. The grill adds a delicious smoky flavor to the tomatoes, while still keeping them nice and juicy.
Perfect for summertime meals. Grilled tomatoes are perfect for any summertime meal. Serve them on burgers, salads, or as a side dish to grilled steak or chicken.
Easy to make. Grilling tomatoes is easy to do and only takes a few minutes.

Ingredients you’ll need to grill tomatoes

Tomatoes!: I like to use beefsteak tomatoes for grilling, but you can really use any type of tomato. Just make sure they are ripe and firm.
Olive oil: This helps to keep the tomatoes from sticking to the grill and also adds a little flavor.
Spices: A little garlic powder, salt, and pepper goes a long way and adds a ton of flavor!

Overhead shot of 4 tomatoes, oil in a glass bottle, and a small bowl with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

How to grill tomatoes

Grilling tomatoes is really easy! You want to make sure your tomatoes are large enough to fit on the grill grates without falling through.

Prepare Tomatoes

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the tomatoes to the bowl and gently toss with the marinade.

2 image collage of a bowl with oil and seasonings mixed together and then halved fresh cut tomatoes tossed in the oil.

Grill Tomatoes

Place tomatoes, cut side down, onto the preheated grill. Grill with the lid closed.
Use a spatula to carefully flip the tomatoes skin side down on the grill and cook with the lid open.

2 image collage of halved tomatoes face down on grill then flipped to show grill marks.

Tips for grilling tomatoes

Use firm tomatoes. It’s important that the tomatoes are ripe for the best flavor but make sure they are not overly ripe so that they lose their firmness, which helps them hold up on the grill. Roma tomatoes and beefsteak tomatoes work best for grilling.
Make sure to cut the tomatoes widthwise, not lengthwise. That means don’t make the cut from the stem down, but rather through the middle of the tomato. This will help the tomatoes hold their shape better on the grill as they begin to soften.
Start with the cut side down. That way when you flip them over, they are skin side down for the second half of the grilling portion when the tomatoes have softened. The skin helps prevent the soft tomato flesh from falling into the grill.
Repurpose leftovers easily. Grilled tomatoes are delicious and fresh off the grill, but they can get pretty soft and lose some of their appeal the next day. So I love to throw them in a pot with other vegetables to make an easy marinara sauce or tomato soup. It adds a charred taste to the sauce or soup and repurposes the tomatoes perfectly.

popular substitutions & additions

Marinate your tomatoes. For extra flavor, try marinating your tomatoes before grilling. Simply combine the tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a ziplock bag. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes (up to a few hours) before grilling.
Use Roma tomatoes in a pinch. Even though Roma tomatoes are smaller, their length makes them a good option for grilling. Just look for the longest Roma tomatoes you can find.
Try other vegetables. You can really grill any type of vegetable, not just tomatoes! Zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and onions all work great on the grill

what to serve with your grilled tomatoes

Large white plate with grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, and grilled potatoes, garnished with parsley.

how to store & reheat grilled tomatoes

Grilled tomatoes can be stored in the fridge. Just place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the grill for a few minutes or in the microwave. Grilled tomatoes are also great cold, so there is no need to reheat them if you don’t want to!

how long will grilled tomatoes last in the fridge?

Grilled tomatoes will last in the fridge for about four days. After that, they start to lose their flavor and texture. So if you’re not planning on eating them within a few days, it’s best to freeze them.

Freezing tomatoes

To freeze grilled tomatoes, place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. They are best used in soups or other cooked dishes since they will be soft when thawed.

Frequently asked questions

What types of tomatoes are best for grilling?

For the best flavor, use firm tomatoes that are ripe but not overly ripe. Roma tomatoes and beefsteak tomatoes work best for grilling.

What is the best way to cut tomatoes for grilling?

Cut the tomatoes widthwise, not lengthwise. That means don’t make the cut from the stem down, but rather through the middle of the tomato. This will help the tomatoes hold their shape better on the grill as they begin to soften.

Do I need to deseed the tomatoes before grilling?

No, you don’t need to deseed the tomatoes before grilling. But you can if you want to. After cutting in half, gently scope out the seeds with a spoon. Then continue with the recipe as directed.

Close up of grilled tomatoes being lifted with a serving fork from plate.

Grilled tomatoes are a delicious and easy way to add flavor to any dish. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have grilled tomatoes that will elevate any meal. And with my tips and tricks, you’ll be a grilled tomato pro in no time! So fire up the grill and get cooking!

More grilled vegetables:

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