Fire Roasted Tomatoes

Homemade Fire Roasted Tomatoes are smoky and deep in flavor, with a crispy char on top. This easy recipe is the perfect substitute for canned roasted tomatoes, it goes well with all sorts of dishes!

When it’s summer, there is always an abundance of tomatoes at home. We mostly eat them fresh, I love cucumber tomato salad so much. But when it’s peak season, it can be quite hard keeping up with their ripening. Matteo – I – can’t eat all those tomatoes, my stomach can’t simply handle such amounts. So we cut them in half, season with olive oil, salt and pepper, and grill tomatoes.

Fire roasted tomatoes, made at home! They are the perfect substitute to canned or diced roasted tomatoes. Roasting tomatoes enhances their taste profile, deepening flavors. With their smoky aroma, they are perfect in so many dishes like pasta sauces or homemade salsa.

Ingredients in fire roasted tomatoes

You will love how easy this fire roasted tomatoes recipe is. It only calls for a handful of simple ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. Of course you can add other seasonings, such as garlic, dried oregano and chili. Despite its simplicity, it’s so important that you choose ingredients very carefully. Start with the right tomatoes, I recommend Roma or San Marzano. Also the quality of your olive oil is key. Here are some more details about what’s in fire roasted tomatoes:

• Tomatoes. I recommend Roma tomatoes. First, in summer they are abundant at the store. Second, they offer a good balance of sweetness and acidity. But if Roma tomatoes are not available, you can replace them with San Marzano, plum, or Campari tomatoes. Another option would be using canned tomatoes.
• Olive oil. The best and most recommended oil is high quality olive oil. I’m Italian and I get mine shipped by my mum straight from Italy, so aromatic. In comparison to seed oil, it gives homemade fire roasted tomatoes a unique depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper. You will want to season tomatoes with as much salt and pepper as you feel necessary. I find that half teaspoon of salt and a grind of black pepper is enough for me, the dish is already rich in flavor.

The best variations

• Customize this simple fire roasted tomato recipe with the addition of herbs, seasonings and spices. Some ideas are garlic cloves, dried oregano, dried thyme and Italian seasoning.
• Season with chili powder or smoked paprika and serve with chipotle sauce to experience a tomato fire. For a Mexican taste, store leftovers with jalapeños or green chiles. They’re going to taste like Trader Joes’s fire roasted tomatoes.
• Adapt this recipe to your diet. If you are on a low calorie regimen, then use just two tablespoons of olive oil to cut down on fats. Or reduce the salt for low sodium tomatoes. This dish is already gluten-free, vegan and good for you.
• Consider blending, dicing or crushing fire roasted tomatoes to make a delicious pasta sauce. My tip is to include other herbs and seasonings to elevate the taste profile of the sauce.

How to make fire roasted tomatoes at home

The good thing about this recipe is that you can grill, bake, broil, or even air fry fire roasted tomatoes. It’s up to you whether to roast them on hot griddles outdoor, or in an oven indoor. The grill cooks faster and adds a smoky flavor, but not everyone has it. Without further ado, let’s see the step-by-step process.

Start by preheating your cooking appliance. For those who have a grill or a broiler, preheat to medium-high heat. If roasting tomatoes in the oven, preheat it to 450°F (225°C). The air fry will need to be preheated to 400°F (200°C) instead.

In the meantime, prepare the tomatoes. Wash the tomatoes throughly, pat-dry, and cut them lengthwise into two halves. Place the tomato halves into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil on top of your tomatoes, in the bowl, then add salt, pepper and seasonings of choice. Gently toss the tomatoes until they are fully coated in oil and seasonings.

• How to make fire roasted tomatoes in oven? Drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil or line with parchment paper. Place the seasoned tomato halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Roast in hot oven for about 40-45 minutes. They are ready when they have softened and are charred.
• How to fire roast tomatoes on grill? Place the roasted tomatoes on hot grill grates, cut side up, and grill for about 5 to 10 minutes. You know they are ready when they have softened and are charred.
• How to broil fire roasted tomatoes? Drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil or line with parchment paper. Place the seasoned tomato halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Broil for about 5-7 minutes until they are charred and softened.
• How to air fry tomatoes? Line the seasoned tomatoes in the air fryer basket, cut side up, without overcrowding it. Drizzle with more olive oil, if desired, and air fry for about 10-12 minutes, until slightly charred.

Once the tomatoes are charred, it means they are ready. Remove from the cooking surface or appliance and let them cool a bit over a baking sheet or plate. Once they have cooled, use right away in your favorite dishes or store them for later.

Storage directions

To store leftovers or to meal prep, you’ll need to let them cool completely to room temperature. After they have cooled, place tomatoes with their juice in a clean, dry mason jar or container and seal tightly. Some people like adding more olive oil for better taste and preservation. Transfer the jar or container to the fridge. Refrigerated, fire roasted tomatoes will maintain their flavors and textures for up to a week.

Can I freeze fire roasted tomatoes?

Yes, freezing tomatoes is an excellent method to extend their shelf life and preservation. To freeze, place leftover tomatoes in a freezer safe airtight container. Seal very well, then freeze for up to 4 months. When it is time to serve, remove from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You will get the perfect homemade alternative to canned fire roasted tomatoes. Cheaper, healthier and tastier!

Success tips

As mentioned before, you will want to start with the best ingredients. Choose Roma or San Marzano tomatoes, if available. In case they contain plenty of water and seeds, you can spoon out a bit of the inside. But not all of it, roasted juice is oh so delicious. Also make sure you use high quality olive oil for the best fire roasted tomato.

Add more flavor to your fire tomatoes with extra herbs, spices and seasonings. My recommendations are garlic cloves, dried oregano and thyme, or Italian seasonings. If you are more into spicy foods, then consider sprinkling in some chili powder for that tomato fire.

If you have a grill, fire roast tomatoes on hot grill griddles. Not only it’s the quickest method (10 minutes maximum), but the real fire will also add a nice fire roasted flavor. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue, when ribs and corn are already on the grill.

Store leftovers in mason jars together with their juice. You know that juicy seed mixture that comes from within the fire tomatoes? Exactly that one, there is where most of the olive oil and seasonings will land while roasting. My grandma always drizzle them with more olive oil before storing, highly recommended.

How to use fire roasted tomatoes?

• Use in the recipe for homemade salsa as a replacement for fresh tomatoes, the perfect dip for air fryer tortilla chips.
• Blend, crush or dice them to make a delicious pasta sauce or pizza topping. We love our sauce with diced tomatoes fire roasted.
• Add them to your next barbecue or menu and serve with other side dishes like air fryer corn on the cob or Mexican street corn dip.
• Use fire tomatoes in your breakfasts, with toasted bread, omelette, over medium eggs, or in a breakfast burrito recipe.